Eight months postpartum Update

After having my second child, each month looks and feels completely different. I finally feel at a good physical level, not like I just had a baby a few months ago.

I thought I’d give a complete update on where I am physically and mentally as a mother of two, eight months post giving birth.

Here is what I have noticed:

1. I feel stronger! I feel solid in my workouts. It’s fantastic when you squat and don’t feel like your guts are about to fall onto the floor. Whether lifting or running, I feel physically able to do more.
2. My pelvic floor is improving. I do not have an aching or throbbing sensation when I try running at a certain speed. I am not at a hundred percent. However, I can still run faster than last month and have less achiness after a workout in my pelvic area.
3. My body looks different, but the scale does not! The scale stopped changing after three to four months postpartum, but my body looks drastically different. My arms and legs are getting more toned, and my body is more solid than flabby. Although it is still not where I would like it, I am grateful for the progress.
4. I am still breastfeeding. Now that I am working out as well, the amount of food and water needed is enormous! I eat nonstop. Breastfeeding is still chill for the most part. I will write a more in-depth blog post about that later this week or next.
5. I feel more rested. My son sleeps mainly through the night, which has helped my overall health. Not getting sleep, trying to work, and parenting two kids is a lot. I am more motivated, less irritable, and happier as I get more sleep. Sleep is vital to our well-being, yet it is the first thing to go out the window when mothers give birth. We are supposed to sleep when the baby sleeps, but having more than one child makes it challenging. If they aren’t taking naps simultaneously, or you are just trying to get work done, then sleeping when they sleep is tricky.

This month is the first time I have felt “normal” since giving birth. As an athlete, it’s never a good feeling to run on a track or in a gym and feel utterly weak or fragile. So, I am very ecstatic to be able to feel more confident and strong when I work out.

Above all else, I am glad I am getting a routine down. Parenting two kids while caring for myself and being a wife is getting easier. With each passing day and week, it gets better.

If you just had your second child or are thinking about it, I hope to encourage you! There are brighter days ahead for you physically and mentally. You will get stronger after birth and eventually start getting sleep!