Feelings about my post pregnancy body

I have always had a love-hate relationship with my body. Now, at 36, after three children, my body has altered immeasurably. I don't dislike the changes - my body has bore me three amazing little beings afterall.

The changes I have undergone are completely natural but it doesn't make me any less aware of, or affected by, the image of perfection portrayed by the media. Should all women pop out a baby and be expected to look like celebrity mums with smooth skin, tiny waists and lithe legs? I think not! Healthy and happy no doubt but please not this unrealistic tripe. We are mothers, not machines and our bodies tell our stories. 

So here it is, in all its raw honesty....10 things I have observed about my post-natal, aging body. This is personal stuff but I feel that, as a mum, I shouldn't have to apologise for the state of my body all the time. It's good to know that we aren't alone and that we support each other to be as strong and happy as we can be. 

1) My face, especially around my eyes has more wrinkles. I'm ok with this, at the moment. They are small and subtle but they are there. A sign of aging gracefully maybe but I still use serums in an attempt to erase them. I have noticed recently that my make up sometimes sits in the creases. This annoys the hell out of me but I suppose it will only get worse. 

2) My eye bags are definitely more pronounced. I drink lots of water and try to have a varied, balanced diet...yet those bad boys just won't shift. I have always been plagued with dark circles and I thank god for concealer. Indeed, having three children that enjoy night time waking insn't conducive to a rested, bright-eyed look! 

3) My hair is greying at the roots. I've had stray greys for a while now, yet in the past couple of years I've had to dye my roots more regularly. I find this upsetting at times...I love my dark hair. However, I know that this too is part of aging and it's something I can accept and cleverly conceal! 

4) My stomach looks baggy and lacks tone. Having carried three babies and having had a c-section 5 months ago, I look at my tummy with disappointment. I would love it to be slim and firm but I still need to find inner motivation to get this issue ironed out. Nevertheless, I also feel proud that my tummy cradled and protected my three children and that it kept them safe for a whole 9 months. Amazing what the body can do! 

5) My boobs sag. Eugh! I am still breast feeding but they certainly aren't as pert as they once were! However, they have fed and nourished three tiny ones. That in itself deserves recognition!

6) My feet are neglected. They look dry and pale and the toe nails lack the polished look of the past. I simply don't have the time at the moment to tend to them. Hopefully that will change - painted toes make me happy and smiley!! 

7) I've always hated my thighs but these days they look bumpy. I don't think I'll ever like them. Even when I am fit and toned (when I eventually return to proper physical activity....not just picking up toys and weight lifting a baby), I still dislike them. 

8) I need to grow my nails...again...for the umpteenth time. I love looking at other peoples beautiful, graceful hands. I look at mine and they remind me of trotters!! Too many baby wipes, too much washing up has contributed to nails that lack strength and dry hands. I need to remember to use hand cream but seriously, when I can't remember what day of the week it is, I think this is unlikely to happen!! 

9) My c-section scar is healing and fading nicely but it's a numb area. It is however, an amazing reminder of the birth I had with Hattie and each time I see it, I know how lucky I am to have her here. 

10) My body, despite its myriad of imperfections, is amazing. Without its resilience, I would not have my three precious jewels - Hugo, Louie and Hattie. I now know that a perfect body isn't the be all and end all and that being a mum means accepting the alterations to your body that motherhood brings. We owe it to ourselves and our children to be as healthy as we can be, yet we should also know that a great physique does not equate to a perfect woman and that an 'amazing bod' should not be a measure of us as a mum. We are so much more than our bodies and each of us is unique and incredibly special to the little people we have nurtured. 

So I guess what I am saying is that it's fine to have parts of us that we will never be at peace with. However, we should also celebrate how bloody great our bodies are and remember that to our children, we are beautiful, strong and better than a million celebrities!