Body image after baby is a struggle for so many women. And while mine is still far from perfect, I’ve learned to appreciate, and even love, the one I have now.

My precise, detailed, handwritten birth plan was tucked neatly into an accordion file folder stashed away in my hospital bag. Nestled alongside it were toiletries (can’t forget my Nature’s Gate toothpaste and sulfate-free shampoo), a birthing gown, essential oils, a crossword puzzle (Seriously, Jamie?), extra clothes, my daughter’s going home outfit, and a bazillion other just-in-case things I could cram into the suitcase. We had the pamphlets, took the classes, knew the timing for contractions, and felt super prepared.

But, as in life, my entire plan was quickly blown to smithereens. And not just sort of. When labor finally happened I was progressing so fast for a first timer, that if we had listened to the on-call doctor, I would’ve had a home birth. So at seven centimeters dilated, and wearing the hospital-issued smock, someone finally wheeled me to a room. Once we arrived upstairs I was nine centimeters along, which gave me barely enough time to suck down some nitrous oxide, much less get an epidural. And even though I swore like a sailor, screamed bloody murder, and attempted to convince the nurse to give me some drugs and a C-section, much to my chagrin, the only thing that really went according to plan was my hope for a natural birth.

It’s been almost six months now since having my daughter, and one thing I’ve learned about being a parent is that absolutely, positively nothing goes as planned. Like, ever. In fact, similar to my delivery debacle, breastfeeding struggles, and dealing with more blow-out poopies than I care to remember, most things are just downright ludicrous.

So when I looked in the mirror after all of the stretching, drooping, and shifting, not to mention the sheer horror and loss of control that can only be instilled by the journey a pregnant body takes, and didn’t hate the reflection staring back at me, I was pleasantly surprised. As a few more weeks passed postpartum, I actually began to like my body (minus all the phantom pregnancy farts) even more than I ever thought possible.

1. I feel stronger

The sheer empowerment I felt after making it through hours of toe curling pain, pushing a tiny human out of my body, and doing it all naturally made me feel like Wonder Woman, dammit. And while that initial high is no longer lingering, my ability to power through breastfeeding issues, continue to work and care for my baby from home, and deal with the daily struggles that parenting presents, helps me to remember that if I can give birth, I can make it through anything.

2. I feel healthier

I may be a vegetarian, but before becoming pregnant, I didn’t always eat right. I skipped meals, chose quick, processed foods over fresh, was underweight, and committed all sorts of other nutritional sins. My pregnancy cravings were off the chain (I still cringe over the amount of gummy bears and Canada Dry ginger ales I consumed), and 32 pounds later, those yearnings, along with that niggling case of indigestion, finally disappeared.

However, when it came time to breastfeed, I wanted to consume the healthy calories my body required to feed my baby well. I ate better, slept as often as I could, tried to relax my mind more often, and actually feel just fine hanging onto those ten extra pounds.  

3. I feel sexier

My body’s curvier, my bust is fuller, my booty is squishier, and although things have definitely changed a tad down there, the boosted blood flow is out of this world. Some of these things may be temporary (I’ll miss you, big boobies), but I’ll be damned if I won’t enjoy them while they’re here. Filling out clothes is spectacular, and I’ve definitely enjoyed the extra cleavage.  

4. She deserves it

It’s not just about me anymore. Surrounded by sexism, stereotypes, impossible standards of beauty, social media, and so much more, I quickly realized that my position as the most idolized female role model in my daughter’s life is paramount. That is, until some pop singer swoops in on her wrecking ball and takes my place (please, sweet Jesus, be Taylor Swift). But until then, I need to present my baby girl with a positive-minded, self-loving, and confident mama with a body image to match.

Feeling good about myself is still an imperfect science. Just like anyone else, I have good days and bad, but my daughter serves as the best reminder of why I need to keep on appreciating the body I have.

