Let’s have some tummy talk.
After delivery, when Bennett was taken away to be weighed and measured, I noticed a couple of changes. As expected, my bulging, pregnant belly had flattened out considerably. It felt like jello. Additionally – and I found this quite fascinating – my linea nigra (the dark line that runs up the belly when you’re preggo) immediately became deeper and more pronounced! And it’s STILL darker. I’m not sure what to base this off of, but I assume it will eventually fade over time as I assume this is related to the rush of hormones during delivery.
And now that it’s been a week and a half? Well, you wouldn’t believe that I had ever been pregnant by looking at me! My mom claims that I shrank really quickly because Bennett was my “first” baby. Supposedly it gets harder to bounce back. And Brian keeps telling me not to brag. But, guys, I feel reeeeeeeeal good. Now, I’ve only tried on two “safe” pairs of jeans (the kind that aren’t “skinny” jeans), but they do fit. So I’m looking forward to packing up the maternity clothes.
One thing that I can thank for this is all the breastfeeding. Bennett latches on like a champ. In that first week, I could literally see my stomach shrink from day to day. First of all, breastfeeding burns around 500 calories a day. Secondly, breastfeeding releases oxytocin, and oxytocin helps the uterus to contract back to it’s pre-pregnancy size. No, seriously. It IMMEDIATELY helps the uterus. For the first couple of days, every time that I breastfed, I felt like I was simultaneously having menstrual cramps because of the uterus responding to the hormones. It’s like magic.
I love that it looks like there is a heart on his wrist!
♥ ♥ ♥
Don’t count on the breastfeeding to be so effective after you’ve had a few babies. 🙂 Yes, it will still quickly shrink your uterus, but after it has expanded a few times, well … you get the picture. Then again, I gained a LOT of weight with Joey and Donovan. :p
Another amazing photo. Simply beautiful.
Giving birth to my children was worth whatever effect it had on my body! I suspect that having children in your 20’s vs. your 30’s or 40’s helps the body bounce back too.
Yeah, listen to your mom, LOL. It DEFINITELY gets harder to bounce back after a few babies! And breastfeeding no longer is magical. Even with TONS of exercise, pilates and crunches, after 8 I still regularly looked about 4 months pregnant, such that people were always asking me if another one is one the way. And I’m not expecting anything different after I have this one! Ah well, they’re worth it! My poor uterus though . . .
I meant to comment on your birth story too, but I never got back onto a computer that day–I LOVED reading it! I’m just so thrilled that everything worked out, you were able to stay home a long time, and that you were able to go natural. I really related to what you said about expecting greater pain–I have torn ligaments and had other realllllllly painful injuries, and childbirth just never reached those levels, so I’ve always been able to cope. Having a good coach is essential though. Brian is wonderful!
Thanks, Claire! And thanks for reminding me of different ways to cope! I had been so practiced at relaxing through the pain, it had never occurred to me that I’d have to be working through the contractions so much!
I told you that you would shrink back to your old self in no time! Beautiful picture, as are ALL of them :).
Very stressful day until I saw this picture. Peace
personified.
So glad you are happy your body is returning to normal quickly. Mine was heavy before and after so I really didn’t have the same pride. Can’t remember ever having a flat stomach.
I don’t know if you realize how much happiness and strength you convey. I’m here to assure you this is true!
Thanks, Melody! “Strength and happiness.” Yep, I DO feel both these days.
Really nice photo Sue. Very sweet.