6-weeks postpartum – the new beginning

6-weeks postpartum – the new beginning

Alright, Team NO Judgment if you continue to read. Deal?

I hated being pregnant. Yes, OF COURSE it was worth it – OF COURSE.

But we have the option to own or truth despite the highlight reel on social media and my truth is: growing this sweet peanut drained me mentally, emotionally and physically more than any other phase of life.

So, this isn’t about a “before and after.” It’s about the freaking journey.

40 weeks pregnant vs. 6 weeks post-Max

TODAY I feel squishier and much weaker than I’ve been in a long time (just being real) BUT then I remind myself:

You birthed a (pretty sizable) human being.
You (somehow) feel energized again, despite that little sleep situation.
You ARE strong, just in different ways than before.
You are evolving simply by recommitting to yourself WHILE nurturing your baby.
You get practice compassion with yourself by being consistent with your self-care.
You survived the first six weeks.

I’m one of those crazies who’s excited to start moving again mostly because it makes me SANE and makes me feel empowered to change what’s no longer serving me (like watching all the Gilmore Girl episodes)! So, this is week 1 of the returning to my yoga mat. Week 1 of getting to know my bod again.

Why tell you all this? Well, believe it or not, it’s bigger than the belly & even BIGGER than abs. (Although, I’ll be real: if I happened upon abs, i wouldn’t send them away… I mean, anything to help me lift my milk monster!)

I am committed to sharing my postpartum journey OUT LOUD, no matter how uncomfortable. BECAUSE I’m absolutely positive I’m not the only woman who feels squishing, weaker or a grab bag of other adjectives this time of year (orrr after birthing a human).

It’s important to me to share the FULL journey rather than just the sparkly “after” moments in life.

As far as I’m concerned, friends, we’re all in this life game together, and I’d prefer to travel with folks who aren’t afraid to show their squishy, weak, uncomfortably vulnerable moments as well as their highlight reel.

CAUTION: pregnancy do’s and don’ts

CAUTION: pregnancy do’s and don’ts

I’m curious: how many things have you been cautioned about doing/NOT doing while pregnant… or while parenting… or while simply living your life?

I’m finding that the debates are NUTS about what “should/shouldn’t” be done and what is “wrong/right” for momma and baby.

Clearly, I’m quite new to this scene, but I’ve been shocked at BOTH how fear seems to rule one’s way of life AND how extreme distrust for “the system” forces people to ward off ANY recommendations.

Historically, I’m no better; I’ve struggled with an extremist mind as long as I can remember, but this process {for me} needs to be far more balanced and grounded than the swings of extreme rule-following or extreme rebellion.

Personally, the two ways I find the most peace, freedom AND safety in my decision-making process are through:
• a range of research from a variety of sources
• my own intuition
…and letting go of the fear & reality of judgment

We’re all doing the very best we can for ourselves, our families and our little creatures.

Maybe, just maybe, when we STOP judging others for their choices and START respecting people for honoring their bodies and their families THE BEST WAY that they know how, we’ll be able to share a much more open and compassionate dialogue about how to authentically move through the most thrilling transitions in this miraculous life.