Let There Be Squish

Far too many moms, of newborns in particular, seem to put way too much pressure on themselves to lose the baby weight right away. It saddens me that they have such strict expectations for themselves, especially after having just created a whole new person. I firmly believe it comes mostly from internalizing the societal pressure that women constantly get to look like models. Screw that, and pass the potatoes!

Pregnancy and childbirth are a major change, unlike anything else our bodies will ever do. It stands to reason that it might not magically spring back to where it was before the baby as soon as the baby is born. And really, who cares if it doesn’t? The bigger issue, which is way more important, is nurturing the new life you’ve brought into the world, not obsessing over fitting back into a pair of skinny jeans. (Also, skinny jeans aren’t that cute. Let them go, girl.)

Starving yourself is not going to help anyone, least of all you. And certainly not your baby. Trust me, you’re going to need that fuel to keep up with your little one. Our bodies were made to need nourishment. Life is hard a lot of the time, and food is one of the best parts of being on this planet. Why would you deny yourself that just because you want to look like you did before the baby?

Here’s the thing. You aren’t the same person as before the baby. You’re a mom. Your baby doesn’t care if you’re a little squishy, and if your partner isn’t a jerk, neither does he or she. All they want and need is you, all of you, whether that’s a size 8 or a size 18. There are enough things to worry about in this world as it is. Don’t let your weight unnecessarily become another one.

Yet another reason to love her!

I wouldn't trade anything for mine.

Exactly.