Becoming a mom is such a special, treasured experience. You’ve come home from the hospital, settled in and are learning all things baby ... bathing, sleeping and feeding schedules, nursing, tummy time and more. There is so much on your mind that I’m guessing you haven’t really thought much about taking care of yourself, have you? Although it may seem inconsequential to let your own health slip and become less of a priority during this adjustment, it is more important than ever.
I remember feeling disappointed at some point in my motherhood journey because my pre-pregnancy clothes didn’t fit me in the same way—well, maybe not at all! The reality of motherhood is your body changes. Your body works for months and months to grow and nurture another life and, if you choose to breastfeed, make food to nourish and feed that little life! We see celebrities, models and others in the spotlight all over Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook and Twitter just weeks—maybe even days—after giving birth, having “miraculously” shed all the pounds and looking like glowing pre-pregnant versions of themselves. This is not reality!
So, what is a new mama to do? Well, it is no secret that moms are tired. The kind of tired you look back on later and have no idea how you functioned. Sleep is crucial for your overall physical and mental health. When you are sleep deprived, you don’t think as clearly and are more likely to reach for unhealthy, prepackaged, convenient food options. To help fuel your body with the energy you need to take care of you and your baby, reach for fresh fruits and veggies instead. Sarah Darby, a certified nurse-midwife and mom of three, says, “Eating lean proteins, lots of veggies and complex carbs helps support breastfeeding success and eliminates the need for calorie counting.” It is important to note here as well, if you are breastfeeding, some moms actually gain weight while others shed it. Don’t get discouraged if the former happens to you!
Aside from sleep and nutrition being integral parts of taking care of yourself post pregnancy, we are so fortunate to live in an area where exercise options are plentiful, not only on your own, but with your baby! Jenna Fujii, owner and instructor of Fit Mama by Fujii, offers Mama & Me newborn support and group stroller fitness. She says, “Our mission is to help every postpartum mom feel welcomed, celebrated and empowered after transitioning into motherhood. Our support groups are designed to create deep, meaningful connections to each other. We focus on nurturing your mental health through physical movement in a supportive group setting.” Similarly, another wonderful option, which I actually attended back when my oldest was a newbie, is Fit4Mom. Meredith Paranjothi, a mom of one and owner and instructor at Fit4Mom Overland Park, adds, “Being able to embrace our bodies and respect the changes they go through before and after birth is so important. Resuming exercise (after being cleared by your doctor) can help improve physical, mental and emotional wellness. Exercise helps improve your quality of sleep as well as release endorphins that trigger positive feelings in our brains. New moms can focus on strengthening exercises that will help them do all the things they need to do to care for their babies, like carrying car seats, lifting and lowering strollers, getting up and down from the floor while caring for or playing with Baby and performing all the other daily tasks needed for their little ones. Finding a support system (making a date to walk with a friend or joining a group to exercise together) can help a new mom’s emotional health, as well as her physical health.”
It’s worth noting your body took 9 months to grow and change to have this beautiful baby of yours, so it’s not going to snap back overnight ... and it may never! Be proud of all that your body has accomplished and give yourself grace!
Julie Collett writes from her home in Overland Park. She is a busy mama to four children, ages 10 to 4!