How To Love And Accept Your Postpartum Body?

Becoming a mother brings immense joy — but it also brings profound changes to a woman’s body. The postpartum phase is a time of healing, recovery, and adjustment, both physically and emotionally. Yet, for many women, accepting these changes can be difficult. One of the challenges many women face is accepting their body post giving birth. They struggle to deal with the changes in the body; many find it difficult to lose the postpartum weight. During this time, what every woman needs and wants is – acceptance. They need to accept their postpartum body. But it’s easier said than done. So, today we will explore how new mothers can embrace their postpartum bodies with love, patience, and compassion.

To get an expert view on this, we reached out to Dr Neha Khandelwal, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, New Delhi, Kailash Colony.

Can New Mothers Struggle With Body Dysmorphia?

You must have heard about body dysmorphia. It is a mental health condition, which affects how a person sees and feels about their body and appearance. Do new moms experience body dysmorphia? Let’s find out. “Yes, many women experience body image distress or even body dysmorphia after childbirth. Hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, and societal pressure to ‘bounce back’ quickly can make women overly critical of their appearance. The sudden changes — from stretch marks and loose skin to weight gain and breast changes — can be emotionally overwhelming,” says Dr Khandelwal.

She adds, “It’s important to remember that your body has just accomplished something extraordinary — creating and nurturing life. Recognising this achievement is the first step toward healing your relationship with your body.”

How To Deal With Postpartum Body Changes

For a woman, dealing with the changes in body can be difficult, especially if it is postpartum. But our expert shares how one can make peace with it, one step at a time. “If you’re finding it hard to accept your postpartum body, remember that recovery takes time. Your body needs months — sometimes a full year — to heal internally and externally. Don’t rush the process,” shares Dr Khandelwal.

She adds, “If negative thoughts about your body interfere with your daily life, it’s important to speak to a healthcare provider or counselor. Postpartum depression and anxiety can often include body image struggles, and professional guidance can make a world of difference.”

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Tips To Love And Accept Your Postpartum Body

On this note, Dr Khandelwal shares tips on how women can love and accept their body post giving birth:

• Practice self-kindness: Replace self-criticism with gratitude. Instead of focusing on how your body looks, focus on what it has done — carried, nourished, and brought your baby safely into the world.
• Avoid comparisons: Every woman’s recovery is unique. Comparing your postpartum body to pre-pregnancy images or others on social media only deepens dissatisfaction.
• Dress for comfort and confidence: Choose clothes that make you feel good rather than trying to fit into old ones. Feeling comfortable helps rebuild confidence.
• Focus on small wins: Celebrate simple progress — more energy, better sleep, improved mood — instead of only physical changes.
• Seek support: Talk openly about your feelings with friends, family, or support groups. Emotional connection helps ease the feeling of isolation.

Tips For Postpartum Self-care

Postpartum self-care begins with the right diet. A nourishing diet is crucial for healing and energy restoration. On this note, Dr Khandelwal shares some dietary tips for new moms:

• Prioritise protein and iron: These help tissue repair and replenish blood loss from delivery.
• Stay hydrated: Breastfeeding mothers, in particular, need extra fluids.
• Include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables: They provide fiber, vitamins, and sustained energy.
• Don’t skip healthy fats: Foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, and ghee support hormone balance and brain health.
• Mindful eating: Not dieting, but eating mindfully supports gradual, natural weight recovery.
• Physical activities post giving birth also helps women recover faster. “Physical activity can uplift mood, strengthen muscles, and aid recovery. However, it’s essential to consult your doctor before resuming workouts,” shares the expert. Dr Khandelwal jots down some exercises for new mothers as well:
• Start slowly: Gentle walks or postnatal yoga can begin 4–6 weeks post-delivery (or later after a C-section).
• Focus on core and pelvic floor strengthening: These areas are most affected by pregnancy.
• Avoid intense workouts initially: Listen to your body; if you feel pain, dizziness, or fatigue, stop immediately.

Also Read: Can You Naturally Boost Your Chances of Having Twins? Gynecologist Explains

The Final Word

Loving your postpartum body is about shifting from self-judgment to self-acceptance. Your body is not ‘ruined’ — it has been transformed by one of life’s greatest miracles. With time, care, and compassion, you’ll find strength, beauty, and confidence in this new version of yourself.