https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 11 May 2026 20:18:03 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/post-pregnancy-tummy#post-2922946 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 11:59:16 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2922946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had twins 15 months ago. I am down to my pre pregnancy weight and fitness level, but I have loose wrinkly skin on my stomach that isn’t going away. I hoped it would get better with time, but the skin was stretched so much, that I finally realize it’s here to stay. </p> <p>I know I should be proud of my body and all it has done for me, and I am in many ways, but I am seriously hung up on the loose skin. It makes me feel incredibly insecure in the bedroom, and I’ll never feel comfortable wearing a bikini again. Lately I have been considering getting a tummy tuck when my twins are 3 or 4. Part of me feels so incredibly shallow and selfish for even considering it, but the other part of me just wants to feel confident again. I want to accept my skin, but every time I shower, get dressed, have sex, etc. I’m stuck staring at something I hate seeing. I think my “lack of control” over changing it is driving me crazy. </p> <p>Have you ever considered a tummy tuck? Has anyone had one that is willing to share?Or does anyone have advice on accepting/loving postpartum changes? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/chin-hairs#post-2909812 Sat, 08 Feb 2020 08:21:07 +0000 meadow 2909812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So apparently I've hit *that* point in my life. Starting to notice dark brown chin hairs!!!</p> <p>What do you do? I dont want to pluck them &amp; have coarse hairs grow...that would be worse!</p> <p>I'm not super vain.....but I already bleach or wax my upper lip (bleach most often) so I dont look manly! Haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hormonal-acne#post-2906956 Wed, 25 Dec 2019 09:28:54 +0000 meadow 2906956@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Who else has hormonal/cystic acne?</p> <p>My teen years were nothing....then 20s &amp; 30s acne is ever present. It was better during pregnancy /nursing but that's it. I'm so over haveing huge zits (using 3 or 4 monstrosities at a time) for 3 weeks out of every 4.......</p> <p>Any tips/tricks other than going on BC? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-you-think-about-your-weight#post-2868706 Fri, 25 Jan 2019 08:18:32 +0000 erinbaderin 2868706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I spend a lot of time thinking about my weight, and policing myself, and I'm so tired of it but I don't know how to stop. I feel like every day is a running thread of "I should go to the gym, ugh, I don't feel like it, well if you're not going to go to the gym you really shouldn't get a chai latte, but I really want one, but that's an extra 200 calories -" and on and on and on.</p> <p>I suspect part of it is how I was raised - my mom was (and is) constantly going on diets and going "Ugh, I'm so fat" (and my mom is not fat), and talking about her weight. They still do it in front of my boys and it makes me crazy: "Oh no, Nana can't eat that, she's already too fat" "Oh, Santa eats all the cookies and that's why he has a big fat tummy". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/itty-bitty-titty-committee-need-aa-bra-advice#post-2851164 Sun, 14 Oct 2018 13:03:18 +0000 Amorini 2851164@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey! We had a post not long ago about plastic surgery and some of us mentioned our post-weaning natural boob reductions. Hoping that the Itty Bitty Titty Committee can convene to help a fellow member out. :wink: </p> <p>I was an A before so I am surely a AA now. I would like to figure out if I can live with these boobs, but I need some bra help. I’m tall and thin especially on top. I used to have a long distance runner-body but I’m a bit pear-shaped especially because of the boob situation. Right now I’m bashful to even look at myself in the mirror because I look like a 12 year-old so I’m a little down on myself. :meh: Admittedly I have been focused elsewhere than my body since DS was born, but I’d like to see if taking care of my whole body helps me feel better about my post-pregnancy shape. I am hoping new bras and exercise/toning might make these boobs/body feel more proportioned. I literally just need a bra so I don’t have full-time headlights and so that I fit my clothes better. I have heard Target and mentioned, but just looking for any brand names, specific bras or any other advice! