Curvy. Statuesque. Voluptuous. Amazonian. Not exactly petite. Baby hippo. In the eleven months since my little one made their grand entrance, these are just a few of the colorful ways I’ve described my body. Yes, I stand tall, but I won’t deny that my belly—complete with all its stretch marks—feels like it’s just one more cupcake away from doing the Truffle Shuffle. It resembles a saggy butt, so I’ve affectionately dubbed it the “front butt,” or “Frutt.” Let’s not even mention the extra chins. My breasts are large yet uneven, thanks to my baby’s preference for nursing on one side. And my pants? Well, they tend to slide down thanks to my Frutt.
You know what? I’m totally okay with this. What I find perplexing, however, is why others aren’t.
From the moment I began to show—oh yes, that was at just three months, thank you very much—I’ve been inundated with unsolicited comments about my size. “Wow, you’re really growing!” “Are you sure there’s not a second baby in there?” “That baby weight is going to be tough to lose!” “You must be expecting a gigantic baby!” (Okay, fine, that last one turned out to be true since my little one weighed in at a hefty 10 pounds, 8 ounces, but still, people didn’t know that at the time—so maybe just keep it to yourself next time?)
I spent countless visits to the doctor’s office teetering on the edge of a hormone-fueled rage every time a tiny nurse would glance between me and the scale, asking, “Do you want to take off your boots?” No, I don’t!
I had hoped that once my baby arrived, the comments about my weight would lessen. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. While I did manage to shed the pounds I gained during pregnancy, I hadn’t anticipated that the weight I had accumulated after quitting smoking two years prior would settle into a whole new shape.
For the most part, I’m fine with this. I gave birth to a healthy, albeit large, baby. Would I like to fit into my pre-baby clothes? Sure. But it’s not my main concern right now.
During a recent check-up, my doctor straightforwardly asked if I was aware of my weight status. Oh really? I had no idea! After all, I don’t buy clothes or even own a mirror! Thanks for the enlightenment, doc!
Maybe I should feel differently about this, but I’m not overflowing with confidence. I often find myself rifling through my closet, desperately trying to find an outfit that will hide my Frutt at least once a week. Yes, I still wear my maternity jeans from time to time, and I’ve been known to delete pictures from my husband’s phone that showcase my multiple chins.
Some lucky women watch the weight fall off shortly after giving birth. I am not one of those women. Despite my efforts to eat healthy and nutritious meals for my son, the weight remains stubbornly in place. While many women work hard to shed those extra pounds, I can barely manage a day filled with work, playtime, and household chores before collapsing on the couch, fully made-up and exhausted.
What I do have is a husband who loves me unconditionally, flaws and all, and a beautiful baby that I adore. Someday, I might lose the chins, the flab, and the Frutt. Maybe I’ll even pack away those maternity jeans for good. But until then, I’ll be enjoying every moment with my family.
For those exploring similar experiences, check out this insightful article on post-baby bodies. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, reputable resources like Make A Mom offer convenient syringe kits. Additionally, UCSF’s Center is an excellent source for pregnancy and home insemination guidance.
Summary
After giving birth, many women face unsolicited comments about their weight. While some may lose their baby weight quickly, others struggle with body changes and societal pressures. Finding acceptance in one’s post-baby body takes time, and the journey to self-love often involves support from family and resources.
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