My Body Will Never Be the Same

I hear these things all the time from patients, friends, and even my narrative at times… “my body is broken, once I had kids I would never dream of doing that, I use to wear/do that but not after kids” the list goes on and on.

You guys! We just went through a major miracle! We grew and carried a baby for 9ish months and birthed that cute little bundle of joy. Yet we think things will just go back to “normal” without a little help? Those are some pretty heavy expectations!

You are not alone, I find myself going “there” occasionally and I have to pull myself back out.

Let me ask you this…If you were to tear your quad muscle or a rotator cuff…would you just expect to bounce back 100% or would you rehab these areas for several weeks? The right answer is, you would rehab these areas to build strength and endurance. Why are our bodies after babies any different?

The expectations

The false narrative that our bodies should just “bounce back” after babies on their own (I still remember when Heidi Klum took the Victoria Secret fashion runway just a few weeks after baby and thinking WOW I hope my body does that!)

Our bodies are made to do this but we also have to put in a little time and effort after having a baby to combat “all the things”. So yes, you are going to have to work a little bit at rehabbing your body post-baby.

I also think it’s important to note, what was your health like pre-baby? Did you have flat abs? Was health important to you? If you expect things to be different post-baby there may need to be some lifestyle changes on board.

What are your goals? Are they realistic postpartum? I had a very unrealistic goal of running a ½ marathon shortly after having my baby. I was so afraid that I wouldn’t lose the weight that as soon as I was cleared by the doctor I jumped on the treadmill (it was the middle of winter in Wyoming) and pushed the mileage. As you probably guessed….it was too much, too soon. I wish I would have known then what I know now.

I want to sit down with you, mom, and encourage you. You are not broken. Your body can be strong and able post-baby but you are going to have to put in the time.

When I found out I was pregnant, I was ecstatic don’t get me wrong but there was a little voice in my head already telling me I was going to be broke, never the same again. Well, I am here to tell you, friend, my body is strong, I can do all the things I want, and I am proud of my body. It has birthed two babies and carried me along this journey called life.

I want to support you in your goals postpartum. If you haven’t already, hop into my private Facebook group “Mighty as a Mother”. Here you will get a daily workout, encouragement, and discussion about all things health!