I can never show my face in Yoga again

I love yoga.  I love the way I feel rejuvenated after class...but not today.  Today the teacher asked me if I knew how to modify my moves.  I must have given her a funny look because she then went on to say since I am pregnant (which I am not.)  This happens to me frequently, but is still such a humiliating experience I am always taken off guard and don't know how to respond.  I told her I wasn't pregnant.  I wanted to leave immediately, knowing a relaxing workout was not going to happen.  I stayed and did the class, but don't think I will be able to go again.  I have had two c-sections and am thin except for my belly pooch.  I wear special underwear most of the time, but wanted to be comfortable in yoga and didn't wear it today.  Mostly I just want to know how to respond to the constant question without feeling horrible or making the other person feel horrible.

If you enjoy yoga, then go.  Who cares if they think you are/were pregnant.  It's none of their business anyway and it's their own lack of tact that causes the discomfort.

well - i can promise that not going back won't help.

it's the only body you have.  it's not like you can leave that one at home and wear a spare.  the only real decision to be made is whether or not you're going to let it restrict your life.

Please do not let a careless comment keep you from going to yoga.

If careless comments kept me from doing anything, I would never leave the house.

Live your life the best that you can and don't let anyone stand in the way of a healthy you.

You know, it's just a slip, no harm was intended, just let it go and move on.  The world will not change because of it, I doubt anyone in the yoga class cares or will even remember unless you made an issue of it.  Get back into the class and get on with it!!!!

I bet that when she realized her faux pas, she is more embarassed than you!  If I should ever make a mistake like that (God, please let me think before I speak to someone) I would be there the next day, if not sooner, apologizing all over myself for my dumb remark.  Chin up.  If you like your class, please don't quit going.  I'm sure she will apologize. 

Keep going.  The person who made the comment is the one who should and probably does feel the humiliation.

Because of that, she also probably won't apologize if she hasn't already.  She's too embarassed by her own idiotic mistake.

Don't let someone how does not have the wisdom to think before they speak keep you from doing somehting that is healthy and that you enjoy! I too have a c-section and no matter how much weight I loose I still have that pocket/ pooch urghhhh.

PS in your profile pic what beach are you at? looks familiar :)

Stay in yoga! You love it and are doing something that adds joy, beauty, and peace to your life. And shouldn't the moves you are doing be beneficial in helping your body heal from the effects of the c-sections?

Unthoughtful people will always be with us. Don't let their unthinking remarks keep you from doing what you know is good and right for you!

dont stress it. Yoga is great for the body. Keep going to the class. There are just very ignorant people in the world and should keep to themselves sometimes and not voice their opinion when they dont know the full facts.

Definitely keep going. She feels like a donkey. And she should-- what a faux pas! I can certainly understand your humiliation, too, but try not to be too upset. Even though it was far less tactful than it could have been, she had to make sure no one was putting themselves or a baby at risk in her class. Miss Manners would probably have advised her to make a general announcement at the start of class that pregnant women in the room identify themselves, thereby excusing herself and her students from embarrassment while covering herself and watching out for you guys.

Sorry it happened. No matter what the scenario, it sucks, and don't let this derail you in your quest to be fit and healthy.

Johnnypenso- you have NO IDEA what it is like to be a woman, and to have someone think you are pregnant when you are not. YOU HAVE NO IDEA! Its is NOT something that can be just "let go" it is humiliating and hurtful. Maybe you should stick to giving advice that you can relate to, or that you personally know how it feels.im sorry to come off as rude but this situation has happened to me, and how DARE you blow thing off so easily! this is so obviously a woman-specific problem, and if you are going to be so insensitive then do not both responding to such a personal issue.

Jegvlf3- let me just tell you, when i was 19, 3 people who didnt even know each other all asked me/made a suggestion that i was pregnant. although 2 were old friends/coworkers i hadnt seen in a while, it was more hurtful that humiliating when they said it. but the third time was once, i was getting my nails done and one of the men asked me "how many months pregnant are you?" and i just looked at him, shocked. he said "im sorry, im only asking because my wife is pregnant too and I'm just curious" I had to spit out "I'm not pregnant". everyone nearby had been listening. a few people laughed, a few turned away silently. i was absolutely humiliated. i began to cry, but i was getting acrylic nails put on and simply could not leave.

the above posters are right, the person who said it probably feels even worse than you do, although i know it's hard to imagine. people should never, EVER assume someone they don't know is pregnant. i know it hurts, but there is nothing you can do to control what people ask you. if this ever happens again, a few things to remember: absolutely respond "no, im not pregnant" and make it clear to the person that you ARE offended. there is no need to be rude, especially if it is someone you may like, like your yoga instructor, or a neighbor, old friend/coworker, or aquaintence.  but they need to know that their question was VERY rude, whether they meant for it to be or not. its a generally known fact that you should NEVER assume someone is pregnant, and people who dont know that need to. they will feel bad, and they should.

I'm sorry this happened to you. i know how it feels. people say stupid things. remember how this feels, and next time you assume something about someone just by looking at them, you will NOT make the mistake of risking offending a stranger.

I agree that this is an absolutely horrible mistake to make, and must be incredibly embarassing for both parties.

In the defense of the yoga instructor, it is her job to make sure that the positions and exercises do not put strain on your body or a baby's developement if you are pregnant.  It wasn't a stranger assuming you were pregnant, it was a yoga instructor in a class that obviously caters to women who are pregnant because of its lower intensity. 

That being said, it is still a very embarassing mistake to make, and I'm sure the instructor does feel awful about it.  If you really love yoga, I would continue to attend, maybe next time you could stay later or get there early and explain to the instructor that you were offended/upset and give her the opportunity to apologize.  Maybe once you talk to her and explain your position it will be a more comfortable atmosphere for you again.  If other people in the class heard the exchange there isn't much you can do about it, but you can at least talk to her in private and hopefully, if she is a good instructor, she will be able to help you feel comfortable in her class again.

Also, you may want to suggest that if the instructor is questioning the status of someone's belly, she should take them aside and ask them if they are pregnant before assuming that they are.  As for others who are completely tactless, I would simply lean over, whisper in their ear, "I am not pregnant," and then walk away.  They will be totally humiliated, but not in such a public manner that anyone but the two of you need know exactely what a faux pas they just made. 

The most important thing for you to remember is that you had 2 lovely little ones by c-section and unfortunately a little belly was the price you paid, but you are in yoga to be fit for you and for them.  You shouldn't let this little embarassing moment ruin something you love that keeps you fit!

anang is actually right on the money with the announcement thing.  What a great idea! 

I'm sorry about your experience. I'm also fairly thin, and had that comment made about me before. I had 3 c-sections. About 2 years ago, after sharing our vacation pictures with friends, my friend emailed me a congratulations email for having no.4. I was like 'what??' Anyway, that prompted me to find a way to flatten my stomach. I found T-Tapp.

Here's their free exercise to try out:

http://www.t-tapp.com/try/index.html

You can also check my profile to see my 'after' pictures. I do have a flat stomach now. Try skin brushing too. I use the T-tapp skin brushing method also, and that got my skin tightened.