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-had-or-considered-having-plastic-surgery#post-2848198 Sun, 30 Sep 2018 12:43:01 +0000 autumn865 2848198@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven’t posted in awhile, but I’m lacking “real life” input so looking for some people and experiences here! I have always had small breasts (small B) but after two kids and breastfeeding they are now even smaller (small A) so I am considering having a breast augmentation. My overall goals are just to have some cleavage, to fill out a bra/ bathing suit and look natural to my body frame. Plastic surgery )in my area at least) isn’t something people talk freely about so I’m just looking for input and the experiences of other moms out there who have had a breast augmentation or other plastic surgery. Thanks in advance :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-did-you-prevent-or-fade-stretch-marks#post-2840235 Thu, 16 Aug 2018 21:42:06 +0000 cake2017 2840235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any tips would be appreciated! I know they probably won’t disappear completely. What products did you use during, after pregnancy?! Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/opp-as-in-naughty-by-natures-song#post-2828187 Wed, 13 Jun 2018 13:26:20 +0000 Ajsmommy 2828187@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Or nudity..... There have been posts about this in the past but I was wondering what everyone's takes on it were now. Reading over the older posts I saw a lot of hard cut off ages and also a lot of differences for mother/son vs mother/daughter and father/daughter vs father/son...</p> <p>I'm talking parental nudity with your own kids. Do you feel there is a certain age or time frame that you should stop being naked in front of your kids? Is there a certain age you think kids should stop being naked in front of their parents or siblings?</p> <p>This is a tough call for me. I am very comfortable in my body and with my own nudity. Not that I am prancing around the house naked but I do tend to be naked for a bit while getting ready or after getting out of the shower or when changing after work and I do not shy away from being in front of my kids when naked. Of course my kids are young....... I grew up in a NOT naked house and I know my mom had/has body issues and I suspect that is why she wasn't naked around us ever. </p> <p>I am fine with being naked around my kids until they voice an objection. I don't want them to think there is anything wrong with being naked or with the human body. </p> <p>DD prefers to sleep naked and is quite comfortable and free. I'd like to keep it that way and teach her that the human body is beautiful and natural. She has asked some questions that I've answered truthfully and honestly and it's no big deal.</p> <p>In some of the older posts there were age limits and also comments like "I saw my mom naked and it scarred me" I hope to avoid that with my kids..... I think that this might be something that naturally evolves as my kids get older and boundaries change</p> <p>ETA: I don't think I'll approach it any differently with my son vs my daughter either.... I'll try to be aware of both of their changing boundaries and hopefully accommodate them as much as possible.</p> <p>What say you?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-could-choose-how-tall-would-you-be#post-2720565 Wed, 05 Apr 2017 21:53:48 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2720565@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hear people say they want to be taller, or tall women wishing they were shorter. I don't hear many who are content with their height! </p> <p>I'm 5'8 and love my height, so I'd stay the same, or maybe add an inch. </p> <p>What is your ideal height? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-shrink-tummy-after-children-any-tips-or-success-stories#post-2644159 Fri, 28 Oct 2016 06:32:30 +0000 Cherrybee 2644159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been overweight ever since I moved in with DH 7yrs ago, and tipped into the obese category between my pregnancies. </p> <p>I didn't gain any weight when I was pregnant with S and I have lost 14lb and dropped two dress sizes since having her. But my tummy is still big - read: I look 5 months pregnant. It's like I'm losing weight everywhere except there. </p> <p>I still have 10lb ish to lose until I'm happy with my weight, but I know that this will come off all over.... Is there any way to target the tum area? Any specific exercises I can do to shrink it down? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-people-ever-ask-if-youre-pregnant#post-2618116 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 15:45:03 +0000 matador84 2618116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>...and you're NOT?! </p> <p>I get asked this CONSTANTLY. Like it is mind blowing to me. I guess I just look THAT pregnant where people feel free to ask. Normally it comes in the form of "are you having a girl or a boy?" or "do you know what you're having?"</p> <p>Now I'll just vent: Someone had the gall to ask me at a meeting this morning, not even privately, in front of other co-workers. "Are you pregnant?" Me: "No." "Oh, that's crazy, I heard that you were having a girl."</p> <p>Yesterday someone told me that I was the subject of a group text earlier this summer on whether I was pregnant or not.