Well, you know we are going to have A LOT to say for the women’s issue. First, we are going to start off with some positive affirmations related to women’s health. Then, we are going to do a highlight of the amazing changes a woman's body can experience in the pre and postnatal periods.
Positive affirmations about a woman’s body:
- I am grateful for my body and all that it does for me.
- I am proud of my curves and appreciate the feminine beauty they bring.
- I am worthy of love and respect regardless of my body shape or size.
- I embrace my unique features and feel confident in my own skin.
- I am grateful for the changes my body endures and what it can handle.
Prenatal changes: Your changing and growing body
· Your nipples can look quite different than they did before. The areola and the nipple itself could be quite a bit larger than it once was. The skin colour could also be darker in colour than it was before. It is normal to experience an increase in size as well, but not all will. You may also experience leaking fluid from the breast.
· The skin has to adjust and stretch to accommodate your changing size and shape. Stretch marks are common particularly if this growth happens quickly or if there is significant weight gain. It is also very normal to experience a difference in your skin oils and sweat. Some find their sweat smells quite different, or they produce more or less oil in certain areas.
· Hormone fluctuations can really affect your hair growth all over your body. You may find it becomes more fine or thicker. Sometimes this can also be because of prenatal vitamins.
Getting Comfortable with Your Postnatal Body
· Your nipples can look quite different than they did before. The areola and the nipple itself could be quite a bit larger than it once was. The skin colour could also be darker in colour than it was before.
· You will still likely appear pregnant for some time after birth. Your uterus takes time to return to its pre-pregnancy size (or close to). The skin may also be looser and stretch marks may be obvious. Your body has accomplished some amazing things.
· Aside from bleeding, swelling and discomfort can continue for about 7-10 days. You may not produce as much discharge if you are breastfeeding, which can make sex more uncomfortable. So, lubricant is a good option if you are becoming sexually active again. Although, it is not recommended to have vaginal sex until you are at least 6 weeks postpartum and cleared by your provider.
· It is quite common to have many bodily changes due to the hormone fluctuations in the postnatal period. Dry skin, brittle skin, thinning hair, and increased sweat production are not uncommon. It is also very common to experience night sweats and notice a change in the smell of your odour.
It doesn’t end there! Women’s bodies are heavily influenced by their hormone levels which constantly change across a lifetime. In our opinion, their bodies are simply amazing. However, not all the hormone changes come with pleasant symptoms. Well, most of them don’t. BUT - we persevere. In fact, we THRIVE. So, high five for womanhood.
Did you know that we support clients pre and postnatally? We facilitate prenatal education classes, provide private prenatal consultat
Jess & Lee
Jess and Lee are the only registered nurse and birth doula team in Alberta providing pre and postnatal support and education. Lee is a birth doula, registered massage therapist and childbirth educator. Jess is a registered nurse with additional certifications in lactation, childbirth education and basic life support.