“Bouncing” back after having a baby, tips and lessons I’ve learned over the years.
First let me say, I’ve never been one to “bounce” back, normally I land with a soft thud, and it takes me 9 months and a few breakdowns to get to a point where I feel good about myself again, (I know I should be more PC and love myself and my body, but that’s not me, I like fitting in my clothes and wearing a bikini so….whatever.)
This time I decided to try something new, I didn’t eat for 2 while I was pregnant (and when I had a craving I said a quick no,) and I’ve been watching what I eat since Aspen was born (instead of my usual, sugar fueled , Ms.Pac Man self.)
It’s working. For the first time I’m ok, I feel like I’m looking good and feeling even better…. Woo hoo.
I get dressed, even if it’s just in another bathrobe. After my first was born, I didn’t care, bathing was irregular, my clothes were often whatever I found on the chair from the day before , I had an “it’s all about the baby, who cares about me,” mentality.
Turns out that’s not very good for my mental health, getting dressed, doing my hair, putting on some makeup, that makes me feel better, more “Braunwyn,” and less dairy cow.
I chill. The first few weeks I take it easy, I’m doing what’s most important, bonding with Aspen, almost everything else can wait.
Bed share…It’s the only way any of my kids have slept, I’ve noticed in the past few years how scared new moms are taught to become…it’s sad, but honestly, sleeping with my babies is the most natural thing there is.
Nursing is hard. In case no one knows this, it hurts too. I’ve been lucky that it’s always come easy, but that doesn’t mean I’m immune to clogged ducts and cracked nipples …..currently writing this with a heating pad on mine.
Sleep deprivation is no joke, but you will survive, you might hallucinate a little, driving might not be the best idea, but you will survive ….it’s actually amazing how well I can function on no sleep, just don’t ask me to “math” or anything.
Let your husband sleep….seriously, if your nursing there’s no point, and the only thing worse then 1 sleep deprived parent is 2, I’m pretty sure Sean and I got into more fights when Bella was a baby at 4 am then all the other times put together.
Laugh. If you have the option to laugh or cry….laugh. Although you’ll cry a lot too, new babies make you feel everything so much more!!
To me this is the easiest age, it’s hard to mess up, they’re just so cuddly and lovable, they can’t roll their eyes or slam doors. It’s perfection, so relax and enjoy it, because the most important thing I’ve learned is how quickly it all goes by.
I’m sure there’s a ton more I’ll remember later…. but she’s done nursing and hates to be down, off to walk in bouncy circles!!
