The female body is a marvelous thing. (All the males are in agreement, yes?!)
It can host a human for nine months, produce food for that human, and although some of the pieces might be a little askew, return to it’s original state and do it all over again. It’s actually really cool the way that God designed us. Not to mention that we’re smart, strong and we smell super good.
My pregnancy with Porter was anything but easy, so I knew that this postpartum period would probably be a little challenging too. A little honesty here and NOT a brag (as I didn’t do anything to make this happen) – after Henry and Clara were born, I was wearing my pre-pregnancy jeans two weeks later. Yep – I was THAT girl.
Nursing helps A LOT. So do good genes.
Again, it was nothing I did…but I’d be lying if I wasn’t ECSTATIC over the fact that my body “bounced back” quickly.
This time around….my body is doing it’s thing but much slower. And I’m ok with that. In fact, until this morning when I looked in the mirror, I hadn’t really given my body ANY thought. Between nursing, homeschooling Henry, “preschooling” Clara, a gazillion loads of laundry, planning Blend, oh and trying to be a decent wife, my body (and vanity) just hasn’t gotten much attention.
And rightly so!!
What I saw staring back at me this morning was this:
A 31 year old woman. A mama. Naked. A wife.
With a messy bun, because I have little time for anything else.
Glasses, because contacts hurt my eyes these days.
Breasts full of milk, because I’m feeding my baby all.day.long.
A dark line, reaching all the way from those full breasts down to my pubic bone, because, oh yeah…I was just pregnant.
A saggy, poochy belly, because, oh yeah…I was just pregnant.
Athletic thighs and calves, because I worked out during said pregnancy (and carried 30+ extra pounds with those strong legs).
I see all those things and then I see the lady inside that body. She’s awesome. And she’s so much stronger than before. And she’s blessed beyond belief with her family of five. With abundant health. With the knowledge that this is all temporal.
I see that lady and I no longer see the body. It’s merely a shell. Something I used to obsess over…now I have other little bodies to tend to.
I love, love where I’m at right now…in this moment…in these grand days. Life is outside of this body.
With no pressure to “bounce back”, I’m loving life in the NOW.
….Saggy belly and all.
————
splendid…lindsay
I’m 12 weeks out with my first and I still see many of these things – the blue veins running through my engorged breasts are kind of freaky though! I’m still in maternity clothes and don’t know how I’m going to juggle it all when I go back to work next week. All of my breaks will be consumed between pumping and visiting my little man, so I won’t have a chance to get in my exercise mid-day as I used to. For right now this is my new normal and I have this beautiful boy to show for it.
Love love love this post and how good of a reminder this is for EVERY woman, me hugely included. I struggle with this almost daily sometimes and I hate that I can’t just be content sometimes. Thank you for this, I needed it and I LOVE seieing how happy you are and how content you are right where you are now. xo
Thank you for being YOU. Your posts always make my heart smile. Yes I’m a total sap these days. & Porter is adorable!
This makes me so happy to read! You are so beautiful, strong, honest, and I absolutely love that you are embracing it all…yes the saggy belly too! XOXO
Beautifully said. So glad you are enjoying the NOW, and all the blessings that go with that. Have a wonderful weekend, friend! xo
beautiful!!! the body is an amazing thing. I am a little nervous how my body will respond after having my first child, but I appreciate reading this! It reminds me no matter what I am happy :)
xoxo
L
omg the whole thing showed up in my feedly lol i love you!
You are such an honest, real, and admirable example! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this – beautiful post. I don’t think I ever appreciated my body more than after I gave birth to Hunter. At the time, my body was swollen, saggy, and not in the best “shape” I’d ever been in, but I couldn’t be more proud of what it did and continues to do. It gave me a whole new perspective on the human body.
Hi Lindsay- I think we are on the same page here. My youngest, Finley, just turned 4 months on Wednesday and I’ve been documenting my entire pregnancy and postnatal journey…about how to have fun and feel good with ALL of it. You and know having had kids before how incredible our bodies are, and how each body is different and unique. Way to go- enjoy the time with your new baby and being the wonderful gal you are.
Cheers-Erin
I love, love, love this post (and your blog)! It gives me hope that the new mindset I’m starting to notice with my first pregnancy might just last past delivery! ;)
Beautiful words that couldn’t be more true! Thank you for sharing. I’ll keep it all in mind when my baby girl arrives… 1 week and counting! You’re an awesome mommy :)
Posts like this are why I enjoy checking in with you everyday. Thanks, Lindsay!
I love that last picture!!
You’re so right–a woman’s body is marvelous…and we should stop focusing so much on it, and enjoy the bodies it made! Great attitude! I was surprised how little I cared what I looked like after birth…and it all went back together pretty quickly without me doing a thing. It is amazing! And I embraced it all throughout each part of PP and pregnancy. <3
That last picture of the 4 of them…LOVE! Makes it all worth it.
Such a sane voice you have Lindsay! Your family is beautiful!
Awesome Lindsay! What a wonderful feeling to have :)
YOU ARE AWESOME!! DING! DING! DING! Your body will “bounce back” when it’s ready and in the meantime, keep being your awesome self that’s looking after that precious family of yours. <3
Thank you for this! I’m almost 5 months pregnant after a long long battle with anorexia. It’s soooo hard! I’m trying to find love and acceptance of my body and this post helps!
Love this! Yes- the female body is just incredible… babies are one of those times when we realize just how valuable we are- so many things our husbands cannot do for our children. :) Soak up these special moments- your body is on its way back, but as you said, it’s not worth worrying about.
I’m so glad you’re sharing this message instead of the “look at my post-pregnancy body!” that I feel women (particularly bloggers) are pressured to share. You said this perfectly!
You are so gorgeous inside and out. What a beautiful post, Lindsay! <3
Amen, sista! Thank you for sharing that inspiration to find contentment in the body God has given us!! Such a challenge!
you are so wise and beautiful. xoxo
Beautiful words and great reminders!
This is beautiful! So happy you are feeling the peace that comes from acceptance and enjoying your time with your family!
LOVE! every day i tell jonny how much in awe i am in of the woman’s body! couldn’t agree with what you said more!