Body Image after Baby: Managing expectations and being gentle with yourself

I’ve struggled with posting about this for a while now, but I think I’m finally ready. Since having my son, Coyote almost two-and-a-half years ago, I’ve really struggled to feel like myself, both emotionally and physically. From a negative body image, to adrenal fatigue, to hormones feeling all out of whack. I’ve done my best to research and try different variations of adaptogens, natural remedies, exercise and diet, but I can’t seem to shake the baby blues or get my body back to where I would like it. I haven’t wanted to share too much with my friends because I don’t want to complain, and I don’t want to dump on my fiancé, because I want him to think that I’m super mom and I have it all together:) Haha, yeah right, WTF!

My hair is super thin, I’m still 10 lbs. heavier than I’d like to be, I haven’t seen my abs in almost three years, and I’m still trying to figure out how to be a stay-at-home mom who also runs a successful business.

Comparison is such a tricky thing in this instagram age, and especially when you’re at home all day with a toddler, it’s super easy to get on there and start picking yourself apart and comparing yourself to other moms who seem to have it all figured out and put back together.

I’m going to be talking more about this because after two and a half years postpartum, I’m still dealing with all of it. I thought once I stopped breast feeding, everything would go back to normal, but that’s almost when I noticed my emotional health suffering more. Not sure if it’s hormones, lack of sleep still, adrenal fatigue or all of the above, but it’s been really hard. Some days are good, some days not so good. However, I’m super excited to share what I’m trying, what I’ve learned that’s been helping me, and start a conversation.

Below are a few things I’ve been trying that I think seem to help, (and please note, I am not a dr., nor am I offering these as medical advice, just some things I’ve researched on my own and have been trying out). I am very particular about ingredients and always air on the side of holistic treatment. I encourage you to research as much as you can and be your own advocate.

Keep in mind, I don’t take all of these every day, some have repetitive ingredients.

GENERAL SUPPLEMENTS: YIN POWDER, MUCUNA PURIENS, HEALTHY INNER BALANCE, ADRENAL SUPPORT (I got a great one from my naturopath)

FOR HAIR RE-GROWTH: SUPERFOOD BEAUTY MIX, SUPER HAIR

FOR SLEEP: MIGHTY NIGHT, REISHI POWDER, MAGNESI-OM, CHAMOMILE TEA

HOME EXERCISE: P.VOLVE (My metabolism has also been on the slow side, so I’ve been trying some fat burners): HEALTHY FAT BURNER, RIPPED ROOSTER

If you have any suggestions or tips that worked for you, I would love to hear them:) Please comment with anything that you swear by or just share your story, I’d love to hear from you!