A reframe on the bounce back

There’s no such thing as “bouncing back” post-baby, here’s why.

Here’s an important secret for my fellow moms (and, especially, you soon-to-be moms):

There's no such thing as “bouncing back to your body" post-baby.

It’s not just because I personally hate the societal connotation that comes with needing to look a certain way, especially after having a baby. It’s that in reality, your body is effectively a “new” body post-baby. 

Let me explain.

Pregnancy changes your body. 

(I can hear you saying “duh” over there, but stick with me). 

Your organs move around, your abs separate, your uterus and belly stretch, your hormones change, you have to share all your nutrients with this new little being, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In pregnancy, your body adjusts to a new way of being so that it can operate best for you and your growing little one.

Almost 10 months later comes childbirth, which is incredibly impactful on a body, regardless of the type of birthing experience you have. 

Then, postpartum.

Similar to how you’d recover after a broken bone, or torn ligament, your body needs time to heal. But, the postpartum period doesn’t offer many favors. In fact, it usually means you’re trying to recover from childbirth on less sleep while navigating keeping a child alive. Your body is learning to live as a new person with added life experience.

For some people that learning, both physical and mental, may come quickly and naturally, for others it may feel like pushing a boulder up a giant hill. 

In working with moms who are getting back into a Pilates routine (and in my own recovery if I’m being honest), I challenge them to take time to understand their new bodies. From how they move, what feels different, to any new creaks or cracks that show up. It gives us insight into their recovery and into their new bodies. We focus on being in, and appreciating our bodies, rather than only focusing on what they look like. Look at how much they’ve done for us afterall!

I like to think of it as “bouncing forward” to a new life chapter and a new body to appreciate.