This post is sponsored by Apothederm and Shopping Links, but all opinions are 100% my own.
Tray // Lipstick Holder // Apothederm c/o // Desk c/o1. My body has changed. It has stretched in some places, drooped in others, and then gotten bigger in other places. And I’m still pretty dang proud of it.
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2. My body may never look the same. Even as I tone and tighten up my post baby body and stomach, I am still left with abs that just never feel quite as tight as they once did.
3. My post baby body may not be able to do everything it once could. But…it does even more things that I didn’t even think were possible. Like having a baby, walking across the house for the 5th time in the middle of the night to breastfeed when I felt like my legs might give out on me, carrying a 35 lb toddler in my arms literally everywhere I go with me, and then chasing her around the yard for 2+ hours almost every night when she wants to play outside and I have hardly any energy left. These are the things that really make me proud of my body.
4. I miss my old body. Hello, of course I still miss my 23 year old stomach and legs! I’d be crazy not to, but I also have embraced my new mom post baby body and am proud of where I’m at, what my body has done, and what all it will continue to do.
5. I feel more beautiful than I ever have. There is no greater pride for me that to tote Leighton around and have her on my hip. So even if I’m carrying 10 pounds more than I want to right now, I am beaming and prouder and happier than I’ve ever been! And as much as I love to run and workout, I cherish spending most of my free time with Leighton.
Okay ladies, now that I’m shared how I REALLY feel about my post baby body (how long can we call it postpartum, 1 year? 2? Forever?), I want to talk about some of the things I’ve been doing to help my mid-section and some of the things I am starting today! If you’re anything like me and most other moms in the world, it happened…you came home from the hospital with a baby and stretch marks. I did not get a single stretch mark until the last month. I was so proud of myself and remember thinking well, I guess I’m not getting any, ha! I started using Apothederm’s Stretch Mark Cream 6 weeks ago and am excited to share my results with you today.
I have stretch marks on my hips, my stomach and my chest. Because no one wants to see all that (haha!), I am sharing just some of my results below. Apothederm’s Stretch Mark Cream reinforces the skin’s fundamental support structures and helps to visibly repair existing stretch marks. No matter whether the stretch marks are new and red or older and gray, 90% of participants surveyed saw a results after 6 weeks. With some of my stretch marks being much older, I honestly was skeptical and didn’t think I would see a difference. I’m excited to say that I did see a difference. I feel like all my stretch marks reduced in appearance by at least 30%. And that is more than I can say for any other product I’ve used, and believe me, I have tried SO many for years!
If you are wanting to try to diminish some of your stretch marks too, I would definitely give Apothederm’s products a try. And another way to feel more comfortable with your post baby body?? Join me in the 30 Day Ab Challenge I’m doing this month! I’m really excited because honestly, it isn’t that bad at first. You are completely eased into it, and everything is completely doable! Check out the challenges for each of the 30 days below, and make sure you check out My Life Well Loved, Happily Hughes, Still Being Molly and Nashville Wifestyles. Will you be joining the ab challenge? Have you tried stretch mark cream? What do you love most about your post baby body?
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How interesting!! Great post and picures and thanks for sharing!!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
NEW POST: CALIFORNIA DAYS… IN N OUT
This post had me in tears! What beautiful and true words!!! <3
I'm so happy you wrote about this! I sometimes think about how having children will "ruin" my body, but your words really put me at ease. A couple of stretch marks for a beautiful baby is worth it.
–Roxanne
http://glassofglam.com
Thank you so much for sharing! I have always been worried about my body changing after having kids, but you made me feel a lot better about it! You look amazing!
Oh dang I need to take you up on this challenge!
That challenge looks awesome! i love how it eases you into it!
This is such a great post! I've had four myself, and I agonize about my post-baby body all the time. I wouldn't change things at all though as I am so glad I have my kids.
I love how proud you are of your body post-baby! I think it's beautiful what a woman's body can do during pregnancy and afterwards! It's definitely good to be proud of all of that. You look absolutely beautiful and I think it's awesome that you're working to tone your already perfect body.
stephanie // shesawstyle.com
I really need to try this even though I don't have kids! Seems like something to at least keep me somewhat active while still recovering from shoulder surgery! You look amazing post baby!!
You look awesome girlfriend! This creams sounds pretty amazing though and I am going to start this ab challenge tomorrow!
xoxo,
Kim
Such a good post! You look awesome!
Rachel / http://www.helloher.co
You look amazing, girl! I'm going to have to try your ab challenge!
xo, Amanda | http://www.thegoldengirldiary.com
You're beautiful in every way, both in and out! Love your blog <3
https://www.myblackcloset.com/
I'm so happy that you are embracing your body and its changes- I know it's not easy to do but so great and even better, so you can be a positive role model for your adorable daughter.
http://asequinloveaffair.com
I'm really loving your #5! It's important to be positive! xx
You look amazing and such an inspiration for other moms out there!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
I mean. I think you look amazing, baby or no baby! HAHA!! Keep up the good work, lady! I don't know if I could drink a gallon of water a day!!! I have the world's tiniest bladder lol!!
Your abs look great! I need to try this stuff 🙂