How has your body image been since baby? Let us know your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Mother and Baby via Shutterstock

The post 4 Ways I Have a Better Body Image AFTER a Baby Came Out of Me appeared first on EcoSalon.

Beauty product marketing usually focuses on outward beauty. The appearance of skin, hair, body. But if beauty truly comes from within, shouldn’t beauty brands be putting more energy behind positive messaging on their product labels?

In the era of anti-aging everything, it is refreshing to see beauty brands jumping on the positive image bandwagon. And we are talking major fashion and beauty brands, here. Dove has been doing the whole positive messaging thing for a while now with its Campaign for Real Beauty. The campaign has included soaps imprinted with words like LOVE, KIND, and REAL, and ads of women of every shape, size, and appearance. Cellulite and all.

Another big name to on the feel-good message is makeup artist, Sonia Kashuk, who has created a line of empowering beauty products for Target. The boxing glove motif items are aimed at bringing awareness to bullying and social-media-driven ideals. Check out the campaign on Instagram.

Ok, so what about green beauty brands with positive messaging? Read your mind. Of course, there are natch beauty brands behind the positive labeling trend.

6 Natural Beauty Brands With Positive Messaging

1. Plant Apothecary: This line of straightforward skincare and body products help you regain your focus in a completely no sh*t manner. Look pretty cool sitting in your shower too. Just sayin’

2. Neom Organics London: A beautiful range with a feel good vibe. Catch phrases like GREAT DAY and BURST OF ENERGY prompt you toward a head full of good thoughts.

3. Lotus Wei: This floral essence line gets to the root of all your stressors. But the products smell so divine you forget it is anything but pure indulgence. Choose from products labeled JOY JUICE, INFINITE LOVE, and INNER PEACE to instill a particular state of mind.

4. Living Libations: An upbeat jam simply oozes from this cool brand. Brightly colored labels spell out sunny day product names. Who wouldn’t want to use something called EPIPHANY ELIXIR, LOVE WINE, or ZIPPITY DEW DAB?

5. One Love Organics: The sweet, baby pink label says “pampered” straight off. But with a scrub called BRAND NEW DAY, a cleanser named EASY DOES IT, and caffeinated serum with the moniker MORNING GLORY, you know you are in good hands.

6. Tata Harper Lip Treatments: Yes, they are super softening. Yep, they reduce signs of aging. But did you know they give you a little confidence booster too? Try BE ADORED or BE TRUE.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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The post Positive Messaging on Beauty Labels: A Feel Good Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

If being super fit and thin were a prerequisite for all jobs, many of us would be in deep trouble. Such is the life of a Victoria’s Secret model, though. Those women certainly don’t have to sweat body image, right? What one former Angel has to say on the subject of body issues might make you think again.

You’d think that out of any job in the world, a Victoria’s Secret model would never have to feel a bit heavy on the scale. Well, guess what? Turns out these women are real live people too. Former VS angel, Erin Heatherton, decided enough was enough after being told (three consecutive years, no less) that she needed to … get this, LOSE WEIGHT! Wtf?

As the model told TIME Magazine’s Motto, “I was really depressed because I was working so hard and I felt like my body was resisting me.” She was working out twice every day and not seeing the results she was after, and considered skipping meals to get there. All for a job that perpetuates body image issues in young girls and women alike.

If you look at Erin walking the VS runway, she is certainly not in need of dropping a few. Thank goodness she came to her senses and strutted her perfectly beautiful body away from Victoria’s Secret. The pressure on her to “fulfill the demands of perfectionism” taught the model to lover herself the way she is. Erin now works to encourage women to “become the truest version of themselves.”

It is scary that girls and women are holding themselves to these standards. If it is unattainable for a Victoria’s Secret model, then young women certainly should not be idolizing this image. And Erin is not the only celeb to feel the heat.

Some of you may scoff at the idea of a gorgeous model learning to accept her body the way it is. But it simply shows the body image struggle is very real, and has little to do with how you look. It’s all about how you feel.

