Swimsuit trends

Yesterday on our Facebook page we chatted about swimsuits. It made me realise how many moms are uncomfortable in their bodies. Before having a child, we used to wait for summer to show off that body we worked all winter to get into shape but now…. its like we dread the sun!

Before meeting Vije, I was a size 26! Yes a size 26, I know that’s crazy right?! I hated being in a swimsuit because everyone used to tell me I’m so thin. It’s not like I wanted to be thin, I always tried gaining weight but I wouldn’t. I only started gaining weight when I went on a contraceptive. After Kitana I went back to a size 30 but now I had ‘love’ marks all over my thighs and a small bulge in my tummy. I used to hate looking in the mirror because all I would see is this “fat” body and nothing else. Yes I admit, my self-esteem did drop. I stopped admiring myself like I used to before having a kid.

I was soooo jealous when I saw Kourtney Kardashian after giving birth but then it hit me, I don’t have a personal trainer and an entourage following me wherever I go. I’m not Kourtney, I’m Shan. I can never be like Kourtney even if I tried because her lifestyle is completely different from mine. We 2 different people, I need to stop dreaming and wake up to reality. The world puts pressure on mothers, waiting for us to go back to the figure we once had and if we don’t… there’s something wrong! I absolutely love the statement Jennifer Garner made on the Ellen Degeneres show recently:

“I asked around, and apparently I have a baby bump. I’m here to tell you that I do. I do have a baby bump. I am not pregnant, but I have had three kids and there is a bump. From now on ladies, I will have a bump, and it will be my baby bump. Let’s just all settle in and get used to it. It’s not going anywhere! I have a bump, its name is Violet, Sam, Sera.” Read more here.

We have 2 options to solve this problem.

1. Fix it

If you not happy with your body, workout and motivate yourself to reach your goal. You are the only person that can change the way you look and feel about yourself.

2. Live with it

Stop complaining and appreciate the body you have. You’re a MOM and that isn’t going to change. You should be proud of the body you have because trust me carrying a child for 9 months is no walk in the park.

We need to be comfortable in our skin, yes sometimes we may feel like it’s not worth it but when I look into my 2-year old eyes, I realise every single stretch mark is worth it! I would choose her any day over a flat tummy.

Doesn’t mean I’m a mom, I can’t wear a swimsuit. I will but just not the way I used to. I’m a woman and not a 16-year-old girl looking for attention from her high school crush.

I’ve searched online and found various designs that can help us moms hide that bulge or stretch marks.

My favorites:

1. Retro Polka Dot Pin up Bikini Set from Kapsule SA. I’m in love with this design!

It covers up the tummy and bum. It even has a Underwire/Push Up bra.

 2. Swim Dress

If you conservative and not happy showing your body, opt for a dress instead.

3. Pregnancy swimsuit

If you have a cute bump, why not show it off while you can with a Red Spot Maternity Halterneck Tankini from Pregalicious.

4. Spree has a lovely range Chiffon Cover-Ups.

5. Pineapples are big this summer, I haven’t found this design available here in South Africa yet. It is sold online from J.CREW.

Patterns, mixed colours, chevron are a great distraction in a swimsuit.

6. Black swimsuits are great to hide that sticking out bulge, I would definitely invest in one.

Happy shopping! 🙂

Credit: Babble.com, Spree.co.za, shop.nordstrom.com, Pinterest, Kapsule.co.za, www.pregalicious.co.za, www.mybikinifinder.com and www.jcrew.com