Megs, one half of the Megs and Soph team, shares some tips on getting back into training and nutrition while balancing life as a new mum.
PART 1
NUMBER 1 = THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO LISTEN TO YOUR ‘OWN’ BODY
And not to compare yourself to anyone else’s journey. Pregnancy absolutely blows my mind. Every time I look at my daughter I get a huge smile across my face, knowing that my body nourished her for 9 months, birthed her safely and now continues to help her grow every day via breastmilk. Your journey is going to be completely different from mine, from your mothers, and your best friend, whoever it may be. So most importantly take your doctors advice and listen to your own body as you know it best!
NUMBER 2 = START SMALL
Your body has been through a lot to grow your wee bundle of joy, so don’t beat yourself up if you can’t do what you use to straight away or even after a few weeks, you’re not supposed to ladies! I remember my first venture out of the house after leaving hospital was to the letterbox and back. My legs, ankles and feet felt like they had lead in them and were so swollen I felt like I’d been inflated by a pump. But the fresh air and movement did wonders for me.
NUMBER 3 = PLANNING WITH A NEWBORN
In the early days try not to plan many things in advance. I know I’ve always liked to plan out what I’m doing in my head and with a newborn, I found that near impossible. It often set me up for a negative day if I hadn’t achieved what I thought I would. I learnt to change my mindset and go with the flow of my baby rather than my classic ‘to-do list’. I started by simply getting a walk in on the days I could or 30 squats throughout the day when the baby was asleep. As you start to get a wee routine in place, you can start adding back in the things that are important to you. I know for me, getting in the outdoors and moving makes me feel 100% better even after a night of no sleep.
NUMBER 4 = JUST START SOMEWHERE
Having a baby changes your life and definitely makes things a little more challenging to organise. I completely underestimated how much time it would take to get out the door pre-baby.
- I think my first few attempts I got the pram out onto our front deck, realised my boobs were leaking, so I headed for the breast pumps, then sterilised them afterwards.
- The second attempt, I went to put the baby back in the pram but she spews all over me and her = change of clothes for both of us.
- The third attempt, I popped baby in the pram, put my shoes back on, now I’m good to go… next minute, poo explosion! And that was as far as I got!
It can sometimes seem easier to give up on the idea, but I can assure you of all the times I’ve actually made it out the door it was 100% worth it!
Part 2 of our Postpartum Blog Series will follow on from this, with ideas on how to start incorporating a more regular training schedule for yourself, structure your training sessions, and exercising with a baby in tow.
Megs x
Click here to follow one of Meg’s specially designed 10 or 16 week training programmes to help you get in tip top shape for the Vineyard Half on May 11.