May Newsletter: Tough as a Mother

Mother’s Day is next week. This will be my 2nd official one. I’m looking forward to it as it will be the first one with my daughter and my completed family.

On Mother’s Day, please be cautious about who you wish a “Happy Mother’s Day” to. I remember one year before I even wanted children, my husband and I were out at lunch. The restaurant manager brought me my alcoholic drink and then wished me a very Happy Mother’s Day. He really meant well by it, but it was weird. I thought about  people who had experienced losses, infertility, or were cut-off from their children for whatever reason and how triggered they would have felt by this tone-deaf message. I also thought about people who intentionally don’t have or don’t want children and how insulting this can be. Don’t want to be on a high horse, just asking people to use common sense this Sunday.

As the weather warms and we shed our bulky, forgiving winter clothes, I see more and more moms asking about how to get their “pre-baby” body back. At 4 months post-partum, it’s a thought I have also had. But, do I really want that? This body has grown two beautiful babies in less than 3 years. I am able to provide nourishment for my children with this body, which takes a toll. I have earned every single stretch mark. I’ve been to Hell and came back on the other side stronger than before.
What I do want is a post- baby body that can keep up with my littles. I want to be able to pick them up and hold them over my head Dirty Dancing style (my son’s favorite game). I want to be able to have the energy to run after them for hours on end.
I encourage you to find ways to accept the body that you have and decide what your motivation is for your next steps. What does your post-baby body look like?
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Here are some basic tips:

• Drink plenty of water! - Think of water as oil for your body. Without, things just don’t run right. Aim for half your body weight in ounces (150 lbs/2=75 ounces) This is especially important if you are breastfeeding as water is the best galactogogue.
• Focus on whole foods - When possible, avoid the processed foods. Look for easy recipes that fit your schedule and meal prep when you can.
• Get creative with exercise - Pre-Baby you were a gym rat but now that seems impossible. How can you include your kids in your exercise? I do baby bench press with my daughter and arm curls with my son. You can also race them to the other side of the yard or go on a family bike ride. A brisk walk in the stroller is easy too!
• Give yourself grace!!!! It’s been a tough day at work, you forgot your water bottle, got home late and had to do nuggies and fries for dinner, and have zero energy. It’s okay. You did good work today and you are going to do better tomorrow. You are tough as a Mother.

I don’t share pictures of my kids, but here are my other babies who don’t care.
(In order, Rory, Amelia, and Min)