- The Bump and Beyond
- Posts
- đź’› Wellness Wednesday
đź’› Wellness Wednesday
“I Don’t Recognize My Body Anymore...”

Hey Beautiful! How are things coming along in your pregnancy? Getting big yet?
Let’s talk about it.
When I was pregnant with my first baby, I remember going to my best friend’s wedding, maybe 25 weeks in, and her new mother-in-law said,
“My GOD, you are SO BIG!!!”
She wouldn’t stop. Someone else changed the subject and she kept coming back to it. It was so annoying! lol
Luckily, someone at the wedding let me know she was an odd one and fat-shamed multiple people at that wedding. So I knew not to let it get to me.
But it got me thinking…how big was I?
My jeans didn’t fit.
My boobs had somehow become the size of small planets.
And my skin—once predictably dry—was now glowy in some places, broken out in others, and itchy everywhere.
And this was before the feet swelling started.
I had always thought I’d love my bump. I mean, that’s what people said, right? “You’ll feel so beautiful while pregnant!”
But in reality?
I had days where I loved it—when I rubbed my belly and imagined my baby listening, growing, moving.
And I had days when I grieved my old body. The one I felt at home in. The one I understood.
So if that’s you right now?
Just know you’re not vain, or ungrateful, or failing at this.
You’re human.
And your body is changing faster than your brain can catch up.
You Can Love Your Baby and Miss Your Old Self
One of the biggest myths about pregnancy is that you're supposed to love every moment of it—especially the physical changes.
But here’s the truth no one tells you:
It’s okay if you don’t.
It’s okay if you’re not taking mirror selfies every week.
It’s okay if you mourn your flat stomach or your control over what size you wear.
It’s okay if watching your body expand feels disorienting.
You can love your baby with every ounce of your being… and still have complicated feelings about your reflection.
Both can be true.
You are allowed to hold both.
What Helped Me Reconnect With My Body
On the days I struggled most with my changing shape, here are a few things that genuinely helped:
đź’› Affirmations that spoke truth to the lies in my head.
From my book, here’s one that always grounded me:
“I know the changes in my body are to create and nurture a new life.”
Another favorite:
“My body knows what to do each day of this pregnancy.”
Repeat them out loud, even if you don’t believe them yet.
That belief builds. It did for me.
đź’› Wearing clothes that fit this version of me.
Maternity leggings? That was a yes.
Stretchy tanks? Yes.
Buying a new dress in a bigger size just so I could feel good for a date night? Yep!
This isn’t about “giving up” on your old size.
It’s about honoring the body you’re in today.
💛 Taking photos even when I didn’t feel cute.
Some of the pictures I took when I felt the worst?
I look back at them now in awe. I was growing a whole person.
That’s sacred work—even if you don’t feel glowy when you’re doing it.
If No One’s Told You This Yet Today:
You are not “letting yourself go.”
You are becoming.
You are doing one of the most powerful things a human body can do.
And the physical changes you see in the mirror?
They’re not evidence of losing yourself.
They’re proof of your strength, your stretch, your capacity to create life.
So be gentle.
Speak kindly.
And remember—this version of you deserves your love, too.
All my love, mama,
Naomi
🎧Need a little calm in your earbuds?🎧
I’ve got something special for you.
If you’d love to listen to Positive Affirmations for a Joyful and Stress-Free Pregnancy and Birth—whether you're resting, nesting, or just trying to survive your commute—I'm giving away free audiobook copies to my readers.
![]() | All you have to do is reply to this email, let me know if you need a US or UK code, and I’ll send one your way personally.My only request? Once you’ve had a listen, leave an honest review. |
It’s a huge help for other moms searching for the support they need—and your feedback truly means the world to me.
You got this mama,
Naomi
Receive Honest News Today
Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.