postpartum thoughts of motherhood

When I first became a mom, I honestly thought my body would go back to the way it was before I became a mom. 

Postpartum is such a raw and vulnerable but beautiful state. It’s strange to look in the mirror and see an unrecognizable body with stretch marks, a saggy soft belly, wider hips, larger swollen breasts, brain fatigue, and the list can go on. It can be so difficult, but there is so much comfort in knowing that even though it doesn’t feel so familiar to me right now, to my baby, this postpartum body is home.

Society and social media talk about snap back and talk about getting your body back right away. But my permanent reality of motherhood is not about the snap back.

It took about 7-8 months to feel like myself again. I am still learning to love my new body and forever grateful for this new season of life!
Instead, I focused more on my wellness and movement as a working mom.

I would like to reshape our thoughts on motherhood and how to prioritize health and wellbeing: workout during pregnancy, nutrition, movement, and sleep.

As for working out during pregnancy, 1st trimester: stretching, tons of energy, cardio, HITT classes.

2nd trimester: modification of workouts, and cardio. I had to learn to walk more rather than running (thanks to my bladder).

3rd trimester: yoga, walking, and stretching (stretching gave me the most energy). Also, during the last month or so of pregnancy, your body is training for birth, physically and mentally.

4th trimester: hormones are still out of wack, I did ab restore exercises and pelvic floor therapy to help. The goal is to restore and rest!
I worked out majority of my pregnancy except the days I had to work. 

Eat a healthy and balanced diet to ensure your body receives enough nutrition. I did struggle with eating healthy foods during early postpartum. I am still nursing and still so hungry. I found myself just eating to eat (because I was starving) but I learned to make healthier choices and that will give me more energy to care for my baby, especially eating my protein! Drink water, water is my best friend.

Movement during postpartum is different. I have an active baby who only takes one good nap each day. Finding time to work out has been challenging, but I am still able to walk on the treadmill or do a Peloton cycle class for 30 minutes while he naps. Movement helps identify and feel what my body needs, and also helps alleviate stress. Being a full-time working mom can be very stressful; I juggle pumping at work, my work schedule, lack of sleep, and not being with my baby 24/7. However, I have learned to deal with stress in a smart and effective way: by getting some fresh air and exercise!

**be careful what stresses you out, stress can age you! 😉

Sleep deprivation was my middle name. Learning to get the proper amount of sleep was a struggle. An adult body needs nearly 6 to 7 hours of sleep per day, studies say. The body needs proper sleep and rest to heal and renew the energy to function correctly. Now, I can get the amount of sleep I need, all from sleep training my son and relying on my husband for help throughout the night.

Staying happy and healthy is essential for a quality life for you and your baby!