112 | You Don't Recognize Your Body Anymore — Here's Why That's Not Your Fault

Ever catch your reflection and feel like you're looking at a stranger? In this episode, Val shares a deeply personal story — the moment two months postpartum when a pair of her own jeans wouldn't zip, and the identity crisis that followed. She breaks down why this feeling isn't vanity, isn't your fault, and isn't something to push past — it's grief, it's an identity shift, and it's your body having done exactly what it was built to do. Val also opens up about a fear she hears constantly from friends and clients: the fear of getting pregnant again because of how hard it was to watch their body change the first time. And she offers a powerful reframe — you're not stuck, momma. You're healing. In this episode: Val's personal story: the jeans that wouldn't zip and the identity crisis it triggered Why "not recognizing your body" is grief, not vanity The connection between this and last week's survival mode episode The fear so many moms carry about their body changing again A reframe: awe over what your body did, instead of shame over how it looks now One simple thing to do this week to start reconnecting with your body Feeling like you don't recognize yourself right now? Grab the free Start Strong Workshop at https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/workshop — it's 25 minutes, no equipment, no overhaul, just your starting point to feel like you again. Resources & Links: Send me a voice message! 🎙️ Have a question or a topic you want me to cover on the podcast? Send me a voice message through SpeakPipe — link below in show notes! → https://www.speakpipe.com/newsletter Connect with Val: Instagram: @wellnessbyval_ Website: https://wellnessbyval.com/ Free Protein Guide: https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide  Core Comeback Challenge: wellnessbyval.com/core Functional Lab Review: https://wellnessbyval.com/labs This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical or nutrition advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about breastfeeding, postpartum nutrition, or your individual health needs.