Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Our water baby (and my swimsuit dilemma)

We've just signed up for two classes at the local leisure centre - a Mommy and Me Aquafit, and a Parent and Tot swim class.

My husband was a lifeguard for many years and knows the importance of learning to swim and being comfortable with the water. I love the water too but I'm not a good swimmer... no matter how hard I try, I breathe in water if I go under. It holds me back from enjoying the water as much as I'd like - so I also feel it's important for Mia to learn to swim.

Here's the dilemma... my swimsuits are all pre-pregnancy and while I am about a pound and a half away from my pre-preg weight (yay for breastfeeding!), I am not at all the same shape or tone I was before - and they are all bikinis. I have bulges. My boobs are too big for them (never thought I'd be sad about that but it's a pain), my belly is soft and squishy, and my bum is bigger. The things they never tell you about getting pregnant!

So... buy a one-piece? I haven't worn a one-piece in years, ever since I decided to be confident and comfortable with my body. (This new body I have is taking some getting used to.) A one-piece won't give me much incentive to shape up, either. Okay, I'm just going to say it... I don't the idea that I'm ashamed of my body so much that I need to wear a one piece when I'm really a bikini kinda gal. However, I'm not so happy with the way I look at the moment and might feel better about getting in the pool with strangers if I'm a bit more covered. 

Or, get a new bikini that fits better? Give in to the size up? I've been putting off buying clothing until I'm "back" to my regular body, but I'm not sure that's going to happen exactly the way I thought it would. I think my hips are permanently bigger and the boobs are definitely here to stay, at least until we finish breastfeeding - a long ways out I hope. The bikinis I have I am seriously busting out of (which was a little embarrassing on our recent trip to Tobermory with friends)!

My cutie needs a new swimsuit too, as her 3-6 month is a little tight:
And being the end of summer, where can I find a teeny swimsuit for her?

Lastly, I just got her a cloth swim diaper and the leisure centre specifically requires one of two brands of disposable swim diapers... I'm thinking they can bite me and I'm going to use the eco-friendly, reusable, soft and trim cloth swim diaper I have, but I also don't want to be banned from the pool on our first day!

Thoughts on any of this?

7 comments:

  1. I am ashamed to say that we probably would have done mama/baby swim classes already if I was comfortable in a swimsuit. :( I actually did a blog post on the suits I want - http://alternativehousewife.com/post-baby-swimwear/ - but I don't think even the best suit is going to work out right now. I am so used to having a bikini BODY. I am planning to start the 30 Day Shred this week and hopefully stick to it!

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  2. You can still find swimsuits online at places like Target and Kohls. I am sure there is a swim online store out there for babies too.

    Good luck getting comfortable with your new body. It will come.

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  3. Thanks Hyla! I don't think they ship to Canada though...? will have to check!

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  4. a Tankini would be ideal. Easier to take on/off than a one piece... but covers the soft squishy tummy

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  5. buy a bikini the next size up, there should be lots on sale at the moment. But I've seen you in person and you look absolutely amazing! You have nothing to worry about :) (but I know how it is, when your body changes after pregnancy, can be a little upsetting )

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  6. I have the same problem. I am a bikini gal. I gave in and bought a tankini suit with a really supportive bra built in and I HATE it.

    As for the swim diaper I bet if you take it in and show it to them they will approve it!

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  7. I saw some baby bikinis at Walmart..and they were quite cute. On sale around $3 to $5 bucks.

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