Getting Back In Shape Postpartum

A year ago, today, I found out I was pregnant. (Yes on April Fools Day lol) It has me reflecting on how much the female body endures to create and support life.

Starting with pre-conception health, carrying for 40+ weeks, delivery, and recovery. Even still - I’m exclusively breastfeeding (will occasionally pump a bottle if I have an event or something) every 1-3 hours. Everyone talks about the sacrifice but experiencing it firsthand really adds another layer of admiration... women are amazing 😮‍💨

Thinking back, I’m sure much of our fertility success was due to how my partner and I prioritized our health (mind & spirit too, not just physical) for years leading up to conception. Then during pregnancy, I worked diligently to maintain these good habits. Never worried about a number on the scale, just focusing on doing the best I could each day.

And yeah it was hard - is still hard… cultivating energy and discipline to workout, meditate or even get ready because interrupted sleep every night for months is a battle - BUT through this process of becoming a mom, now I have an even deeper desire to be healthy, strong, mobile, flexible, resilient!

The sense of fulfillment is even more rewarding. I loved my life before Hayes and now I ADORE it. If I could time travel and tell the version of me who saw those positive lines on the test… I would be like “girl don’t even worry, the next year is going to be the best year of your life so far, just take it one day at a time.”

This spring, I’m primarily attending reformer pilates and restorative yoga classes. I’m also walking SO much to get Hayes and Peaches out of the house so that’s also nice to stay active. Then this summer once I’m 6 months PP, I’m going to add either 1 boxing class or 1 lifting session at the gym per week.