Motherhood is often a time of profound personal change, with scientists defining this time as a unique life stage called “matresence.” It often involves big changes to body image, which can be defined as the psychological experience of the body. Recent research has shown that mothers can have two separate body image experiences after having children. On the one hand, they may develop negative feelings and beliefs about their shape and weight. On the other hand, they may have a new appreciation of their body in terms of its functionality, features, and health.
These seemingly contradictory ways of viewing the body follow unique paths during a woman’s lifetime. Interestingly, studies have shown that body appreciation can be one of the most powerful and unique ways to improve body image. By shifting the focus away from mere appearance and placing it onto the many wondrous things that the body can achieve, it is possible to create a more positive view of the body as a whole.
Expanding One’s Horizons
Psychologists have created numerous effective programs aimed at enhancing body appreciation. One program called Expand Your Horizon focuses specifically on doing so by boosting women’s appreciation of how their bodies function. In one study, this program was delivered across just three 15-minute sessions within one week. It involved participants writing about their bodies’ functionality and why it was important to them. The results showed that the program helped improve women’s satisfaction with their physical attributes and made them feel more satisfied with (and appreciative of) the way their bodies worked. Scientists recommended that this program be used more broadly to promote positive emotions such as appreciation, pride, and awe, all of which can support enhanced well-being.
The Surgical Approach
Some mothers are opting to boost their confidence by having mommy makeovers, which may comprise one or more of the following procedures: a tummy tuck, liposuction, and/or breast lift or augmentation. Many are traveling interstate to lower the costs involved in these procedures. A procedure such as breast augmentation in Scottsdale, Arizona, for instance, can cost thousands of dollars less than the same procedure in a higher-cost city like Los Angeles, California. Added to affordability are novel techniques and technology that allow moms to achieve desired results with lower downtime. Studies have shown that these makeovers can help moms reconnect with themselves, regain confidence, and become more motivated to prioritize self-care.
The Non-Surgical Approach
There are a myriad of effective ways to enhance body image after having kids, including self-compassion, which can be defined as simply viewing and treating oneself with kindness, recognizing that everyone has challenges, and taking a mindful approach to experiences. A recent study review on self-compassion found a moderately strong correlation between self-compassion and body image. Strategies that can help boost this quality include practicing mindfulness, challenging negative talk, and setting realistic expectations. It involves focusing on one’s strengths and achievements and seeking social and professional support if necessary. Women can also benefit from setting boundaries on their time and other resources so they can free themselves to exercise greater self-care. The latter includes exercising regularly, eating healthily, and prioritizing good sleep.
Women’s body satisfaction can take a hit after childbirth. Often, unrealistic expectations and comparisons can lead to unhappiness with changes that occur postpartum. Studies have shown that body positivity programs can help women by encouraging them to focus on the functional abilities of their bodies. Non-surgical approaches such as self-compassion and self-care can also help one feel happier in one’s skin.
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