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Image at top of woman with body image issues via Shutterstock

Image of Erin Heatherton: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

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Body image quotes from the women who know best.

If there’s one thing celebs know, it’s dealing with incessant criticism. With the 24/7 buzz these ladies receive, consider them the grand poobahs of dealing with—and dare we say conquering—body image issues.

Below, 17 refreshing body image quotes to bookmark for a rainy day (in front of the mirror):

1. “I personally battled with my own body image for years. I used to tell myself, ‘You can’t wear anything sleeveless or strapless.’ And all of a sudden I was like, ‘What if I just didn’t send such negative messages to my brain and said, wear it and enjoy it?’ And now I’m more comfortable in clothes than ever.” -Drew Barrymore
2. “Instead of looking in the mirror and focusing on your flaws, look in the mirror and appreciate your best features. Everyone has them.” -Demi Lovato
3. “For young women, I would say, don’t worry so much about your weight. Girls spend way too much time thinking about that, and there are better things. For young men, and women too, what makes you different or weird, that’s your strength. Everyone tries to look a cookie-cutter kind of way, and actually the people who look different are the ones who get picked up. I used to hate my nose. Now, I don’t.” -Meryl Streep
4. “There’s a whole list of things I would probably change about myself. For example, I’m always trying to lose fifteen pounds. But I never need to be skinny. I don’t want to be skinny. I’m constantly in a state of self-improvement, but I don’t beat myself up over it.” -Mindy Kaling
   
5. “I keep telling myself that I’m a human being, an imperfect human being who’s not made to look like a doll, and that who I am as a person is more important than whether at that moment I have a nice figure.” -Emma Watson
6. “I am not a sample size, and I’m okay with that.” -Jordin Sparks
7. “You’re a human being, you live once, and life is wonderful, so eat the damn red velvet cupcake.” -Emma Stone
8. “My fears came true: People called me fat and hideous, and I lived. And now I keep living.” -Lena Dunham
9. “Even I don’t wake up looking like Cindy Crawford.” -Cindy Crawford
10. “I’ve never had a problem with the way I look. I’d rather go for lunch with my friends than go to a gym.” -Adele
11. “If anybody even tries to whisper the word ‘diet,’ I’m like, ‘You can go fuck yourself.'” -Jennifer Lawrence
12. “To all girls with butts, boobs, hips and a waist, put on a bikini—put it on and stay strong.” -Jennifer Love Hewitt
13. “I think that whatever size or shape body you have, it’s important to embrace it and get down! The female body is something that’s so beautiful. I wish women would be proud of their bodies and not dis other women for being proud of theirs!” -Christina Aguilera
14. “You have to stand up and say, ‘There’s nothing wrong with me or my shape or who I am; you’re the one with the problem!'” -Jennifer Lopez
15. “I tried being anorexic for four hours… then I was like, ‘I need some bagels.'” -Kat Dennings
16. “People often say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I say the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing you are the beholder.” -Salma Hayek
17. “Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are.” -Marilyn Monroe

What are your favorite body image quotes?

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The post 17 Fierce Body Image Quotes from Your Favorite Stars appeared first on EcoSalon.

Hey, ladies — stop saving your money to go on that killer vacation this summer. Instead, put that wad of cash aside to invest in a butt augmentation.

Recently, EcoSalon headquarters got an email from Dr. Gregory Wiener, a plastic surgeon, who is weighing in on the national butt augmentation trend. Luckily, Wiener isn’t universally pro-butt augmentation. In fact, he’s urging many people to not get the popular surgery. From a recent email:

“Dr. Wiener cautions that a bigger bottom might not work for you. ‘A good surgeon will take your body’s proportions into account. Not everyone has a body type that will look good with a big bottom, at least not one that is as exaggeratedly large as some of today’s celebs have.’”

