THE POSTPARTUM JOURNEY

So we are one month into this postpartum journey already! One month of the newborn haze, of sleepless nights, endless snuggles and so much JOY. One month of soaking it all in and not worrying about “bouncing back” or working out or being on any sort of schedule. I must say, it has been pure bliss. This time around, I’ve been so much more calm, I’ve enjoyed all of this postpartum life so much more than the other two times. I know how fleeting it is. As hard as it is in the moment, it’s also filled with so much sweetness and pure joy, and I’m allowing myself to completely lean into that joy and just “BE.”

I’m spending as much time as possible like this, snuggled up with my baby. Reminding myself that these days are so long, but so very short, and he’ll nap eventually, he’ll sleep on his own eventually, he’ll need me less and less- eventually- but for now? Right now? He needs me more than anyone or anything. And it feels good to be this needed, as hard as it can be. So here we are.

If you are in the midst of postpartum as well, I want you to know, this too shall pass. Give yourself GRACE- abundant grace! Be kind to yourself and your body. It is a temple, and YOU are a warrior! Vaginal birth, C-section, medicated, un-medicated, long, short, single, multiples, however your baby(ies) came into this world, they are a damn miracle, and you are INCREDIBLE! You are strong, you are beautiful and you should never think anything otherwise.

Take this journey slowly. Breathe in your sweet baby. Study his every feature, his button nose and his little rolls. Take it slow. Rest. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and absolutely accept it whenever help is offered! Forget the dishes and the laundry. Do what you must (I get it, I have two other kids, mom life never stops!), but take the time to just rest with your newborn as much as you can.

Zack has been INCREDIBLE this entire postpartum period. He has really gone above and beyond, on bathtime duty with Sam and Sophie so I could feed and rest with the baby, taking the kids on little outings, working his butt off so I didn’t have to, and cooking meals (after our meal train ended- another thing I HIGHLY recommend if possible! Having other people bring you dinners and snacks so you don’t have to worry about that for the first few weeks is nothing short of amazing, and such a testament to the importance of community)!

The postpartum body is amazing. 5 weeks in, and I’m in awe every day at what it went through and how resilient and strong my body is. My tummy is softer, my hips are wider, and I’ve got a few more stretch marks this time around. And I couldn’t be prouder or more in love with it.

xo