How To Get Back On Track Physically After Pregnancy
New mothers are under a lot of pressure to look great after having a baby. Endless photos of celebrities looking amazing just days and weeks after giving birth can put a lot of stress on someone who has just been through 9 months of intense physical transformation as well as coping with birth and the aftermath.
While you should never feel obliged to meet anyone else’s expectations on what new mothers should and shouldn’t look like, you may still feel like you want to improve your health and wellbeing.
Think about what you want
Setting realistic goals is a great way to focus your energies. But you have to think about what it is that you want. Do you want to be at the size and weight you were before you got pregnant? Or do you want to rebuild areas of your fitness such as your core or stamina? You might be thinking about a fitness routine or plastic surgery such as breast augmentation or liposuction.
It’s good to have goals, but only if they are realistic. You can then put a plan in place to work towards them.
Have a post-pregnancy physical
The length of time it takes to recover from birth varies depending on your particular circumstances and the type of birth you had. While your doctor will be able to help with any obvious medical issues, it could still be with investing in a specialist post-natal assessment with a physical therapist. They can assess any weaknesses in your pelvic floor, core and other aches and pains which have been brought about by your pregnancy. Correcting any musculoskeletal issues early can help you get back on track in other areas of your health and fitness.
Go back to basics
Rather than focusing on fad diets or unsustainable exercise routines, focus your energies on the foundations of wellbeing. These are a good diet, movement and exercise and sufficient rest and sleep. Too many parents find themselves neglecting their own health when a baby arrives. Its not being selfish to look after yourself too.
Don’t neglect your mental fitness too
Recovering from a birth is a mental journey as much as it is a physical one. Your hormones and lack of sleep can take their toll. Post partum depression is common but is still very underecognised and diagnosed.
Take steps to give yourself time to relax an decompress. Even if it’s having a friend look after the baby for an hour or two. If you feel that you might be experiencing depression or anxiety, seek help and support as soon as possible.
Key points
Feeling physically strong and confident after having a baby can feel like an insurmountable task. Unrealistic expectations from society can make you feel like a failure. The truth is, it’s not meant to be quick or easy. As with most things in life, people respond to situations in different ways and in their own time. The key is try and be consistent and concentrate on the basics so that your progress is built on a good foundation.
