Re-Learning Self Love During Pregnancy

Happy Valentines Week! I can’t believe we’re already approaching Valentine’s celebrations in 2021. So for me, Valentine’s Day is a lot of fun. I get to do something cutesy for my husband and it’s an excellent reminder about how we can use the holiday of love to celebrate the most important love of all: Self Love. Until we don’t love ourselves, we won’t be able to give love or receive love from others. But that was last year’s Valentine’s post. Check it out! For me, this year, self love during Valentine’s Day has taken on a whole other meaning with my pregnancy. Learning to love and celebrate my pregnancy body has been a beautiful self love journey that I’ve learned a lot from. So check out my experience below and hopefully they help you or your loved one!

Celebrating a Miracle: I am growing a human. Not everyone can do that, and that in itself is a miracle. My body is able to grow a beautiful human being that will come into this world. How cool is that? I remember going to my first ultrasound and being utterly amazed at what my body can do.

Not Even Thinking About Weight: Even before pregnancy I never bothered with going on the weighing scale. I focused more on how I felt in my skin and my clothes, and that worked for me. In pregnancy, I still stand by this, and I don’t bother with the scale. I know my body is going to change, and I don’t need a number to tell me that. That is a part of my body’s process to grow a healthy baby. Despite being weighed at my prenatal appointments, I still don’t pay attention to the number. Focusing on the number is a waste of energy, it causes it stress, which is not at all good for me or my baby.

Dressing the Bump: I am a firm believer in dressing in whatever makes you feel good about yourself. With a pregnant body, dressing the bump has been really fun. Whether it is opting to splurge on maternity wear or going for an oversize look, I loved using this time to have enjoy the fashion because when I knew I looked good, I felt good. I find that wearing clothes to flatter the bump really boosted my mood and it still makes me feel good about myself.

Expressing Gratitude: There’s a lot happening, so it’s normal get anxious and curious. However, to manage anxiety, expressing gratitude really helped me. It shifts my mindset, and keeps me positive and happy. Ultimately, those happy vibes are going to my baby.

Avoiding Comparison: Worst that anyone can do is compare ourselves to others. Every woman, every body, and every baby is different so your pregnancy journey is uniquely YOURS, and mine is uniquely mine! My body is doing exactly what it needs to grow this beautiful miracle inside of you. So irregardless of what Instagram says, remember one thing, you are uniquely you and I am uniquely me.

Treating Myself: Finally, I learned to give myself as much love and care as possible. I love your body with movement, eat well with yummy food, make time to do activities you love, and surround yourself with positive people. Do whatever it takes to love yourself as you enjoy the rest of your pregnancy journey!

In the end, celebrating our bodies during pregnancy comes down to loving ourselves for what we can do. So for this Valentine’s Day, give and get a little love! Whether it’s for yourself, your partner, your family or your friends: Happy Valentine’s 2021!