Four Month Slump and Your Postpartum Body

During pregnancy my post postpartum body was literally the last thing I was concerned about (I never even had stretch marks until the last half month). I figured I would bounce right back into my tiny clothes and go on my merry way. Who knew four months after the fact, I'd still be struggling with my image and feeling comfortable in my "new skin".

Thankfully, the whole growing a human thing hasn't phased my husband one bit. He claims to still find me and my body attractive, and even proved his point numerous times. It's been a long road for me to finally accept his honesty and allow him back into my sensual life. Although my issues are focused on myself, and have nothing to do with him, my husband was beginning to feel the affects of my self-conscious problems.

There are a lot of women out there with similar struggles, perhaps you're one of them. But after Kate Middleton stepped out, with her normal post birth belly, to show off her one-day-old son to the country of Great Brittan I discovered a new found appreciation for a woman's body - for my own body. Together we've gone through a tremendous journey, creating a new life capable of sustaining itself after nine short months. I found an article on the Huffington Post that really helped to shed new light on the subject, and I'm hoping it is as uplifting to you as it has been for me.

"A friend of mine was totally shocked to see Kate Middleton's "still pregnant belly" the day after she gave birth. Sigh. Not only is that what you're SUPPOSED to look like after giving birth, it's annoying we're even TALKING about WHAT YOUR STOMACH LOOKS LIKE 24 hours after giving birth.
It's about the baby, not the belly." Read More...

Three Months Postpartum

After realizing I haven't posted much lately, I decided it was time for a postpartum update. Three months have flown by and, while I'm a working Mother, I'm finding it's rather difficult to find time to spend with my little munchkin without neglecting my husband. However, our new addition is beginning to really develop her little personality, while noticing a lot of new things such as color and human interaction.

As for me at three months postpartum. I haven't lost any additional weight, I've actually gained two pounds... although I can't complain, since I really didn't make any effort to fit exercising in anywhere. There's about twenty more pounds I'd like to shed, but I don't really see it happening while I'm working. After an eleven hour day, I'm ready to snuggle in bed with my hubby and let the baby nurse away. That's my comfort and relaxation time, and there's an amazing feeling that just takes over me after I've got my baby and my little family is all together.

Onto the baby. My little mini has nearly doubled in weight since birth! Born at seven pounds, twelve ounces, she is now at fourteen pounds. I have measured her length, mostly because it's difficult when she's wriggling around, but I can assure you, there's been growth in that area as well. Mini continues to develop social skills, with lots of eye contact, listening and smiles. Although it doesn't happen often, my three month old has a distinct ironic giggle! She loves having conversations with Daddy and Grandma, and leaves the whining to me.

We have noticed two little pale spots have begun to grow larger on her bottom gums. There has been a lot of unexplained additional fussiness and an abundance of slobber. Gum massages seem to take the edge off, so the family is expecting to see some little teeth cutting through sometime soon (I'm not so keen on the idea of that little mouth on my breast). Any advice on breastfeeding a baby with teeth is definitely welcomed in the comments below!

Mini has moved up in diaper size again, from a two to a three in under a month's time. Clothing became very snug, so we have moved to the 3-6 mos sizes, mainly choosing 6 mos over 3. I anticipate a shopping trip very soon to find some fabric for a few new outfits. My Mother is very crafty, and I need to learn how to sew a little better before I hop onto apparel projects.

Apparently, postpartum depression can still be a threat after three months postpartum! Although I haven't experienced anything other than returning-to-work-blues, I know there are women going through this type of depression, and it is rather common. If you are suspecting yourself, or a women you know, of going through this situation, make sure you speak with your doctor sooner rather than later. Continue enjoying those bundles of goodness!