Embracing your new body shape

Christina — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:10:39 +0000

I’m not sure if it was pregnancy, or aging, or probably both, but over the last 3 years, my body has changed. I’ve got chicken wings, my boobs have gone down a size, and while I’m now slightly smaller than I was pre-pregnancy, my waist is still 2 inches larger than it used to be. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks reading books and surfing the web, trying to discover how to dress best for the new me.

I’ve never fit into the standard Apple-Hourglass-Rectangle way of describing body shapes, so I usually just try to piece together various suggestions based on specific body parts. Then, a couple weeks ago, friend and fellow MWW author Janda lent me The Body Shape Bible: Forget Your Size Discover Your Shape Transform Yourself.

It’s written by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine, hosts of the British series “What Not to Wear.” If you’ve seen their show, you have an idea of what to expect from this book. If you’ve seen the American show, think of a somewhat more crass and outspoken version of Stacy and Clinton.

Instead of the usual 3 or 4 body types, this book has 12. I didn’t immediately identify with any of the categories (and was a little confused about why the bowling pin shape was called a Skittle), but after reading the introduction and several of the body types that I thought were closest, I settled on Brick. I hesitated at first, because Bricks are described as having broad shoulders, smaller breasts, a slight waist, narrow hips, big thighs, and no butt. While I fit the rest, I most definitely have a butt. In the intro, Trinny and Susannah explain that you should go with the type the fits best, even if you’re missing one or two of the descriptors. After reading through their clothing suggestion a couple times, I was sure this was me. All their suggestions, empire waist tops, flowy skirts and pants, were things I knew looked flattering on me.

Now this book is being passed around among my group of friends and we’re all discovering that motherhood has given us new shapes and we were often judging our new bodies against the standards of our old ones. I may never get back to my old waist size, but that’s no reason to not feel sexy and attractive. Think of what those extra couple of inches or pounds represent in our lives. Sure it would be great to have a smaller waist, thinner arms, bigger boobs, and my son, but I’m happy to embrace my new body and recognize the amazing thing it’s done: brought a beautiful, loving child into my life.

I won’t be wearing baggy, unflattering outfits to hide my new body anymore. Instead I’ll dress to flatter the shape I am now.

Has your body changed with motherhood? Has it affected your body image?

Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Christina — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:51:20 +0000

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so here’s a reminder to get yourself screened for breast cancer. All women should have their risk of breast cancer assessed by their physician. Those of normal risk who are under 40 should have a clinical breast exam done at least every three years by your doctor. If you’re over 40, you should have a mammagram done every 1–2 years.

You may also want to perform monthly breast self-examinations. Doing them hasn’t been proven to increase early detection,* but it’s good to be aware of your body and changes it undergoes. There’s a good Breast Self-Exam Instructional tool (available in English, Spanish, and Hindi) on the Susan G Koman for the Cure site. For German speakers, here is a very thorough and informative text on breast cancer from the German Cancer Research Center.

Note that if you are lactating, you should perform the self-exam after a breastfeeding session when your breasts are emptied.

* Clinical breast exams have not been proven to increase early detection either, mammagrams are the most effective means of early detection, so be sure to get them done regularly once you reach 40, or earlier if you are at higher risk for breast cancer.

Mamas Worldwide » Health

Embracing your new body shape

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Early Detection of Breast Cancer

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