Ch-ch-changes
Other than the emotional and logistical changes that come with birthing live young (I love describing it like that, particularly around squeamish dudes), there are some major physical changes that are continuing to boggle my mind.
(Don’t worry, I’m not talking about any of THOSE changes. I had a C-section, remember? Hi, Dad!)
1. Feet
My feet are a full half-size bigger. During pregnancy, I only experienced a couple instances of swelling in my feet, and those lasted a few hours at most. But ever since several pairs of my shoes are noticeably tighter.
2. Boobage (Hello again, Dad!)
I was a 34D when I got pregnant. I wore a 34DD while pregnant. I was a staggering 34E while nursing. Now I am some unquantifiable size that left three (THREE) Victoria’s Secret employees scratching their heads before recommending specialty shops. And it’s not even that I’m huge up top anymore. I’m just odd.
3. Skin
Uggggggh THE SKIN. I had finally, FINALLY found something that worked while I was pregnant: Cetaphil. It was glorious and gentle and wonderful. And things were good for a while, but as soon as I stopped nursing, BLAMO. Pubescent skin that is immune to all products. I’m trying Philosophy’s On A Clear Day kit (which is apparently made of gold, judging by the price tag - thank you, Christmas money), and things are vaguely under control. I hear tell that I have to give it a few weeks to get things balanced out. If it doesn’t work, I will write a letter, don’t think I won’t. You don’t make promises to acne-sufferers and not deliver; it’s heartless and wrong.
4. Mah bones
JR was over 10 pounds. So that means I carried a 10 pound thing in my belly. Consequently, my hips are completely jacked up. I can’t lie in any position for very long without it hurting. And, lord, if I’m lying on my side, I require help to lift my leg so I can roll over.
5. Hair
I didn’t shed much while I was pregnant, and I had heard that all of that glorious pregnancy hair falls out after the baby is born. Well, mine didn’t fall out until I stopped nursing. And then my hair suddenly became wavy. I hear it will get wavier with each pregnancy.
I’d love to hear about what freaky stuff you went through because I think biology is weird/awesome. Do share…
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I have to say I envy just a bit your growth on top, for lack of other descriptors. I actually shrank after nursing, to a size smaller than pre-pregnancy — which is amazing, because I was small to begin with. Maybe with the next baby… here’s to hoping!
I think I’ve finally stopped shedding like a dog in summer.
As for skin, mine was constantly changing. The past 9 months or so has been fine, though. I stopped nursing about 7 months ago. If you want some skin care samples, I’d be happy to send some your way!
About 3-4 months post-partum, I started shedding like crazy. Thank goodness that has since stopped. And this is sort of related: The other day when I was sick, the stomach pains were reminding me of (early) labor pains….need I say more.
I didn’t shed until after my first child. He’s 6 now, and it’s still obnoxious. Thank goodness the hair grows as fast as it falls out.
And yes, your hair gets curlier with each child. My hair is fine and was stick-straight before my first. Now, I have curls and waves, if I don’t blow them out. It’s an awesome side-effect.
I’m in the hair falling out phase right now.
For the sake of you considering having a second child I hardly want to tell you all the bad things that have happened to my body the second time around. Let’s just say its looking like plastic surgery in my future!
me (after having 2 babies and no hair cut for approximately 6 months–awesome): I just need something that will make my hair look a little more “together,” you know, like a style.
hair lady (who, btw, left the shop w/o telling me, thanks.): well, i think this cut will go really well with your natural wave.
me: i don’t have natural wave. i’m sorry, you must be thinking of someone else.
hair lady: yes, yes you do.
me: hmm, perhaps that explains a bit of my problem with the hair tamelessness. interesting. what do i do with natural wave????
so yes, after being pregnant, i got two babies and wavy hair.
in other news, please forward all skin product research along to me.