6 Months Postpartum Recovery and Update

Hi everyone, it's been 6 months since I gave birth and I wanted to give you an update on my postpartum recovery journey.

The first few weeks were challenging, as expected. My body was healing and adjusting to the new normal of caring for a newborn.

I focused on taking care of myself, both physically and mentally. Eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest were key priorities.

As time passed, I gradually started incorporating gentle exercises into my routine to rebuild my strength and stamina.

I also made sure to connect with other moms for support and advice, which was incredibly helpful during this transformative time.

Now, at 6 months postpartum, I can proudly say that I feel stronger and more like myself again.

I've learned to embrace the changes that motherhood has brought into my life and I am grateful for the journey so far.

Thank you for following along with my postpartum recovery and update.

In this post, I'll be sharing my 6 months postpartum recovery journey and giving you all an update on how I've been feeling and progressing since giving birth. From physical changes to emotional ups and downs, I'll be sharing it all with you.

I'll also be discussing the challenges I faced during this time and how I overcame them, as well as the tips and tricks that helped me along the way. Whether you're a new mom, soon-to-be mom, or just curious about postpartum recovery, this is for you.

We are All Different

Just like no pregnancy is the same, there is no-one who goes through an exact postpartum journey like you do. Today, I want to share with you my 6 months postpartum recovery.

It's special in that way (and let's face it, frustrating too!) all at the same time.

Look, it would be nice to have some more predictability, that's for sure. But to be truthful, it really is part of the adventure that makes the highs the highest, and the lows sometimes the lowest when it comes to Motherhood and the postpartum journey.

As Mothers we have so much going on.

It's a juggle to say the least.

Recovering from birth, looking after a baby, feeding a baby, connecting with new Mother's in the same boat, staying connected to old friends, time with family, time with your partner, time for yourself.

And then there's the other 'stuff' like how long you'll spend on maternity leave, do you even like your job, do you want to go back? When do you need to apply for childcare, do you want to have your child in childcare?

Financial pressure, social pressure and then of course the ultimate.

Life-Changing Experience

Becoming a new mom is a life-changing experience, and while it's a time of great joy, it can also be incredibly challenging. As a new mom, I quickly realized that taking care of myself during the postpartum period was crucial, not just for my physical health, but also for my mental well-being.

Today, I want to share my personal journey with you and highlight the importance of self-care during this period.

The Physical Changes

One of the most significant struggles new mothers face after childbirth is the physical changes that come with it. Our bodies go through so much during pregnancy and childbirth, and it can be overwhelming to deal with the aftermath.

From stretch marks to C-section scars, and from weight gain to hair loss, it can be difficult to come to terms with our new bodies. On top of that, there are emotional challenges - the pressure to be a perfect mom, the fear of not being able to care for our baby, and the anxiety that comes with this new role.

Societal Pressures

Additionally, societal pressures can be overwhelming. We're often expected to bounce back quickly, to lose the baby weight, and to look like we did before pregnancy. But the reality is, our bodies need time to heal, and we need to be patient with ourselves.

It's essential to focus on nourishing our bodies, rather than trying to fit into an unrealistic beauty standard.

Emotional Challenges

Moreover, the emotional challenges can be intensified by the lack of sleep, the constant worrying, and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the new responsibilities. It's no wonder that many new moms feel like they're struggling to keep their heads above water.

My Postpartum Recovery Routine

My postpartum recovery routine was all about taking it one step at a time, being kind to myself, and focusing on my overall well-being. I started with gentle exercises, like pelvic floor exercises and short walks around the block.

As I got stronger, I introduced more intense workouts, like squats and lunges, and eventually, I started doing yoga and Pilates. Nutrition played a massive role in my recovery too - I focused on whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and made sure to drink plenty of water.

Your Mental Health

In terms of mental health, I prioritized self-care activities, like meditation, reading, and taking long baths. I also made sure to connect with my loved ones, whether it was through video calls or in-person meetups.

I wanted to make sure I wasn't isolating myself and that I had a support system in place.

It wasn't easy, and there were times when I felt like giving up, but I persevered, and slowly but surely, I started to see the results. My energy levels increased, my body started to feel stronger, and my confidence grew.

I Can Fit Into My Clothes Again

The moment I realized my hard work was paying off was when I fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans. It was a small victory, but it felt like a huge accomplishment. I also remember going for a 30-minute walk without feeling exhausted - that was a major win for me.

And when my baby was around six months old, I started to feel like myself again - energetic, happy, and confident.

Be Patient

Looking back, I realize that my postpartum recovery routine was all about patience, self-compassion, and kindness. It wasn't about getting my body back quickly; it was about taking care of myself, both physically and emotionally.

If you're a new mom, or if you're about to become one, I want to encourage you to be patient with yourself, to focus on your recovery, and to prioritize your self-care. Remember, it's okay to take your time, to rest when you need to, and to ask for help when you need it.

How your BODY recovers postpartum.

Your appearance. What others think of you. What you think of yourself.

Your body, your mummy tummy, the extra wobbly bits, the scars.

All of the 'sacrifice' you made to grow and birth your baby.

It's a lot.

I've been through it all myself twice.

Two healthy pregnancies, two amazing births and two beautiful boys that I can call my own.

I have a baby, a toddler and a much less toned body than I used to have.

It's taken longer to recover this second time around and now that I'm at 6 months postpartum, I know I've come a long way, and I still have recovery to do.

You see, it's not a steady increase upwards with postpartum recovery.

Hormones, sleepless nights, emotions, unsettled babies, non-napping toddlers – it all gets in the way of an 'easy' recovery.

So don't judge yourself, and don't judge others either.

I could just post up my highlight reel. But I'm choosing to be very real about my recovery with the idea that it will help other women see that we all have good days and bad.

One thing I am grateful for are my postpartum recovery compression tights.

I'm not a huge fan of tight-fitting-can't-sit-down style clothes, but these compression tights have been awesome.

I often get asked about compression garments and which are the best to wear.

I actually wish I had these postpartum tights when my firstborn arrived.

Which is why I'm here happy to tell Mamas my inside tricks and tips.

They're good because they don't just focus on the abdomen. There's support through the thighs, groin, pelvis and abdomen regions.

Certainly a win for me!

I hit 5 months postpartum with my first when I started to feel a bit more 'me.' To really start to see some progression in my fitness and feel a bit more in-shape.

5 months came and went with my second and I was no where near that same feeling.

At 6 months now, I'm starting to feel more like it, but still it's the sleepless nights or one of the hundreds of other obstacles that pops up.

So I do my best.

I keep hydrated. I walk most days. I move to feel good.

And I focus on what's important.

Those extra few kilos aren't important.

The fact that my 'abs' don't look like they used to isn't important.

The knowledge that I am doing my best for me and for my boys is what is important.

And that's where I'm at. At 6 months postpartum, I'm enough.

I recently met a Mother who has two children and when her second was just 8 weeks old she was diagnosed with cancer. It's been a battle, there's been a lot of ups and downs, but her complete strength and resilience blew me away.

And they take home message from her was that 'those extra few kilos don't matter, what matters is that I'm here. I get to kiss my kids good night every night. I get to be there for them. That's what matters'.

So, girl, shift your focus on to what you have and what you’re grateful for.

Don't compare yourself to other's nightlight reels.

Know that you are doing YOU and that is enough.