</p> <p>It happens all the time. I'm not the type to get offended easily, and usually laugh about my "food baby" but it's getting so old! I'm not even overweight, but I guess my gut just naturally kind of sticks out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/complexion-after-pregnancy#post-2470226 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 14:38:52 +0000 sweetooth 2470226@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've spent a good portion of the last three years being pregnant two separate times. And my favorite part about pregnancy? My complexion. It's actually one of the first symptoms that I noticed and was so thankful for. The majority of my life I have dealt with a terrible complexion. I wish I could bottle up whatever "hormonal balance" is in play in my body during pregnancy and slather it all over my face for the rest of my life.</p> <p>I'm in the process of weaning off breastfeeding. I anticipate going for another month. But I'm wondering, is that what's making my skin a wreck? The hormones from all of that? Is it just everything that's been dormant in my body for three years coming to the surface?</p> <p>I know I probably need to consider getting into a dermatologist. But it feels pointless when I'm still breastfeeding.</p> <p>Anyone else have terrible skin (primarily on your face) after pregnancy? What did you do to clear up your skin? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bf-moms-with-big-boobies#post-2452394 Sat, 06 Feb 2016 23:02:19 +0000 schubr03 2452394@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a large chest (32j) that I got in my early 20s (thanks birth control!). My chest has only grown since I have been breastfeeding. If your boobs grew while BF, did they get smaller when you stopped BF? Did they go back to where they were before you were pregnant? Stay bigger than before, but smaller than while BF? Or stay the same as when you were BF? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/have-you-ever-been-surprised-by-a-professional-bra-fitting#post-2453045 Sun, 07 Feb 2016 21:39:34 +0000 Astro Bee 2453045@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wasn't sure if this should go in Body Image or Shopping...</p> <p>But I was trying on sports bras today at VS and decided I should get checked. Pre-pregnancy I was (or thought I was 34B), during pregnancy I got fitted again and was a 34D (then I just used a band expander as my rib cage expanded until the end). A couple of weeks PP, I got fitted again and was told 34D. I don't feel like I've changed any, but I guess my rib cage has shrunk (finally!), because I was told 32DD to 32DDD, depending on the bra. I didn't even know that I could get those sizes! I'm still nursing, so I know it will all change again once we are done. I wonder where I'll end up. I've always been small-busted, but with a more curvy derrière. Now I feel like a pin-up doll! (Albeit one wearing baby food and crazy hair - LO loves pulling on my hair lately!)</p> <p>Has anyone else been surprised/shocked at how your bust and rib cage has changed with pregnancy and nursing and beyond? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-you-self-conscious-about#post-2397992 Wed, 23 Dec 2015 09:38:54 +0000 BandDmommy 2397992@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What are you self conscious about?</p> <p>For me, it's my smile. I had perfect teeth until 2 days before my wedding, I fell and broke my front tooth. I ended up having to get a root canal and the tooth has been discolored ever since. Once I have my final baby I'm getting the tooth whitened. But I actually avoid smiling because of this... :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/are-you-self-conscious-about-your-looks#post-1114540 Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:21:34 +0000 banana 1114540@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used to be self conscious about my looks but after having kids, I could really care less! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/will-you-consider-plastic-surgery-after-you-are-done-having-kids#post-2182472 Mon, 18 May 2015 23:51:03 +0000 mrscobee 2182472@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Half way through pregnancy with LO 1. My breasts are changing soooo much. I can only imagine what they'll look like after one or two more. I will seriously consider a lift and nipple reconstruction after I'm done with kids. I don't have a problem with plastic surgery if it is something that makes you feel better about yourself. Will you be considering cosmetic surgery after you are done having kids? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/green-eyes#post-2370147 Wed, 25 Nov 2015 19:24:42 +0000 Mrs. D 2370147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My WHOLE life, my eyes have changed colours. I've commented on it several timess when people ask what colour they are, always saying I didn't know what colour they were. </p> <p>It was only because of a random facebook post about eye colours that I learned that green eyes change colour, so I'm not weird afterall! Why didn't someone tell me this before? I"m 36, I wish I knew this years ago, lol.</p> <p>Did you know this? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-you-suspected-an-eating-disorder#post-2302070 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 10:56:04 +0000 .twist. 2302070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our office shares a floor with one other, smaller, office. The women's and men's bathrooms are shared by our two offices. </p> <p>This has been going on for approx. 