One Woman’s Experience:  How To Prepare For Your Post. Baby. Body.

I hated my body after I  gave birth.

I was delusional to think that I wouldn’t gain weight.

That I would pop the baby out and boom I’d fit into my “pre-baby clothes” again.

What was I thinking?

I wasn’t.

But, I also had no idea how hard it was to  regain my body to where I felt most comfortable post-baby.

I had every right to want to “get my pre-baby body back” because this is where I felt most comfortable and confident within myself and happy. Where I didn’t feel self-conscious in certain clothes, I would be confident wearing bikinis to the beach, & I felt like I could be naked in front of my partner again, and not cover areas of my body that I felt self-conscious about post-baby.

Wanting Your Pre-Baby Body Back

I get this. Hands down. Because more than likely this is where you have felt your most comfortable, sexy, confident, you’ve rocked walking around naked in front of your partner, you haven’t had a care in the world of how anyone has looked at you in swimmers and you would just like to return to where your body felt the most comfortable, right?

Post Baby

It takes time. After you’ve had your baby more than likely you won’t snap back into your favourite pair of jeans, shorts, or dress that you love the most. Give your body as much time as needed to rest and heal. Start off with some light walking when you feel your body is ready.

When Should I Return To Exercise?

You should ideally wait for your 6-week postnatal check-up with your DR. But is your body really ready after 6 weeks post-birth? Every woman’s body, birth and circumstances are different so your check-up isn’t a given that you are good to go and jump back into exercise. Here are some things you might want to think about.

• Seeing a WHP (Women’s Health Physio) to see if your abdominal muscles are closing, and check your pelvic floor
• Make sure you get a clearance letter from your Dr if you do want to return to exercise
• Let your trainer, gym facility know that you are returning to exercise so they can be very mindful of impacting exercises on your pelvic floor, and core (tummy)
• If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
• Exercise somewhere you feel most comfortable and safe within to help regain your body to where you feel most comfortable.

 

Be Kind To Yourself

You just had a baby. I know it’s hard, and I get how much our body changes. But over time with the right support, advice and knowledge you can regain your body and feel confident once again.

 

I love helping women, and I train women every day. If you would like help then reach out and let’s connect and see how I can show you the right way to love your body once again, postnatal.