Beautiful PregnancyНамуна

"Will pregnancy ‘spoil’ my body?"

One predominant reason why many women delay pregnancy is because of the overwhelming concern about their bodies. Most mothers hate their bodies after having a baby. Swollen abdomens, ugly stretch marks, disappearing waistlines can bring in lot of frustration. Then there are others who carry a wrong perception that breastfeeding results in ‘loss of beauty’ and hence detest pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Sister, can I speak my heart to you?

Your body is not just your own; it is created for a specific purpose, and one of it is to grow another life in the inside of you. During pregnancy and after delivery your body does undergo drastic changes. But all that happens is worth it, for your body is getting into alignment to participate in the miracle of childbirth.

Trust God for your body. Even if you have gained extra weight in your belly, it is there for a reason: To nourish your baby! Why not celebrate the shape of pregnancy instead of losing your joy over it?

And doctors will tell you that it is not breastfeeding that makes breasts sag or lose their shape, but the quick changes in size that cause tissue lesions and stretch marks.

Of course, I don’t mean to say that we take our bodies for granted - Let’s not forget that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. But, what I don’t agree to is when you take the temporary shape of your body as an excuse not to participate in one of the major purposes that it has been created for.

Post pregnancy, for some women, their bodies naturally go back in shape very quickly, and for others it takes time to get to a level where you feel comfortable. Whichever category you fall in, remember quick-fix weight loss solutions are not the best way of doing things. Have a realistic expectation from your body. Eating a healthy diet, combined with regular exercise is the best way to shed your extra pounds. I know of mothers who with just their healthy eating habits have managed to shed 45 pounds post pregnancy!

More than anything, remember, God loves you the way you are. You will always remain beautiful in His eyes. Its time you stop seeking man’s approval because God wants you to rejoice in your unique beauty, and that goes far deeper than your skin.