Most mothers will confess that their bodies have changed a lot after they gave birth. They are no longer as they used to be: the flat tummy is gone and no matter how hard they try, it keeps bulging. Mothers with two children or more will agree that it's very difficult to have a pre pregnancy belly.
"I diet occasionally but my belly is this big," says Lillian Juma, a mother of two. Young mothers who had their children in their early twenties or in their teens say their bellies and general body weight is not a bother. One such woman is Grace Moraa."My body weight and belly have always been the way it was before I gave birth. Often times, I feel as though I never had a baby," she says.
The breasts also change after delivery. They enlarge since the ribcage expands to accommodate the growing baby. To help women feel better and look good, it's advisable that they buy a bra that is one size bigger. Cotton material with a wire fit at the bottom are the best; this will ensure that they fit comfortably. Cotton absorbs milk in case of an overflow. No mother wants to be wet with milk or to show the world that her breasts are sagging.
After delivery many women lose a lot of their hair. This is because during pregnancy oestrogen produced makes the hair grow faster. Most women have thick and lustrous hair. After delivery or when they stop breastfeeding, they experience hair loss.
Stretch marks bother most mothers, too. It's a major problem for women who come from a family with stretch marks, those who have given birth to big babies or twins. Stretch marks usually appear on the upper arm, thighs or buttocks. They are of different colour and texture from one's skin and resemble scars. Everlyn Chebet, a mother of three, is insecure about her stretch marks. "I feel uncomfortable when my spouse or even a friend notices them," she says.
While the post birth body may not change a lot, new mothers are encouraged to exercise. Depending on the mode of delivery, a new mother should not be sedentary. They should exercise as soon as they are completely healed. If a mother is too lazy to go to the gym, she should find a gym buddy. Tony, a fitness instructor says, "It's important that a mother undertakes mild but consistent exercise with an aim of reducing weight at specific areas." He advices new mothers to do some squats and crunches daily.
"Eating healthy also helps. Foods like hard boiled eggs, chicken, fruit smoothies, whole bread, non- fat milk, carrots and pepper are good for checking weight," says Timothy Maina, a Nairobi based nutritionist. He adds that unhealthy snacks should be avoided. Instead of foods like soda and chips, take yoghurt and lean protein. He adds that it's important for new mothers to avoid alcohol since it affects milk production. Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits are the best. Breastfeeding is also important since it consumes calories.
Despite the changes in a woman's body, women are encouraged to embrace their bodies and always have confidence.