4 months, where I will going in the bathroom after someone else, and in one particular stall it will wreak of vomit. Morning &amp; after lunch are prime times for this, I've observed. </p> <p>At first, I didn't really think anything of it, a night out and a morning of hang overs, or maybe a pregnancy (we all know how that goes). But, it only seems to be getting worse. </p> <p>Then, the other day, right after lunch I saw one of the ladies in the other office come out of the bathroom and hurry back into their door. I went in and went to that stall (it's "mine" so to speak. lol) and the smell of vomit was SO strong, and I could see ... chunks, that I couldn't pee in there. I kind of kept thinking it might be a pregnancy. </p> <p>I went to one of my co-workers to ask if she'd noticed the smell and she says that she hasn't. I told her that I believe it was the one blonde girl that works there and my co-worker (who's much more social than me and has talked to the girls there) said that the blonde was a fitness trainer on the side and that from their chats, body image is super important to this girl. </p> <p>So, the more I think about it the more I worry that this girl is purging. </p> <p>I kind of realize that it's none of my business, but I am worried about her? What would you do? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/happy-mothers-day-to-me-1#post-2173302 Sun, 10 May 2015 09:06:06 +0000 knittylady 2173302@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Was just grocery shopping (alone!) and a woman came up to me said she was a midwife and asked how far along I am. </p> <p>I let her know I was actually postpartum and they she apologized and asked how old the little one was. 8 months. I'm 8 months postpartum not pregnant. </p> <p>This was a serious kick me while I'm down because of how low I've been feeling about my post baby body. Writing this out in the parking lot trying not to cry. Words of encouragement and stupid stranger bashing wanted. :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-you-be-obese-16weeks-pregnant-and-a-good-looking-bridesmaid#post-2167832 Tue, 05 May 2015 13:47:23 +0000 MrsH73 2167832@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am sooooo excited to be pregnant! It's unreal!<br /> However my sisters getting married in August and I'm a,ready obese. The dress has even chosen - knee length, bare arms. Hugs under the boobs.<br /> I'm not allowed a shawl/cardigan.<br /> Can I look good? I am so petrified! The bride and bridesmaid are stunning.<br /> Stupid question probably! I should maybe grow a pair but it haunts me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/this-article-rofl#post-2127154 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 16:40:16 +0000 stiletto_mom 2127154@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/unrecognizable-post-baby-parts/" rel="nofollow">http://www.scarymommy.com/unrecognizable-post-baby-parts/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-honest-discussion-about-weightbody-imagehealth-35#post-2089892 Sat, 28 Feb 2015 22:59:56 +0000 lizzywiz 2089892@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First, let me clear up that my intention is not to talk about giving it all up in the name of self realization nor trying to tuck it all in until they pry our metabolife from our cold, dead hands.<br /> I just want to talk about some of our experiences, tips and angst regarding motherhood, aging and trying to maintain a semblance of our physical selves.<br /> For me, this issue comes with baggage. Weight loss rules supreme in my large, matriarchal family. My mom, 64, uses protein shakes and cigarettes to stay trim. My aunt has laxative induced encopresis. I have been fat and skinny, with my extended family vastly preferring skinny regardless of the process.<br /> My husband is amazing in this regard and could care less.<br /> That being said, my experience is that I gained weight more easily 35+ and have a harder time losing it. I have great cardiovascular stamina and just did 100 squats easy today, but my figure isn’t what it used to be. I have been increasing my work outs but it is not enough. I am going to have to commit to a bit of life long calorie restriction or accept being about 10 pounds over my ideal weight (as noted by insurance/ bmi/ etc.)<br /> I’m on the fence regarding which direction I will go. I am not going to ‘diet’ for the next 40 years. But, gaining weight, even at ¼ lb a month, will not end well for me.<br /> I am thinking of giving up alcohol to address the extra calories and impulse eating.<br /> The only thing I know for sure is that I hope to never mention any of this shite to LO. I do not want her ever thinking that the number on a scale should dictate her day.<br /> What about you?<br /> How’s it going? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-didnt-like-your-body-pre-pregnancy#post-1877475 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 14:34:39 +0000 loki 1877475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>wasn't really sure where to put this so feel free to move it.