This post is going to start with another little story from the aisles of Publix. I’m not sure what it is about the employees at my Publix, but they’re definitely not afraid to speak their minds. (Refer to my previous interaction.) There I am, with Kennedy enjoying my daily grocery shopping. Of course, while out and about, babies get a lot of attention and the question always gets asked “How old?” This day, I was going through the checkout and the cashier was a nice older gentleman. The conversation went the typical way until he asked “How old?” I answered, “two months” and this was his response:
“Oh wow! You’re so skinny, are you sure she’s yours?!
She must be your first, right? Wait until you have your third, that’s when you’ll really pack on the pounds and you’ll never get rid of them”
Once again, someone at Publix left me speechless. This sweet old man me feel guilty, angry, and scared for the future, in 5 seconds flat. But it got me thinking. He’s not the only one who has spoken blatantly about my postpartum body.
I’m not here to start a debate. I actually loathe online debating. But I know there are lots of different opinions on this and it seems like if strangers are ok giving theirs, I can share my two cents, right?
I’ve shared some photos of my recovery postpartum and through that I started to hear this term “snap back.” That’s not something I’ve EVER heard before so to Google I went. That led me down quite the rabbit hole. Basically, it refers to the phenomenon through which some women regain their pre-pregnancy bodies seemingly instantly. But it also made me realize how people can be SO mean to one another. Scratch that, WOMEN can be so mean to one another. Ladies/humans, EVERYONE is different. Every pregnancy is different. Some people are in ridiculous shape pre pregnancy, feel great enough to eat super health, and stay super active throughout. Chances are, they are going to recover differently than someone who was throwing up everyday, couldn’t fathom the gym, and could only stomach carbs. Some women drop the weight instantly with breastfeeding, and some hold on to it with breastfeeding. There are so many different factors that play into our recovery, good and bad. Who cares? Can we just celebrate one another??
If you’re working really hard on your postpartum body and you’re proud of your progress, awesome! If you’re just trying to keep your head above water and you’re proud you put on yoga pants instead of sweatpants today, awesome! It’s not a competition and comparison is the devil!
For me, this pregnancy was pretty decent. I had typical morning sickness first trimester, but after that I was able to get back into the gym and eat semi normally. I didn’t swell much and I gained a pretty average amount of weight. I’m very thankful I was able to stay active until the very end because I know that has helped with my postpartum recovery. I’m taking advantage of all of those factors this time around because I know if we are able to get pregnant again, it could be a totally different story!
It’s still definitely very tough. I haven’t quite gotten back into a routine of getting to the gym and I’m starving ALL DAY LONG so my food choices aren’t always perfect. But I’m doing the best I can because I want to be strong and healthy to care for my daughter. I also want my body to be strong and healthy so it’s ready to (hopefully) start this process all over again in the near future. If I can fit back into some of my pre pregnancy clothes, then great… because my wardrobe is pretty small at the moment! That’s just really not what this is all about.
So I celebrate the small wins for myself and for the new mamas around me. You all amaze me. You mamas back in the gym doing boxing classes and kicking butt, I see you! You mamas snuggling, reading, and being so so stinking sweet with your babes, I see you! You mamas making it through another day of the highest highs and the lowest lows (sometimes all within the span of about 3 minutes) I see you!
Our bodies will come back, or maybe they won’t. Stay away from the negativity especially if it’s coming in your own voice. And I’ll maybe stay away from Publix for a bit.
Look how tiny she is in this photo! I want to mention this tool again because it was and is such a big part of my recovery. Bellefit has some wonderful corsets to aid in your recovery for all types of births, even later in the postpartum period they can be super helpful. Use code: KIM20 to get $20 off. Just a note, I used the regular “full butt” version and it was very comfortable. I’ve heard the thong is a little less comfy, as I can sort of imagine. Yikes! Let me know if you have any questions!.
