Motherhood is all about change.
There are the seemingly never-ending diaper changes, outfit changes and bib changes.
So much drool!
And then there are the changes in feeding regimes, sleep patterns, and baby’s ‘oh so cute’ developmental changes.
The joys of the ‘4-month sleep regression’, anyone?
But something that’s not often spoken about — perhaps because we’re all so focused on all the other changes happening — is how much motherhood changes YOU: the mumma.
Well, this probably is, in fact, something that we speak about but often in round about ways. The DIRECT question: ‘How has motherhood changed you?’ isn’t one often asked. Not in my experience anyway.
For me, motherhood has changed me in the most profound way. It has changed every aspect of my being — physical, mental, social … all of it.
I feel like I have finally come into my womanhood in becoming a mumma.
And while the changes have been profound, incredible and completely life altering, adapting to the changes in this postpartum period hasn’t necessarily been an easy ride.
Let’s be real: The postpartum rollercoaster can be bloody tough!
For one, my body has completely changed.
Delivering via emergency c-section, recovery has been longer and harder than I had thought it would be.
There hasn’t been the ‘bounce back’ to running.
My knees have been so sore from all the sitting and standing and lifting up baby and the ligaments around my knees have been super tight making running — even jogging — almost impossible at the moment. To describe it, it’s felt like my knees are going to snap with each step.
There hasn’t been the speedy reduction in baby weight or tummy size — no matter how much time spent doing core exercises.
Six months in and I’m still 10kgs above my pre-baby weight and still dealing with an extended abdominal area, which, in part, has led to some digestive issues — looking at you, postpartum reflux!
My boobs are bigger.
Yes, I’m still breastfeeding 6 months in — a huge win given how tough breastfeeding was for me in the beginning — which explains the change. But I’ve never really envied big boobs! I loved my little mosquito bites 🙂 … much better for running!
I’ve noticed a change in my hairline.
Have my sides RECEDED? Holy moly! On the plus side my eyebrows have come back 🙂 … they definitely disappeared a little during pregnancy.
But among all of the physical changes, best of all my perspectives — as well as my priorities — have also changed.
Yes, my body has changed — I’m bigger than what I was before. But I’ve finally managed to find some jeans that look good and FIT, so I’m learning to accept the change.
The focus now is on being fit and healthy rather than a certain size.
Yes, my hairline has changed — note: this is completely normal in the postpartum period — but the hair will grow back.
Plus, I’m raising a daughter who’s inherited a similar hairline so I’m all about LOVING my hair (and everything else about me), just the way it is!
Boobs are bigger from breastfeeding? Awesome! Any excuse to go shopping!
Can’t run like I used to … yet? That’s OK. It’s an opportunity to start over — a blank slate — and come back an even better runner than before.
Coming in my womanhood means my priorities have changed.
I’m no longer focused primarily on myself. I have a little human to raise, a husband to love, a home to nourish and grow. It’s no longer just about me!
Also, I’ve entered my ‘mummabear’ phase … ready to pounce on anyone and anything that threatens my baby, husband and home 🙂
I’m also learning to be kinder to myself.
Kind to myself so that my daughter can see that, emulate that and learn to be kind to herself, too.
Motherhood changes everything.
And not just your jean size!
The changes can be tough but ultimately, it’s all about growth and development — not just baby’s, yours as well.
x G.
editor, journalist, digital content creator with a background in nutrition & dietetics.
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