Fit to Be a Mom

It was during a marathon nursing session with my newborn last month that I first saw the feeds stream through social media, announcing Will & Kate were the proud parents of a healthy baby boy that the world over has now lovingly referred to as Georgie. I’ve always had an affinity for British monarchy, the Anglophile in me coupled with some timeline connections (my parents were married the same week as Charles & Diana and Prince Harry shares the same birth month/year as I do, making me feel a tie to the Royal family albeit it be a loose one). I may or may not have woken up in the middle of the night to watch Will & Kate’s wedding streamed live a few years back (and I may or may not have watched in on repeat play later that day!) so it should come as no surprise I was as eager as any to see the first footage of the Royal family as a three-some and later hear Baby’s official name. When the hospital doors opened and the proud parents ventured out to show off their little bundle of joy, I couldn’t keep my eyes off Kate who looked absolutely stunning for having gone through all the work that is labor within 24 hours’ time. Soon after news networks were all abuzz with mixed reactions about how beautiful the new mom looked and yet how it was so obvious she had quite the baby belly on her. Most remarks I saw were kind, but for those that weren’t I could only chalk it up to be the naive opinions of childless people.

After having delivered three 9+ pound babies, I can personally attest that growing a baby is serious business and recovery doesn’t happen overnight. My philosophy is if it takes nine months to get so full-figured, there should be nine months of grace to get back into shape. I need that grace because, unfortunately, I’m not one of those girls that can whip out their pre-pregnancy skinny jeans a week after Baby’s born. For the record, I might just be the type that’s been asked how far along I am when I’m three months postpartum and my honest-to-a-fault 3- and 5-year-olds continue to ask why my belly looks like it still has a baby in it (or if there’s a new baby in it. There’s not sweet boys. Hate to disappoint). Health is of utmost importance, but when it comes to jean size I think our culture needs to take a chill pill and remember that many moms won’t look the same after their sweet Babes enter the world. If anything it’s really just one more reminder that every aspect of life looks different after children enter the equation. Instead of lamenting a body that once was, why not rejoice in what that body has accomplished?

I found myself recently in the midst of another marathon nursing session and guess who showed up on my newsfeed? None other than the Royal parents and their sweet one-month old Peanut, showcasing their first official family portrait. Kate was clearly back down to her pre-pregnancy size already for which I rejoiced for her. Me, on the other hand? I realized how thankful I was to not have the kind of pressure on my shoulders she faces regarding body image, especially knowing that if my body gives me the same treatment it did after having Child 1 and Child 2, it will be another few months before the weight finally decides to take a hint and high tail it. In the meantime, I’ve found myself unwinding at the end of the day to yoga DVD’s, hitting the gym to weight lift with my aunt (who’s conveniently a fitness instructor) one day a week, and looking forward to run training once my sweet Babe starts on solids and is no longer in need of my body for nourishment quite so much. I don’t know if my pre-pregnancy clothes will be making an appearance any time soon but I’m thankful for good health and realize my fitness goals are primarily about developing the strength and endurance to keep up with three highly energetic children.

What about you? What is your favorite way to get back into shape after having a baby?