This whole big butt trend is annoying for myriad reasons. First of which: It’s not trendy to have a big ass, people. Some people just have big asses. A butt isn’t an accessory – it is a body part. A second problem with this whole big butt craze is this: What are ya goin’ to do when it’s no longer cool to have a big butt? Get another surgery? Seriously… this all just sounds like a money suck. I’m no big butt expert by any means, but I do know that my ass has increased in size since I started doing squats. So, ladies – if you want a big ass (or what I call runner’s ass) just take the stairs.

Now, all kidding and fake big butt bashing aside: I realize some people love plastic surgery. I’m not down on that – buy whatever you want. But please, please, don’t buy bigger breasts or a butt to be trendy – do it because you want to.

What do you think about this whole butt augmentation thing? Do you think this is a troublesome trend that just harms a woman’s body image? Or do you think the trend is no worse than any other beauty trend?

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If there’s one thing we can all relate to, it’s feeling awkward on the beach in a swimsuit that’s too small, too big, or just too…wrong for our body shape or size. We’re not alone as these 4 adorable women share their bodies and stories about swimsuit season.

Find Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

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Munich designates six areas for nude sunbathing. What does that say about the rest of us?

When statewide laws in Bavaria regulating public nudity expired last fall, the city of Munich decided to take the issue of nude sunbathing into its own hands, by officially declaring six urban naked zones, where people can partake in as much nude sunbathing  as they like.

While public nudity is a rarity in the United States, and many other Western countries, German culture is much more well accustomed to going sans clothing in public saunas and thermal springs. In fact, in most of those places, it’s odder to wear a bathing suit than not.

Munich’s large park Englischer Garten has long been home to people basking in the sun in the nude. But the urban naked zones make six designated areas specifically for nudists who don’t want to be bothered by their clothing (or lack thereof) choices. (Atlantic Cities has a map of all of them in case you are interested.)

This may seem as extremely progressive to some, but this is a culture that has much less prudish attachment to nudity. When you grow up in a culture that often has same-sex, public saunas you get used to it. Nudity isn’t sexualized. It’s just natural. As Andrew Welch wrote in an editorial in The Independent in regards to the British views towards nudity, “Our society is still obsessed with Victorian attitudes towards the body, and the idea that skin equals sex.”

You can sort of envision prospective tourists to Munich snorting about how funny it will be to see naked people sunbathing in a park. But if there’s one thing about German culture to know, it’s that being nude is normal. Certainly, not everyone chooses to go nude sunbathing, but German, and other Northern European cultures, have a much more normalized relationship to nudity that makes these types of citywide decision not as shocking as they seem to us in more reserved cultures. “[S]tripping off in public is the voluntary removal of a heavy mask, a return to unvarnished honesty rather than some titter-worthy peek-a-boo,” wrote Feargus O’Sullivan in Atlantic Cities.

Spread out across the city, the six areas are all in parkland, meaning that you’re not going to come across a nude sunbather just anywhere, and it certainly isn’t acceptable to go and hop on a Munich bus without your clothes on. Instead, areas in natural spaces are open for enjoyment, and if you want to do that without your clothes on, then you are more than welcome to. In a culture that has a lot of respect for the outdoors and nature, when you think about it, it’s not that odd or radical of a decision.

Maybe it’s time to rethink our own Victorian ideal-induced relationship to nudity. Look at things like the World Naked Bike Ride. Nudity doesn’t always have to mean sex, and while there are few that advocate for going naked 100 percent of the time, we’re certainly at a point in our culture where most of us have become entirely removed from our natural state of being. Because even if we don’t want to go nude in public, we could all spend a little more time being okay with our naked bodies.

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The post Munich Approves Nude Sunbathing: It’s Time to Rethink Our Own Body Image appeared first on EcoSalon.

Perhaps it’s the influence of the movie “American Hustle” and 1970s style. Or maybe it’s just CEO and founder Dov Charney’s fetish. Whatever it is, American Apparel mannequins have pubic hair now.

Gothamist first spotted the bushy American Apparel mannequins in New York City earlier this month. The Huffington Post spoke to a store associate who said the au natural-looking mannequins were meant to drum up Valentine’s Day sales by conveying the “rawness and realness of sexuality.” Word.

