Readers to Jillian Michaels: We Don't Want to Ruin Our Bodies With Pregnancy, Either

By The Pop Chorus Posted Apr 26th 2010 12:20PM

'Biggest Loser' trainer Jillian Michaels told Women's Health she would rather adopt than become pregnant, saying, "I can't handle doing that to my body." The body-conscious trainer, 36, carries 120 pounds on her tiny 5'2" frame, but says she was an overweight teen, topping out at 175 pounds.

We turned to our Pop Chorus -- to women who know where Michaels is comin' from, specifically -- to hear from three other ladies concerned that bodily changes might make pregnancy just not worth it.

Wendy Gould from Indianapolis, Indiana, says:
"I'm a married 24-year-old woman with no plans to have children. Part of that decision stems from personal choice, but one of the main reasons is, I don't want to go through those physical changes. I like my body the way it is, and I've heard a plethora of horror stories associated with pregnancy and giving birth -- increased breast size, getting heavier, stretch marks ... even the possibility of increased feet size!

Family and friends chastise me, saying it's a selfish move I'll regret later, but I beg to differ. There are many children in the world waiting to be adopted. Yes, I have that natural motherly instinct and ticking maternal clock tempting me, as well as a curiosity to see what my child would look like. Regardless, I will likely never have children."

Jaimee Jackson from La Junta, Colorado, says:
"Weight is always on the minds of women, especially women considering pregnancy. I'm 28 years old, and have been with my husband for almost seven years. He is ready to have a baby and is pushing the issue pretty aggressively. Although I would love nothing more than to have a child, I am extremely worried about gaining (and then losing) all the weight.

I have always been a thin person. I love my figure and am very proud of it. However, the older I get, the harder it is to keep the weight off, no matter how hard I try. I fear becoming pregnant would ruin my figure and, in turn, my self esteem. I've been successful so far in coming up with every excuse for why I'm not ready to get pregnant, but I don't know how much longer I can keep it up without my husband finding out the truth..."

Michelle Basile from Hazelwood, Missouri, says:
"I am 43 years old and have two children. I ruined my figure with the birth of my children. I became grossly overweight.

If I had the choice to do it over, I would definitely choose adoption over carrying a child myself. I was very sick during my pregnancies and put my body through a tremendous amount of turmoil. I now have a terrible problem with my weight, which I have let spiral out of control through no fault but my own.

I now face the possibility of not being there for my children due to my obesity. Therefore, I highly recommend that if a woman has the opportunity to make the choice to give a child a much-needed home and family over having biological children of her own, I say go for it! A child is a child. Biological or not -- it makes no difference. Save your figure and possibly your health. Adopt."

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Tags: Jillian Michaels, Pop Chorus, pregnancy, The Biggest Loser

Comments

(122)

Monday 26 April

By Jess

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I think considering having children is 'ruining' your body is harsh, but i fully stand behind these women. It is a women's choice if she wishes to have kids or not. yes everyone's body is different meaning some women will be able to lose the baby weight WAY more easily than others. Also, it may be harder for some women who have struggled with body issues, self-image issues and eating disorders to gain the weight. I know this from personal experience. I have struggled with eating problems for a while now and am working hard to lose weight. the thought of having my own child seems beautiful, but then the thought of gaining back all the weight scares me so much. what good is having a child if you are depressed and hate yourself?

in the end, we shouldn't judge others for their opinions.

By JJ

wow these women really are so vain that they think something as temporary as looks is worth not barring a child. Thats stupid because no matter how you look before or after pregnancy it wont amount up to the amazing times you have with your children. I got pregnant at 16 right after i lost all of my baby weight and i am self conscious about weight but when i look at and laugh with my beautiful daughter its all worth it

By Olya

Anyone who chooses not to have children because of changes to their body is SELFISH AND SELF-CENTERED. Your body changes are NOT permanent- they depend on what you stuff your mouth with and getting up off the couch. The body you were given is yours to maintain and take care of. Pregnancy changes are a given but you can get back in shape if you worked out before, during, and after your pregnancy. I'm 55 and have a better body than I did when I was 30, before children. I'm 5'4" 127 lbs, 16% body fat- tight, trim, and firm, no surgery, thank you. I work out with a trainer 3x/wk and do cardio 3x/wk on my own. I eat healthy (3 larger meals and 3 snacks/treat per day), maintaining a high metabolism by eating every 2 1/2 to 3 hrs) and live a healthy lifestyle- no smoking, drinking once in awhile socially and no drugs. My boyfriend is 34 and marvels at my body- tells me I'm an inspiration to him every time he looks at me. You do to your body what you want to do, just like maintaining a car. Abuse it and you will turn into a fat dumpy disgusting blob. Simple as that.

