Baby weight is heavy but not as heavy as the rest of it….prepare.
Over the past 15+ years of teaching fitness classes I have had numerous moms-to-be ask my advice for “losing the baby weight” or “getting my pre-pregnancy body back”. I typically tell them to focus on their babies, their mental health, their sleep and an abridged version of the 5 items below.
These items are in no way meant to imply that women shouldn’t focus on their physical health and fitness what it is meant to do is to pass along some life lessons I have learned through my own failings and losses to help others learn from my mistakes and focus their energies on long-term, life skills that will benefit themselves, their partners and the children they are raising. Feeling good about yourself involves WAY more than a number on a scale or the fit of a pair of pants.
1. Instead of training to be the fastest Marathon Mom, train to ask for help. No one can do everything, especially at the same time. Much like you can’t run and lift weights at the same time ask for help from those who care about you and your baby. Help does not equal weakness it shows you are wise enough to know that a team accomplishes more than a single player does.
2. Instead of focusing on fitting into your pre-pregnancy clothes or getting back to your pre-pregnancy body, focus on learning about the person you’ve become through this life changing experience. Focus on where this new you fits instead of working tirelessly to be physically fit. Being mentally and emotionally fit is far more crucial to being successful in your new role(s) than the way your pants fit.
3. Instead of building the strength of your abs, build the strength of your marriage. Everything changes once you have a child, including your relationship if you don’t recognize the changes and learn to adjust your road map you may find yourself way off course. Your kids’ life, well-being and soul are not affected by whether or not they have a “hot mom” but they will never recover from a broken home (whether broken by divorce or a poor marriage).
4. Instead of worrying about the nursery decor spend time considering how you talk about yourself and your spouse. The words you use to decorate yourself and others will greatly impact the young mind and soul you have created. The creation doesn’t end at birth you are shaping them every moment of every day. Be Aware.
5. Instead of focusing on milestones, grades and quantifiable accomplishments spend equal, if not more time, focusing on emotional growth, ability to cope and human kindness for your child and yourself.
If you focus in these areas the weight/fitness will fall into place because you will be a happier, more peaceful, more accepting and loving person (of yourself).
And know that while these are life lessons I have learned the hard way…I am by no means finished learning, growing, improving or making my way through the land-mine filled world of raising humans. I wish all mommas peace, love, acceptance and a path to personal happiness, fulfillment and joy. And in place of those things a tall glass of wine and a peaceful moment to enjoy it.