</p> <p>i'm basically wondering... if you didn't love your body before you got pregnant/had babies, how did you feel about it after? i'm really struggling with this because i definitely was not at my best before i got pregnant. i have a lot of body image issues and just generally tend to be really hard on myself. i'm so scared for how much worse it's going to get during pregnancy and after i have the baby.... i think i might need to seriously seek counselling for this before i definitely don't want to pass my issues onto any future children! </p> <p>interested in hearing how you came to terms with the changes... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/you-know-what-the-meanest-thing-you-can-say-to-a-fat-girl-youre-not-fat#post-1782876 Sat, 26 Jul 2014 10:37:08 +0000 lizzywiz 1782876@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2014/05/13/heres-that-epic-mesmerizing-fat-girl-speech-from-monday-nights-louie/" rel="nofollow">http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/style-blog/wp/2014/05/13/heres-that-epic-mesmerizing-fat-girl-speech-from-monday-nights-louie/</a></p> <p>I was thinking of this today because, due to a family reunion, I had a particularly hard couple days with self-acceptance.</p> <p>I'm not fat but my middle is thick and my house is dirty and my style is non-existent and, oh yeah, I have a wonky eye. All of these things are facts. Truly. I am actually a bit conceited and tend to minimize my imperfections, so trust me when I say these are areas of my life that are less than ideal.</p> <p>And it drives me nuts when people's response is to deny the obvious: 'Your house isn't dirty.' and this one: 'Your eye looks fine.' That one is super frustrating because it usually happens when we are taking photos and I am trying to get the right angle where my wonky eye is kind of looking at the camera. When the photographer is honest and tells me it isn't quite there, I can adjust. When the photographer insists that I look fine because they are too embarrassed to comment on the wonky eye, then I have a butt load of pictures where I look like Marty Feldman.</p> <p>When people, trying to be kind, deny the facts and insist on false compliments or reassurances, it reinforces the idea that there is truly something wrong with not looking a certain way, or living a certain way. It really is the meanest thing you can say, because when you tell me my eye isn't crooked, it is like saying that my crooked eye is so far from acceptable that it is insulting to even acknowledge it. My eye is crooked. So what? My house is dirty. So what?</p> <p>Stop reassuring me that I am ok by telling me my flaws (by societal standards) don't exist. They do and I am STILL ok. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ive-worked-hard-to-not-define-myself-by-my-weight-but-one-bad-facebook-pic-is-killing-me-tonight#post-1756056 Sun, 13 Jul 2014 20:47:48 +0000 lizzywiz 1756056@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you have read my stuff before you know I have been fat and skinny- 5'4" and 115-200lbs. Most of that was before I was 20 years old. I have maintained 130ish-140ish for 15 years. A solid 'medium.'<br /> I try to base my self perception regarding my health on my fitness level. It usually works. But...<br /> My family has issues (don't they all?) with addiction, mental health aaaannnnddd body image. Thin is totally the golden ring. People openly use laxatives for weight control and regularly go on weird diets or use cigarettes and diet soda in place of food. In my family, weight really matters.<br /> I have worked past that shit for the most part.<br /> Tonight someone posted a very unflattering pic of me on facebook, on the family page. And knowing that the fact that I look fat is the discussion topic of the night is SO hard. And that is the most disappointing part of it- that I actually care that on their skewed value system I am less than successful because my great job and solid marriage and wonderful kid don't compare to being thin. AAARRRGGGHH! BLEEEERG! Every time I think have worked past my crazy , it finds me! :silly: </p> <p>Anyone else deal with this kind of baggage? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-you-will-ever-be-100-happy-with-your-body#post-1607933 Fri, 02 May 2014 08:55:39 +0000 Smurfette 1607933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think I will. I have struggled with weight my whole life. </p> <p>Talking with a friend, whom I think is skinny, and she wanted a swim bottom skirt cause she wanted more coverage. I told her she looks great. I would be rocking a hot two piece if I had her body. </p> <p>Then I remember reading that Jennifer Aniston wanted Gisele's body. I mean Jennifer Aniston is one hot toddy. </p> <p>Do you think women can ever be 100% happy with their body? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-raise-girls-with-a-good-self-image#post-1525413 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 10:29:04 +0000 Smurfette 1525413@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How are you making sure that you raise your girl with good body image? That they don't develop eating disorders. </p> <p>I already am watching what I say about dieting and my body in front of R. </p>