So, here I am, a new mom, 4 months postpartum and 12 kg heavier than my pre-pregnancy weight. I remember being so excited about the idea of being a mom, and while I still am and always will be, I can’t deny the fact that I’m feeling a little overwhelmed and a bit lost in my own body.
I’ve always been someone who has “tried” to take care of my health and fitness with the occasional indulgence, but the past few months have been a whirlwind and an absolute blur. The late night feedings, the constant need of attention from my little one, and let’s not forget the stress that comes with being a new mom. Don’t get me wrong I love being a mom and I think it’s the best thing that ever happened to me, but this is a blog about my fitness journey and not motherhood Lol! So back on track, this all took a toll on me and my relatively “good” eating and sleeping habits which I had established over the years.
It was not until recently when I had gone for a family function, and someone made a very snide remark about how “healthy” I was looking. Such a typical Rwandan comment, right?! It’s not as much the comment but the truth behind it that stung. I mean, I thought after giving birth, my body would naturally go back to its pre-baby state like in the movies, but boy oh boy was I wrong! I was left with 12 kgs of excess weight and a wardrobe full of clothes that wouldn’t fit me.
So, I’ve decided to take control of my body and my health again, and I’ve enlisted the help of my friend, Yannick, who also happens to be the founder and a personal trainer at Soho.
We’ve been working together for a month now, and I’ve already learned so much more about nutrition and diet, especially as a breastfeeding mom. I’ve also been working on strengthening my core and pelvic floor, which is incredibly important for new moms. After giving birth, my muscles were a bit weak, and I couldn’t do anything strenuous. But with Yannick’s guidance, I have been able to do some light exercises and stretching that are helping me regain my strength, flexibility and mobility. It’s amazing how quickly my body is adapting to the exercises, and I can already feel the difference.
I have to say, it’s has not been an easy one month. There have been moments when I’ve wanted to throw in the towel, and just get a nice toasted piece of bread with melted butter on it (I’m salivating just thinking of it LOL). But between Yannick and my husband (Shout out Charlie), they’ve been there to encourage me and remind me of the milestones that we’ve set and the progress I’ve made. I’m feeling more confident and hopeful every day, and I’m excited to see where this journey will take me.
I’m hoping to be completely transparent and candid with my journey on this blog. I’ll be sharing what I like and what I don’t like so much, in hopes that it will help others who may be going through the same thing. I know that this is not going to be an easy journey, but I’m excited to see where it takes me and to get back to my “glory days.”
Before I end it here, it’s important that fellow moms get cleared for exercise by their doctor and ensure to get a physio assessment done too before commencing or resuming working out.
With that being said, join me on this journey of weight loss as a new mom. I promise it’s going to be a wild ride, but completely worth it.