I've blogged before about my struggles with a post-baby body. Even though that was in February and my son is now 6 months old, I continue to have body image issues. The tradeoff is worth it, but it's still hard for me to accept that my body will probably never again look like it did before I had 2 children. One area that's particularly frustrating is my belly. And judging from comments and questions I see on SparkPeople's Message Boards, I'm not alone. Every day there are lots of people (mostly women) asking how they can flatten their tummies. Many have had children, but some haven't. Most aren't expecting a 6-pack, but they would like to be able to button their jeans without the "muffin top" coming out over the top of the pants. I would put myself into this category. Two health educators have started a blog called The Belly Project. The idea is to help women gain more self-acceptance of their bodies (specifically, bellies) by sharing anonymous pictures for the whole world to see. The pictures of their bellies are accompanied by information about them (age, and number of pregnancies, miscarriages and abortions they have had). When the project began, the originators asked family and friends to show their bellies and pose for the camera. Many were hesitant, but as soon as they saw some of the other pictures already posted, they felt more at ease. For some reason, I'm fascinated with these pictures. Maybe it comes from my fixation on my own belly, but it's nice to see that bellies come in all shapes and sizes. I can identify with some of them more than others (because they look more or less like me), but in the end, everyone is unique and no two bellies look exactly the same. So instead of being upset that I don't have the abs of a fitness model, maybe it's time to embrace my belly for what it is- my own. I think I'm also fascinated because I'm not used to seeing what real women's bellies look like. We've become so accustomed to the airbrushed and Photoshopped pictures on the covers of magazines, that it's easy to forget those images aren't real. Stretch marks, loose skin, some extra weight--that's what the average woman really looks like. It's no wonder we feel bad about ourselves. What do you think? Is your belly a source of frustration for you? Does The Belly Project help you embrace the uniqueness of your body?
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It takes a lot of work Report
I just know for myself that I am going to continue to work hard to attain a belly that makes me happy and comfortable in my clothing. I know it will never look the way it did when I was in my 20s, but I will be healthy and that is all that matters! Report
I would recommend this show to any woman who wants to glean tips and tricks for dressing your best and gaining an appreciation for your body just the way it is. Report
Many years ago I too was burdened with "childbirth" skin that torments me to this day (some 40 years ago).
No, for me accepting it was never an option and never will be.
As for dealing with it,exercise does help and depending on where you are on the age ladder you can tighten up things.
As an older woman my advise to have it surgically removed if you plan NOT to be birthing again. : )
Again, I am so happy to see this issue being given the attention it should.
-shoreido- @ SparkPeople.com. Report
I don't carry weight on my stomach; rather my thighs and butt.
I also see a lot of naked women in the changing rooms at the gym and swimming pool and most of them don't look anything like what is shown on that blog...
So; nope...don't find it inspiring in the slightest!
I think it would be wiser if everyone stopped trying to pretend anyone finds average inspiring...reassuring, sure; but inspiring people are the ones we either wish we could be or set our minds to be more like...
Looking at shots of average bodies does very little for most people's self esteem and just creates more unnecessary comparison in my humble opinion... Report
We sacrifice our appearance for the kid, but why dwell on it, other than having hormones take over emotions. Pregnant women are beautiful. No question about it. Report