I haven’t talked a ton about pregnancy and postpartum because for me it seems like a lifetime ago! I would say I walked into pregnancy and postpartum with my head in the clouds. I was the first of my friends to have a baby so I didn’t really have anyone to ask questions to and I just took everything as it came. If I were to experience pregnancy again, which is not the plan, things would be different. 

This week I chatted with my friend Jamie, who is a Postpartum Fitness and Nutrition Coach. She has 4 precious kids and has walked the pregnancy and postpartum journey 4 times. She is a wealth of knowledge and I can’t wait for you to hear our conversation around this topic.

As moms, it can feel super overwhelming on what to do or where to start when it comes to nutrition and fitness so hopefully this conversation will remind you to have grace on yourself as you are pursuing your health in this new season. 

I asked her some questions to help you navigate pregnancy and postpartum fitness and nutrition.

What are some key things you did during each pregnancy to prioritize your health?

Making exercise and nutrition a priority during pregnancy can feel hard. But some great things Jamie focused on was daily movement, even if it wasn’t a formal workout. She always felt better when she moved her body. But on that note, she also listened to her body. If she wasn’t feeling it – she would rest. The same goes for postpartum too!

What would your encouragement be to moms who feel the tension of body image and weight gain during pregnancy?

Everyone’s pregnancy journey looks differently so I definitely want to encourage moms to not compare your journey to anyone else’s. Your body is going through so much and seeing those changes happening in your body, especially for the first time, can feel upsetting. 

Jamie wants to encourage you to think about the miracle your body is going through as you are pregnant and really just embrace this time. Instead of fixating on the number on the scale, focus on maintaining a balance, and staying active in ways that feel good for you. How you FEEL is what matters most.

What would you say to first-time moms who feel overwhelmed by all the pregnancy health advice out there?

It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed by all the information out there. When you are pregnant, the pressure to have a healthy pregnancy, and juggle all the things, and with social media there is so much information out there! Focus on the basics – stay hydrated, eat nutrient-dense meals, get daily movement in, but also prioritize rest!

With the pressure of ‘bouncing back’ after birth, how do you address this with your clients?

We all hear “bounce back” after having a baby and we feel that pressure to get back to our pre-baby weight. There is nothing wrong with having that goal but I always tell my clients that it took your body 9+ months to grow this miracle, it is going to take time to feel like yourself again, and that is okay!

As a mom on her postpartum journey, it’s important to support your mental wellness along with your physical health. Think about the long term perspective, not the short term goal of getting back to your pre baby weight. Gradual progress towards your goals is much more sustainable than focusing on the quick fix.

What one piece of advice would you give to moms feeling frustrated with the slow pace of postpartum recovery?

Enjoy the slower pace and remember that it is just a small part of the journey. Celebrate small victories along the way, and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Be kind to yourself and set realistic expectations – this can make the journey more manageable and less stressful.

You ARE going to get back to feeling like yourself again, you ARE going to have energy again, confidence, and strength, and you now have the honor of being a mom!

LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE NOW

Listen & subscribe on your favorite platform: Apple Podcast | Spotify

Connect with Jamie: Instagram

If you liked this blog, here’s more for you!

5 HEALTHY HABITS THAT MAKE ME FEEL GOOD: HERE

NAVIGATING FAMILY TRADITIONS W/ NATHAN MCDIVITT: HERE