bellybandit | INSTAGRAM | SEP 23

@stephanielindaparadiso👉"I debated posting this, but decided to do it anyway because I KNOW it will help someone struggling with body image during pregnancy right now. ⁣ ⁣ So, let’s talk about it. Honestly. ⁣ ⁣ Let me preface this by saying I am so NOT the expert. I am learning and overcoming obstacles every day when it comes to healthy body image. It’s an ongoing process for SO many of us. The changes our bodies go through while pregnant can make that process harder. ⁣ ⁣ During my first pregnancy, I gained about 50 pounds. This pregnancy I am around 40. So not a tremendous difference. I truly think this is just what my body does when making a baby! But the first time around the way I looked was so hard for me to deal with. I felt sad and I eventually “gave up” on trying to feel good about myself. ⁣ ⁣ I hated the way I looked. So why dress cute? Why do my hair? Why wear makeup? WHY wash my face?! Oh man, did I go down a rabbit hole. ⁣ ⁣ I SWORE to myself I would change my mindset this pregnancy. I would NOT allow my negative thoughts about my body to consume me. This is much easier said than done, but I can tell you that my desire to stay positive made a HUGE difference in the way I felt. ⁣ ⁣ Here are some things I remind myself of on a regular basis to combat any negative thoughts about the way I look right now: ⁣ ⁣ *My body is creating another human life. It’s hard work and of course, it has to change in order to do that! ⁣ *A lot of weight gain is BABY. Fluids. Placenta. Extra blood. It’s not necessarily “true” weight gain. It’s temporary. ⁣ *You don’t need to adhere to ANYONE'S standards of what a pregnant woman “should” look like. You are unique and your body will process each change in its OWN way. Don’t compare yourself to someone else! ⁣ ⁣ Bottom line… It can be hard to accept your body changing BECAUSE YOU ARE HUMAN. Don’t beat yourself up! Read those reminders above as often as you need to. Write down your OWN reminders and affirmations. You are doing the best you can each and every day! ⁣ ⁣ Tag a mama friend who you think needs to hear this! ⁣ ⁣ And feel free to share your own personal experience in the comments if you feel comfortable."