Let’s be real—pregnancy and parenting are full-on. If you’re pregnant or you’ve just entered the wonderful chaos of mum life, chances are you’re feeling a bit ‘meh’ about the whole New Year’s resolution thing. And honestly? We don’t blame you.
Social media’s parenting “experts” love to peddle shiny new goals that make you feel like you’re failing before you’ve even had your first coffee of the day. Nope. Not today, confidence eroders. We’re here to call out the ‘New Year New You’ nonsense and bring a bit of sanity back to the conversation.
As midwives and mums, the MEM team’s take is simple: keep it calm and manageable. Big sweeping life overhauls? Hard pass. Change because it feels good for you, not because the calendar says it’s January. You’ve got enough on your plate without adding unnecessary pressure.
Pregnancy body changes
We’re here to celebrate your beautiful, natural body just as it is—not as someone else says it "should" be. Because let’s face it, growing a tiny human is nothing short of superhero-level epic. Pregnancy is a rollercoaster of wonder, excitement, and a whole load of body changes you probably didn’t see coming.
Sure, there is the well-known stuff: bump, boobs, and that so-called pregnancy "glow" (if by glow they mean sweat, then yeah, you’ve nailed it). But then there are the sneaky little surprises—some annoying, some downright alarming.
Want to know more about what to expect? Learn more about body changes during pregnancy here.
Postpartum body changes
Where do I even begin?
The changes your body goes through after birth are next level. And yep, it’s totally normal to feel a bit (or a lot) overwhelmed by it all. Whether your recovery is smooth sailing or a bit bumpier, these changes can stick around for weeks, months, or even years.
No matter how your baby made their grand entrance—vaginally or via c-section—your body has been through the wringer. From pelvic floor muscles to abs, it all needs time, love, and rest. Here is the deal: your recovery deserves just as much attention as your newborn. You are not just a mum; you are the glue holding it all together, so do not forget about you.
Midwife Char’s Take on Postpartum Body Changes
Here’s what I have learned 10 years down the line:
Think of yourself like an athlete. You trained for nine months, did the marathon that is childbirth, and now your body needs a recovery period. Those stretch marks, scars, and other changes. They are your hard-earned medals—your “motherhood tattoos,” if you will.
I have my fair share of tiger stripes and thanks to PCOS, I battle weight gain and more facial hair than I would like to admit. But do you know what? I rock the bikini. I own it. These marks? They tell a story—one of strength, resilience, and love.
Recovery from Birth
Feeling overwhelmed? Of course, you are. Your body and mind have been through the wringer. Prioritising your recovery is not selfish; it’s necessary. You will heal faster, feel stronger, and settle into life with your baby more easily when you give yourself permission to rest and recover.
What’s Happening Down There?
Let us talk about your bits—because after giving birth, they’ve been through it and back. Here is what to expect:
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Blood loss (Lochia): Your body is doing a big clear-out—think blood, mucus, cells, and other fluids from your uterus. Vaginal bleeding can last up to six weeks, so stock up on pads (the big ones).
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Postpartum haemorrhoids: Yep, they’re not just for late pregnancy. Around 40% of us get these itchy, annoying little guys after birth. The good news? They usually disappear within a few weeks.
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Urinary incontinence: Sneezing, laughing, or even just moving too quickly might have you peeing a bit. It is called stress urinary incontinence, and it’s thanks to your pelvic floor taking one for the team. Pelvic floor exercises can help, and if not, there’s extra support available (sometimes even surgery).
Your body’s healing, and every weird or uncomfortable moment is a step closer to recovery. Be patient with it—it’s earned your love and care.
Let’s talk about the changes:
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Down there: Soreness, swelling, itching, blood loss (lochia)—it’s all part of the healing process. Haemorrhoids and urinary incontinence might join the party too. They’re not forever, but they’re real.
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Body: Stretch marks, scars, acne, swollen limbs, hair loss, varicose veins, excessive sweating—you name it, your body’s been through it.
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Mind: Mood swings, mental health shifts, and sheer exhaustion—motherhood is beautiful, but it’s a lot.
Adjusting to Your Postpartum Body
Step 1: Stop comparing yourself to others. Hit unfollow on accounts that make you feel like less. You are doing amazing, just as you are.
Step 2: Be kind to yourself. Eat the cake. Take the nap. Say “I’ve had enough” when you need to.
Step 3: Get outside. A 30-minute walk does wonders for your mind and body. Vitamin D, fresh air, and a bit of headspace—it is pure magic.
Step 4: Lean on your team. Talk to your partner, friends, family—anyone who will listen. And remember, we are here for you too. Whether it is a DM or a chat with your GP or health visitor, you’re not alone.
So, as January draws to a close – yes it seems to last 99 days; payday is a distant memory, and a 5-week month hurts financially too, but February is just around the corner, but these January days can be grey and cold, and the nights seem long with dusk just after teatime. Seasonal affective disorder where the mood and circadian rhythm struggle in winter, affects many more people than you think. Some longing for summer days or yearning to have better weather is a bit different from really hating every day, we would always recommend you see a HCP if your mood or mental health declines to the point where you feel you do not want to or struggle to get up out of bed, feed yourself or your baby or are having trouble sleeping.
