feel so ugly

Oh hun I think I'd be right in saying that most of us feel the way you do and it unfortunately does take a while to feel back to normal. I've been hard on myself lately too and wanted a miracle cure.

For stretchmarks I found using BIO oil helped me to take the redness down and by massaging regularly has made my tummy skin look a little better. There is a cream on the market that I saw advertised in a magazine the other day that is used to cover stretchmarks and thread veins, not sure of the name (something like Coverderm) but somewhere like boots should sell it. I'd think it'll be like a foundation cream?

A good friend of mine is lucky to go back to her size which is very slim but she said it took her at least 6mths and even now she isn't happy with her tummy. I agree with Emmasmum that we do have to accept that we won't look like someone whose body hasn't changed to have a baby, but you don't have to give up and you will feel and look better in time. I think with my first I realised I was feeling almost back to normal by about 9-12 mths.

My face was really puffy too and that goes down too. Each little change will happen and if you get chance to do something for yourself once in a while, I'd recommend having your hair done or going for a facial. xx

Hi. I'm not sure if this is going to help but my daughter is now 16 months and I still have rubbish hair and a muffin top!! The difference is that i've accepted them as part of who I am now. None of us should expect to look like supermodels after having a baby and it's unfair of so many celebs to parade themselves around only weeks after giving birth when they have probably had a personal trainer, a chef and a nanny to take care of the baby while they get back into shape!! Most ordinary people don't have those facilities so we have to accept it takes a little longer to get back to normal. Why not try just going to the hairdresser for a wash and trim, even just having someone else wash and style your hair can make it feel and look better. As far as clothes go, I've always found it hard to find jeans to fit comfortably as I don't have much of a waist compared to my hips. Shop around and try on different cuts and styles from different shops. If you can't face the shops then buy online as many places offer free returns. There isn't much you can do about stretchmarks but there are moisturisers and cover up creams that you could try if they are really bothering you. Try to be proud of them as nearly all mums have them (even if they don't like to admit it!) and they are a testament to what we go through having babies! I lost lots of weight through breastfeeding initially but it is hard to keep it off when all you do in the evening is sit and watch telly and eat chocolate! (I know cos that's what I do most evenings!!!) It is really hard to try to find time for exercise but anything you can do will help. Make sure you at least go for a walk with the baby in the pram every day. I hope that some of this has been a little helpful, I'm no expert but I know how hard it can be to adjust to the way your body is after a baby. xxxx

I feel really ugly after having my baby 2 1/2 months ago, my breasts and fat tummy r covered in red stretchmarks, my hair is horrible,my face is fat, I've got a builders bum even if i wear a belt I just get a muffin top too. I see loads of people who have had kids and are a normal size and still look good. I just feel like staying indoors with the curtains shut. I was told you loose weight quickly when you breastfeed but i guess im an exception. How long does it take til you look better after having a baby?