What do you do or say when someone says, “You look great!”?
It has been 10 days since delivering our fourth little angel. It took me 9 months of enduring sleepless nights, swollen legs and varicose veins, 30+ pounds of weight gain, and of course the ever-growing belly that was always getting in the way to get this little precious being into the world.
But trust me, I never really ever complained. Seeing my body evolve and grow was always a fascinating and miraculous process.
When I read blogs about the recovery process of having a baby, it usually focuses on all the blood loss, pain, pelvic floor re-training, etc.
What I really want to read and understand is how you can go from such a bountiful baby bearing body back to nearly “normal” in six to twelve weeks. The way I see it, I worked hard to build up that 9 month body, and then it’s gone in just a couple months?!
Already I have had a few people compliment me that I am really looking great. Which is such a nice thing to say. And I am sensitive to the fact that many new moms long to hear those very words.
The funny thing about compliments is you never know what is going on the inside of the person you are speaking to.
When I hear those words I want to cry- because it means my baby body is shedding away, and will likely never be again. I do my best to enjoy the process of all of the change, and yet, there's a part of me that yearns to keep some of the curves, the baby belly, and the cushiony embrace my little one meets when he greets me now.
Which is a strange thing to hear from the fitness expert, right?
Here’s the thing, compliments about a woman’s body are so complicated. Perhaps one of the best things you can do is encourage a woman in whatever space she is in that she has a glow that cannot be undone by her size, shape, or circumstance.
A woman’s body is a divine wonder that brings light and life into the world. Period.
And now, let’s talk about comebacks. We all have times when life knocks us off our little path and forces us to hit the reset button.
It has sort of been my rule of thumb to take it as easy as possible for the first 2 weeks after delivery. As of this weekend we will be reaching the 2 week mark and here is my list of the first things I long to do for my comeback post-delivery:
- Go for a walk while wearing Nolan (I am a huge baby wearing fan)
- Work slowly up to 100 kegels a day (for the dudes reading this, those kegels are really good for your body too)
- Keep writing.
Thank you to all of you who read these posts and for those who have reached out to encourage me. You are part of my extended family and I love that you can find something that speaks to you through these words. It means so much to me when I hear from you about what has created meaning for you. Be sure to write me with your own “Comeback” list from wherever you are starting today!
Blessings and Health to you,
Nicole