From the films of Georges Franju (Eyes without a Face) to Pedro Almodovar (The Skin I Live in), to the clever illustrations of Cecile Dormeau, the inexorable link between body image and identity has been approached from different perspectives. Always, however, the link is there; our identities are shaped by how we perceive our physical selves and vice-versa. Changing the body may not affect the essence of who we are, but it can cause confusion, a sense of lost control, and sometimes, unhappiness. These emotions are well understood by women suffering from postpartum body dissatisfaction. The body changes and so does the way we see ourselves.
Findings on Body Image and Postpartum Depression
Some moms find it relatively easy to get back into their skinny jeans, weeks after giving birth. For many others, however, this is not the case. It can take various months or years before they are content with their body image and for some, the struggle continues long-term. Research published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth indicates that confusion arises in four specific themes: ‘Fatness vs Pregnancy’, ‘Control: Nature vs. Self’, and Role: ‘Woman vs Mother’.
Steps to Take when Body Image is an Issue
It can be very difficult for women to come to terms with having body image issues after they have had their baby. It seems that everyone keeps telling them that this should be one of the happiest times of their lives, yet they may not necessarily feel that way. Today, many women are seeking quicker solutions than in the past, turning to plastic and aesthetic surgery for a ‘mommy makeover’. One mommy makeover surgeon in Scottsdale, for instance, offers various options for new moms – these include everything from Botox and laser skin resurfacing, to body contouring.
Others combine surgical and non-surgical solutions with exercise – thus the rise of mommy makeover bootcamps, which work on increasing strength and flexibility as well as restoring pre-baby cardiovascular fitness. When body dissatisfaction causes depression, anxiety or other mental conditions, it is important to seek professional help, since depression can not only affect a mother’s quality of life, but also the bond she develops with her baby. Therapists may suggest one of several therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and stress-busting holistic approaches such as yoga and even Tai Chi.
Whichever approach women take to counter body dissatisfaction, it is vital that they be supported by family and friends. Ultimately, we all have to be content with ‘the skin we live in’; the path we take to well-being is personal and inalienable.