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Hope for hyperemesis (morning sickness on steroids) and then be a rock star at breastfeeding! You'll weigh less than your pre-baby weight 6 weeks after delivery like I did! 😂😂
In all seriousness, there's no magic secret here. You may or may not be one of the lucky ones whose body bounces back quickly after giving birth. Exercise will be a challenge physically, especially if you have a c-section and have restrictions placed on you, and you won't have time of time to exercise unless you have good support from a spouse/ family. Focus on keeping up with your workouts now, modifying as you and baby grow. Invest in a jogging stroller, start finding workout resources that you can use at home because getting to a gym will be more difficult. Otherwise, I agree with the other poster -- this will seem a lot less important once you have your baby.
I'd also do some therapy work -- first year of motherhood is full of nothing but doubts, questioning of self, parenting abilities, etc. Your concern about competence at work may very well take a backseat to new mom insecurities, or you could be hit twice.
I love being a mom. Easily the best thing I've done. But this whole bit that women hear about a new chapter in life beginning with the birth of a child... it's true, but in order for a new chapter to begin, another has to end and I was not prepared for that reality and what it meant for how I take care of myself as an individual.
Lovely comment
OP, none of these things will matter the way it does now when you see that little bundle of joy. And if you're in a shape that don't recognise, you will have the will and determination to go back to one that you're confident in. You'll do it for yourself, for the baby, and for the family you're creating! Don't let yourself be bothered by it... enjoy the blessing you've been given :) Congratulations!
Therapy is a very good idea. I cried most nights of my first pregnancy. It is a significant transition. I didn’t understand all of the upsides.
You may feel more competent when you go back to work. Having a baby and taking care of him/her is a joy and it may also be the hardest job you’ll ever do. Soon enough, you will gain more experience calming others, commanding the room, negotiating, and selling ideas - all of which help at work.
I found myself getting more done faster even while dealing with shortness of sleep and brain fog. I noticed other parents were rather efficient as well.
If you can, talk to other mothers at your organization or join a parents group. Having that shared experience can be very validating. Other mothers will also often share their tricks for managing transitions.
A few properly tailored clothing pieces can help with confidence before the body is close to how you want it to be. Try to get your hair done, or wear a great scarf so that’s the first thing people notice.
But above of all, remember that your wellbeing and grace toward yourself is most important. Practice gratitude toward your body for everything it is able to do for you. Give yourself time to heal and bounce back gradually. And if you have difficulty doing this, reach out for help (a therapist or a friend).
Congrats on expecting! It is an amazing journey!
This is a very special time. Take care of yourself and eat healthy foods. Lots of fruits and vegetables will help keep hunger at bay, lots of water will help with energy and keep your skin clear, and go for walks and find pregnancy workouts that will help reduce aches and pains and help keep you strong.
Your body will change during pregnancy. That’s ok. Eating healthy and adopting a modified exercise routine will help with recovery after baby arrives.
There’s always shape wear you can use after to help you feel more confident in clothes.
The important thing is to take care of yourself right now. And looking confident and presentable can be done at any size. Enjoy this special time in your life.
Great comment