Reflecting on my pre-baby body brings back memories of a time when I could pull all-nighters and sneeze without worrying about an embarrassing mishap. While expecting, I took every precaution to maintain my body: I practiced pelvic exercises, applied oils to fend off stretch marks, ate nutritiously (mostly), and exercised diligently to keep excessive weight gain at bay. I even invested in specialty bras promising to uphold “firmness.”
Though some of my efforts yielded positive results, I had to say goodbye to certain aspects of my body. With two sons who seem to have inherited the stature of giants, my once petite frame took quite a toll. What used to be a proud chest is now reduced to two somewhat deflated milk bags, and trust me, they won’t be making appearances in dimly lit rooms anytime soon.
Let’s take a closer look at what has changed:
- Breasts: Many mothers reminisce about their pre-baby breasts. Post-pregnancy, they often appear either overly large or shriveled. Why can’t we find a happy medium? Instead, our breasts may resemble deflated balloons or appear sun-damaged after a long day outdoors.
- Nipples: These have transformed into what can only be described as large flying saucers. For nursing mothers, sensitivity is often a thing of the past.
- Bladder Control: I used to be able to hold my bladder for hours, but now it feels like my bladder dictates my life. Sneezing, laughing, or coughing often requires a silent prayer to the bladder control deities. This is a common lament among mothers I’ve spoken to.
- Hair: Those blessed with thick hair should be cautious. I once had a lovely mane that garnered compliments. Now, after months of shedding, I’m left with a feathered look that wouldn’t be out of place in the 1980s.
- Buttocks: For reasons unknown, my backside decided to merge with my thighs during my last pregnancy. I could certainly use a few thousand squats to remedy this, but as a busy mother, who has the time?
- Feet: You might think our feet could escape the changes, but no such luck. Mine grew half a size and haven’t returned to their former glory. Goodbye beloved heels!
- Cognitive Function: It’s strange how I can recall my childhood phone number but often forget where I left my keys or phone. Motherhood seems to come with a mental fog that is hard to shake.
- Abdomen: While I never had a six-pack, I certainly didn’t resemble someone who’d just finished a burrito-eating contest every day either.
Was it all worth it? Absolutely. Would I do it all again for my children? Without a doubt. However, let’s be real—wouldn’t it be lovely to wear a dress without the need for Spanx and jump rope with our kids without fear of an accident? You know the answer to that.
For those on a similar journey or considering the next steps in parenthood, exploring options for home insemination can be enlightening. Check out this article on intracervical insemination for more insights. Additionally, Make a Mom offers a wealth of information for couples navigating their fertility path, and the NHS provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while the journey of motherhood is filled with sacrifices and changes to our bodies, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
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