Health - Fitness

Body Confidence Quiz: How Do You View Your Body?

Learn how you measure up in the confidence department

By Baby Name Tool Data Set
 
See Also
The Plan Starts Here: 3 Months to Looking and Feeling Great - Parenting.com
Love Your New Mom Body Weight Loss Plan - Parenting.com
Look 10 lbs. lighter -- by changing your clothes! - Parenting.com
Lose without stress or starvation - Parenting.com
My husband wants me to end my gym membership because I don’t go. But I’ll never get started if it’s canceled. Should I give up on my dream of losing the baby weight? - Parenting.com
Top 10 Diet and Exercise Articles - Parenting.com


Total your A, B, and C answers

Mostly A's: Feeling Groovy
It seems like you are adjusting quite well to all of the changes your body has gone through, and you have a healthy perspective on what's important in life right now: experiencing the joy of your new baby without losing sight of who you are as an individual. When your doctor gives permission, have fun getting back into the exercises you love. Continue to take good care of yourself, keep on feeling good about your body and your life…and enjoy!

Mostly B's: Making Progress
Having a baby is hard on your body, and it can be tough on your self-esteem, too. It sounds like you may need a little extra attention right now. Go out of your way to obtain support from family and friends. Talk to other moms, or start a journal about your feelings relating to your body and motherhood. Sometimes women unconsciously punish their body as a way of coping with other more complicated problems. Could you be overeating in response to feeling isolated? Are you trying to diet away your new-mom insecurities? The more you know about your true feelings and desires, the more successful you can be when you decide to make some changes. Once you are ready to resume (or start!) your exercise routine, be sure to listen to your body. Don't push too hard too fast, and try to keep balance between workouts and relaxation.

Mostly C's: Time for Some TLC
You could be experiencing the body-image blues. But, remember, negative self-talk doesn't help anyone. "An old monk said, 'When you judge yourself, you break your heart,'" says life coach Barbara Sher. You will be more successful and have higher self-esteem if you nurture, encourage, and respect yourself. You may also want to consider adding professional counseling to your self-care routine and to watch out for the ever-so-common problem of postpartum depression. For extra support, there's always the web—definitely consider logging on to the Love Your New Mom Body message boards at Parenting.com/babytalk to connect with other women. Be watchful when you return to exercising: Obviously, one of the great boons of working out is that it can improve your outlook. But if you are frustrated with your body, you only add stress and risk overdoing it (or not doing it at all). Life is a marathon, not a sprint, and with a little determination, you will reach your goal!

Plus:

 Learn more at Love Your New-Mom Body


< PREV 1
2


PRINT
Quick Poll

Adult toys in the bedroom -- a do or a don't?

Yes, yes, yes!
Sure, in theory, but I'd be too embarrassed!
No way. We're lovers not porn-stars.


ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

20 Mom Tattoos

You asked for them! 20 more inked-up mamas, Parenting readers, and staff members and the personal stories behind their skin art

promotion
 
Birthday Parties

31 Amazing Birthday Cakes

Blog: The Split

Evie: "Should I think about dating? I know there's no exactly right or wrong answer, but I'm wondering: Can you be separated and single at the same time?" Updated frequently.

Blog: Family Budget Boot Camp

Denene at My Brown Baby: "Even if Angelina wanted to find new ways to care for and style her African baby girl's hair, surely, she'd be at a loss, 'cause I sure am. And so we are left to our own devices. Black child hair care ain't easy." Updated Frequently!

Toys of the Year

We're giving away over $900 worth of the best toys! Enter BOTH giveaways once a day until December 14
Facebook

Overheard on Facebook

Donna: "I also got pregnant while planning my wedding. She was four months old when we said I do and I wouldn't have had it any other way :)"