I’ve been chatting with some new Mom’s this last while who are wanting to get busy and lose the baby weight ASAP. I wrote this for you, and for me.
As I’m getting ready to start my day today, pulling pyjama’s off to put my yoga pants on, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and then stand up straight and take in a good look at myself. A really good look in the dim November morning light. 5 years since I birthed my daughter, and just now I am beginning to see bits of the way my body used to be before pregnancy and birth.
While I have no desire to look just as I did before pregnancy, I always struggled with this spare tire that was decorated with stretch marks. The part of my body that held onto me like a life preserver. But guess what?! It really was my body loving me. How? I went into fight or flight after my daughter was born… I was a hormonal disaster! A classic case of adrenal fatigue. I couldn’t sleep properly, would eat here and there, the bits and pieces of food left over from my kids plates. Whenever, no rhyme or reason. I went into survival mode and my body gave me a life preserver. Having 2 small kids around, lots going on in my personal life, no time to myself, moving house, I was so tired I can’t even begin. Stress, stress, stress.
Now, my kids are a little older. My girl started Kindergarten in September so I have time to myself 5 days a week. I slowed things way down. It seemed easy in the fall months with the days turning to nights so early. November has been all about me, myself and I. Taking myself out on dates and doing things to please no one but myself. It’s so good to remember who I was, and who I AM! Don’t get me wrong, the good times have out numbered the bad. I loved being able to stay at home with my kids and watching them grow right before my eyes. But no matter how you look at it, the early years are a challenge on all levels.
Anyway, my point being, don’t worry about getting that pre-baby body back. You just crossed the threshold into motherhood and those breasts are meant to swell with life giving milk, and your hips stay curvy to carry your little ones on board. If you’re like me, your belly will never be what it was, and that is perfectly ok. My stretch marks are like a belt I wear to show how much i’ve grown, stretched and opened to bring 2 humans into this world. No easy task I might add. This “bouncing back” after baby is BS. For some reason our culture applauds women who can get back into skinny jeans ASAP. We are meant to be soft and gentle to ourselves, especially in these times.
And finally, your smile and the sparkle in your eyes is far more sexy than fitting into skinny jeans. Take yourself out on a date.. carve out some time for yourself, Mama. The early days of motherhood are some of the most demanding of your life, and i’m sure you’ll find as I did, that as kids grow and become more independent, you’ll have time to come back to yourself. But don’t lose YOU in the chaos, and always put yourself first! You’re good to no one if you’re sinking.
Sending love to you all… whatever stage in the journey you’re on. 
<3