Hello! This is my very first blog so bear with me. I'm told you just write what's on your mind, and I'm assuming if you're reading you're somewhat interested, (if not you can stop now) so here goes!
Exactly 18 months ago I gave birth to my little girl! It was the hardest, most amazing thing I've ever done. I was determined to go un-medicated, and proud to say I managed it, though not without a fair bit of suffering.
While these sorts of things are never what you'd expect, I definitely wasn't prepared for how my body would feel afterward. Sure I thought I'd feel a bit tired and sore, but I assumed that I would just bounce right back, having been pretty good about moving through my pregnancy. The truth is I was pretty debilitated. I had a terrible pain in my right hip that made walking excruciating. I was completely exhausted from interrupted sleep, and sitting and nursing for long periods of time in less than ideal positions. It didn't help that this was December in Portland, which hardly makes you jump to get outside. I went from being a mover to a sedentary person for several months, and it really took a toll.
When I finally got around to attending my first mom and baby Pilates class, I couldn't believe how weak I felt! My supposedly solid Pilates "core" had gone soft, I was stiff and achy all over, and movements that used to be second nature felt completely foreign, like I couldn't even find the right muscles to do the work. In other words, I was a complete beginner again! And as much as it sucked for me to feel I was starting over, I realize how important it is for me to remember this feeling- how difficult it is to get started, how frustrating it can be to work through the limitations, how hard it is to keep going. Because this is how it is for so many people when they are starting out. And I want you to know I completely understand! Even now a year and a half later, I still struggle to find the time and motivation to take care of myself. I still have not regained my full strength, but I am working on not only doing more for my body, but also on accepting my body for what it is now, and recognizing that health is a continual journey with many ups and downs. The most we can do at any point is try our best and not give up, but the key is we have to do something! If I had moved more right after birth, I would certainly be in a better space than right now, but it was an important lesson I will keep with me for the rest of my life.