By IAMomofTwo

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YOU ruin your body, not your children. I am a 32 year old mother of two and look better than I EVER did before I had children. I was in ok shape before children, but in better shape afterwards because I wanted to take care of myself. Having babies was the best motivation for me to exercise more often and eat better. Pregnancy was the best experience of my life and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

By Happy Parent

If you think that getting pregnant will ruin your body, then how do you explain people like Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie, and Jane Seymour (who had twins!) They all had babies and today they are all HOT!!! Don't let vanity or a false belief that you'll never look good again keep you from the most wonderful experience you'll ever have - being the parent of your own child.

By Joey

Dear Happy Parent,

Yes, the women you cite do look good, even after having children. The point is, they don't look AS good as they did before children. Having children messes up your stomach and your breasts are never the same again. Don't try to tell me otherwise. Your men know it, but are too scared to verbalize the truth.

By stubbs

Im quite happy with my body after having children. I have 2 and am expecting my third. I'm not stick thin- i have shape but am not overweight. Any woman who blames pregnancy for their weight issues are lazy- or have an underlying predisposition to it. All it takes is watching what you eat and get moving. To all those women who don't want to ruin their bodies- you are truly missing a wonderful thing! and Content- you are a wise-wise man ;)

By D

I say let these women adopt. At least they are removing themselves from the gene pool. I know plenty of women who have had children that look fantastic. There are many reasons to adopt but this should not be one of them.

By Belladonna

SELFISH, SELFISH, SELF CENTERED BRATS!

By Lei

Just when you think you have heard it all! Vain, selfish people. All these women who would love to be able to have a child but can't and you're worried about how your body will look?
I don't mind if a person chooses not to have a child or too adopt but not because you're worried about how your body will look?
Believe me, a child is much better off not growing up with a mom more worried about the looks of her bodied then a Love like no other that a child can make you feel.

By Karen

Any woman who would not have a child because they don't want to "ruin" their body wouldn't make a good mother anyway...and God knows we need all the good mothers we can get. So, you keep your body (and your insecure bodiy image) and I'll keep my amazing and precious child...and my 5'7, 135 body!

By Anne

It is up to the individual whether or not to have kids and for whatever reason. However, I know someone who made the decision not to have children for this same reason. But now she has had two mastectomies because of breast cancer so she ended up with a "disfigured" body anyway.....

By mblatchley777

Well, the shallowest among us need an article and a page for a shoutout...apparently.

By Moonstone

Glad the 20 somethings afraid of *body* changes are opting out of having kids, because they are obviously too self centerd (millenium generation, anyone?) to be good mothers. Good Lord. I fear for their selfish generation.

By Gina

I believe that Jennifer Aniston (who has a tendency to gain weight easily) follows Jillian's choice to not get pregnant.
Both of them are seriously arrogant, self centered and delusional.

By Patty

Jennifer Anniston lost Brad Pitt because she didnt want children. She didnt want to ruin her body. Angelie Jolie has adopted kids and natural children. She looks great and has Brad Pitt. besides Jennifer looks so plain without makeup. And she is hitting forty hard. Children are wonderful and if you eat right and work out your body will look good. I feel sorry for women who feel a child will ruin their body. What are you going to do when you get old and sag everywhere. That is going to happen and children have nothing to do with that. LOL

By lk

no one was talking about jen you idiot.

By nancy

Why would anyone in their right mindset follow a woman, Jillian M, who is being sued over her diet gone wrong and her inadequate mental image of having a child from her body? God, not Jillian made women to have children not reflect on what happens to their bodies; God also said to eat right, exercise and worship Him not our bodies, His creation. People, especially women are fed an extreme diet of perfectionism and air brushing to the point that the hollywood lies make us want to change ourselves into Heidi's with 10 surgeries in one day to 'make' us look better for the perfect man. Get a life Jillian and pay off those people you owe for your fake claims about your pill.

By Jody

Judgmental much? Every hear of a thing called "personal choice". Get over yourself. Geez .. You people are crazy!

By peg

Selfish, selfish, selfish. It's certainly all right to choose not to have children but for the sake of one's personal appearance? That is just too selfish. Pregnancy doesn't have to impact your post-pregnancy body. All it takes is a little effort to return to your almost former self.(it probably will not be just like before but your body will change with age anyway) To deny yourself this beautiful experience because of how you "might" look afterward is the most lame excuse I have ever heard. You are a prime example of this "me generation." Everything revolves around you and when it doesn't, you stomp your little foot and have a tantrum. Tsk, tsk.

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