I recently had a baby. How about mannequins with smooshy, puffy bellies that make it difficult to see one’s own pubes? Oh, wait. Global News reports: “At David’s Bridal, mannequins soon will get thicker waists, saggier breasts and back fat to mimic a more realistic shape.” It’s a start. How about stretch marks?

A Swiss mannequin campaign that highlighted people with disabilities went viral last year.

And back in Manhattan, people are flocking to the East Houston Street American Apparel stores, taking pictures in front of the bushy Barbies. I’m assuming many women stop to stare on their way to get Brazilian waxes.

Maybe some of the credit goes to Lena Dunham and HBO’s “Girls”, which has no issue showing bodies as they are. You know, real women who don’t look like supermodels, or mannequins, as the case may be. Not that there’s anything wrong with having a “perfect” body. But it shouldn’t be an aspiration. After all, we get what we get in this life. We should work towards the healthiest version of ourselves–not trying to emulate women we’ll never ever look like. Surgeries to boost our bust or shrink our thighs, or even just ripping out our crotch hair certainly could be time better spent. Like shopping for a new wardrobe at American Apparel. I think the campaign’s working, Dov.

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

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The post Bush is Back: American Apparel Mannequins Have Pubes appeared first on EcoSalon.

Confession: When I learned about the thigh gap trend, I looked in the mirror to see if I have one. I don’t, and guess what? The world didn’t come to an end!

The “thigh gap” is the new cleavage (which I don’t have either!). In case you haven’t heard, a thigh gap is the space between the tops of your legs when you stand with your feet together. This feature has become a disturbing form of ‘thinspiration’ among young women, with entire Tumblr blogs, Pinterest boards, Twitter accounts, and hashtags dedicated to the subject. There’s even a tutorial on how to get a thigh gap (FYI the first sentence of step one is “Understand that a thigh gap is not physically possible for most people.”)

When it comes to body image trends in general, I’ve been completely out of the loop for the past few years – on purpose. I spent almost my entire 20s trying to build and maintain the “ultimate” lifestyle that’s “supposed” to make a woman happy: the career, the home, the clothes, the shoes, the makeup, the tech, the socializing, the relationship. On the outside, my life looked like a Marc Jacobs ad. But I was exhausted trying to keep up, and behind all the glitz I wasn’t a woman anymore – I was a shell.

Sure I could blame the photoshopped celebs and models in fashion mags, and every thigh gap blog out there for how I feel about myself, but the only one truly to blame for my formerly-skewed body image is me. How you feel about your body is 100 percent in your control. A fashion ad is just that – we’re the ones imposing the subliminal messages of perfection onto ourselves.

What helped me break free was when I started thinking about the women I admire and the reasons I admire them. Surprisingly, my admiration had nothing to do with their looks or thigh gap at all, instead it was what they’ve achieved – they’re so successful in their areas of expertise they surpass the concept of physical beauty. In fact, their eccentricities are their signature – and the “weirder” they are, the more I admire them!

Even if you were to achieve the perfect thigh gap (I can’t believe I just said that), there’s going to be a new body image obsession right around the corner – you have to decide where to draw the line. Model Robyn Lawley put it best:

We have the power to change perceptions about body image—and we have the power to stop harmful trends like the “thigh gap.”

How do you feel about the thigh gap trend?

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The post The Thigh Gap: An Unfortunate Body Image Trend appeared first on EcoSalon.

Mothers, daughters, fathers, sons; we are all taught about our body image from the people who raise us, whether consciously or, sometimes more powerfully, from the actions of our parents or caregivers. Being a woman means internalizing most of this information, both good and bad. 

This young poet explains that big idea in a heartbreaking and spot-on description of her own experience as a young woman (watch below). 

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The post This Teenager Will Break Your Heart With Her Truth About Being a Woman (Video) appeared first on EcoSalon.