As much as we wish we could snap back to feeling 100% overnight, the truth is, your body just went through a lot and recovery takes time. From hormones balancing out to your body adjusting physically, postpartum healing is a journey. It’s not something we can (or should!) rush through.
I get it.... you’re probably feeling the pressure to “bounce back” and get back to your pre-baby self. Whether it’s your energy, your body, or even your mindset, there’s this invisible (and sometimes very visible) expectation to hurry up and recover.
But let’s stop and think about what your body has just accomplished. You’ve just grown and brought life into the world. That’s no small feat, and it’s going to take some time for your body to adjust to this new chapter.
The Hormonal Rollercoaster
If you’re feeling all over the place emotionally, you’re not alone. After giving birth, your hormones are trying to recalibrate. This hormonal shift can bring on a whirlwind of emotions—from happy to tears to overwhelm—all within the span of an hour. Be kind to yourself through this transition. It’s totally normal to feel this way, and the last thing you need is to feel guilty about it.
Physical Recovery
Beyond the emotional rollercoaster, your body is healing physically. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a c-section, your body is working hard to repair itself. From healing tissues to regaining strength, this doesn’t happen overnight. Give yourself permission to rest, listen to your body, and not feel like you need to be doing all the things just yet.
Give Yourself Grace
The most important thing you can do during this time is to give yourself grace. Healing is not linear, and it looks different for everyone. Some days you might feel like you’re on top of the world, and other days, even brushing your teeth feels like a win. And that’s okay. Take it one day at a time, and remind yourself that you’re doing amazing.
Your body is incredible for what it’s just done, and it deserves all the love and patience in the world. Recovery is not a race, and there’s no gold medal for who heals the fastest. What’s most important is taking care of yourself so you can be the best version of you—for both yourself and your new little one.
Take your time, mama. You’ve got this.
Once that sweet little baby enters your world, everything shifts. Your Friday nights that were once about Netflix or going out look a lot more like cuddles, diapers, and early bedtimes. The clothes you used to rock? They’ve likely been traded for something a bit more... mom-friendly (hello, leggings).
But you know what hasn’t changed for me? My love for food. 🍲
I’ve always had this passion for nourishing my body and finding joy in the kitchen. And now, as a mom, that love has only deepened. I realize more than ever how important it is to fuel my body with nutritious, wholesome foods. After all, I need the energy to keep up with my little guy!
What’s even more special is that I get to share this love for food with him. Cooking together has become one of our favorite activities. Sure, it’s messy, and sometimes things don’t go as planned (I’ve learned that toddlers and flour don’t always mix well). But it’s fun, it’s bonding, and we both enjoy it.
We love trying new recipes, from simple breakfasts to creative snacks, and I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to watch him get excited about food. There’s something magical about teaching your child the importance of nourishing their body—watching them explore new flavors and textures while building memories together in the kitchen.
So, while motherhood has changed nearly everything about my life, my love for food has stayed constant. And now, I get to experience that joy in a new way—through the eyes of my little one. Whether we’re making a homemade smoothie or baking our favorite protein snacks, these moments are some of my favorites.
Motherhood changes you, but it also adds so many beautiful layers. And for me, one of those layers is sharing my love for good food with the little person I love most.
Motherhood can be lonely.
There, I said it.
Even with people around who love you—your partner, family, friends—somehow, it can still feel isolating. It's not constant, but there are those moments, like in the middle of the night when you’re up for the fourth time, and you think to yourself, "How am I doing this again?"
Or maybe it’s when you finally carve out a second for yourself, but instead of soaking in that precious ‘me time,’ you’re tending to your little one’s needs. As much as we love our children, the relentless demands of motherhood can make us feel like we’re on an island, alone.
The truth is, women thrive in community. We need a support system—people who understand, who can lift us up when we're down, and who won’t judge us for feeling overwhelmed. And who better to understand the rollercoaster of motherhood than other moms? They get it because they’re living it too.
That’s why I’m so passionate about creating a space designed just for us—a community where we can connect, share, and support one another through this incredible, challenging, exhausting, and beautiful journey. Whether you’re navigating the early days of motherhood, juggling work and family, or trying to prioritize your own health amidst the chaos, this community is here for you.
In this space, there’s no judgment, no competition, just real women supporting each other. We’ll talk about everything from our health and wellness to the struggles and joys of being a mom. This is your place to be heard, to ask questions, to share advice, and to simply be yourself.
Because, as much as we love our little ones, we need to take care of ourselves too. We need to feel connected, supported, and understood. And most importantly, we need to remember that we’re not alone.
So, whether you’re a new mom, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, I invite you to join us. Let’s lift each other up, celebrate our wins, and be there for one another when things get tough. Because together, we can thrive in this journey called motherhood.
I did NOT want to give birth in the hospital.
It wasn't always like this for me. I used to think, “Sign me up for anything that removes all pain and hurries this up. Bonus for instant pre-baby body!” Obviously, some of that is just not really possible, and other aspects might be for certain women, BUT...
The reason I decided against it was because nearly 60% of women at hospital births receive at least one medical intervention during labor, such as induction, epidural anesthesia, or C-section, even though many of these interventions are not always medically necessary. This high rate of intervention can often lead to a cascade of additional procedures and potential complications, making the birthing process more medicalized than it might need to be.
Why does this matter? For me, it was about wanting to have more control over my birthing experience. I wanted to avoid unnecessary interventions that might complicate things further. I wanted a birth that felt natural, empowering, and tailored to my body’s needs.
Here’s the deal: every single body is different, but there are some fairly compelling numbers when it comes to the birthing system. For instance, women who have continuous support during labor, such as a midwife or doula, are less likely to need pain medication or other interventions. They also report a higher satisfaction with their birth experience.
Choosing not to give birth in a hospital was about staying empowered, staying informed, and advocating for the birth experience I deserved. Here are a few tips if you’re considering a similar path:
- Do Your Research: Understand the pros and cons of hospital births versus home or birthing center options. Look at the statistics and decide what feels right for you.
- Find a Supportive Team: Whether it’s a midwife, doula, or supportive family members, having a team that respects your birth plan is crucial.
- Prepare for Flexibility: While it’s great to have a plan, remember that birth can be unpredictable. Be open to changes if they’re truly necessary for your and your baby’s health.
- Trust Your Body: Your body was made for this. Trust in its ability to birth your baby. Stay in tune with what feels right for you.
Every birth experience is unique, and what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to stay informed and make the choices that are best for you and your baby.
Short story, stay empowered, stay informed, and advocate for the birth experience you deserve.
Your birthing experience is just that—yours. Make it a story you’ll look back on with pride and empowerment. You’ve got this!
The postpartum experience is a wild ride, and there's one aspect that often gets overlooked: that first bleed after having a baby. It’s tricky.
For me, I was blessed with my cycle returning after about eight months and staying very regular ever since. But I know that’s not everyone’s story. There are so many factors that influence when your period will return postpartum!
Let’s break it down:
- Hormones and Breastfeeding: Your period might not come back right away, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Lactation suppresses the hormones that trigger ovulation, which can delay the return of your menstrual cycle.
- Changes in Your Cycle: When your period does return, it might be different than it was before. Heavier, lighter, longer, shorter—your body is readjusting. The changes are typically temporary, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them.
- Track Your Cycle: Keeping track of your cycle is crucial. Not only does it help you understand what’s happening with your body, but it also allows you to discuss any concerns with your doctor effectively.
Let’s be real—there are a lot of emotions around this. Depending on when your cycle returns, you might have been without a bleed for almost two years! That’s a long time, and getting back into the monthly flow (pun intended) with a little one attached to you can look very different.
Before my baby, I was in tune with my cycle. I knew exactly what phase I was in and supported my body with the right foods, essential oils, specific movements, and more. Now? Without my app to help me track, I’d be lost.
So, here’s what I’m focusing on to get back on track:
- Using a Cycle Tracking App: This is a lifesaver. It helps me keep tabs on where I am in my cycle and what my body needs at each phase.
- Supporting My Body: I’m getting back into the rhythm of eating foods that support my cycle, using essential oils, and engaging in the right kind of movement for each phase.
- Self-Care and Awareness: Understanding these aspects of my cycle helps me navigate postpartum recovery with more confidence and clarity.
Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s okay if yours doesn’t look like anyone else’s. The important thing is to listen to your body and give yourself grace as you navigate this new chapter.
