Pregnancy should be a glorious time for new and seasoned moms. As much as we cherish those 9 months of our body transformation, we also have to accept the not-so positive changes, like the backaches, cramping, nausea, the list obviously goes on. If it wasn’t stressful enough dealing with all of these changes as a new mother-to-be, the last thing we need to hear are irrelevant, arrogant, or insensitive comments from others, especially strangers who deem themselves worthy of giving us their two-cents! Some people simply have no idea what not to say to a pregnant woman!

I’ve experienced it, and I’m sure every mom has experienced it. I’m talking about that one stranger who makes an insensitive (albeit, sometimes unintended) comment that just irks us to the core. Like the time I took my son to get his first hair cut. This scenario might take the cake! I was at the gym recently chatting with a good friend, who also happens to be pregnant. Out of the blue a random new mom had decided to jump in on the conversation, sharing her pregnancy experience with us. She shared my friend’s excitement for her first pregnancy, asking how she felt, whether she knew if she was having a boy or girl – the usual new mom small talk. The conversation was friendly and pleasant – until she dropped a bomb shell. As the conversation came to a close, she nonchalantly blurted out; ‘Good luck! You are NEVER going to get your pre-pregnancy body back.’ And then she walked away.

My friend and I were baffled as to why a random person would share this negative opinion with a woman, who happens to frequent the gym because staying fit and being healthy is a top priority. It was so disheartening to see my friend so defeated. Consequently I felt compelled to remind her that it is each individual woman’s choice as to whether or not she will get back in shape postpartum – and I feel strongly about that. Getting back in shape was very important for me personally, since living a healthy lifestyle has always been one of my top priorities. Exercise is a part of my weekly routine, an outlet for me to release anxiety and stress – which in turn makes me a better mom. But this is what works for me.

Working our before and during both of my pregnancies undeniably made the transition to my pre-baby body easier and not as overwhelming. My first pregnancy was a very easy one; and luckily I was able to stick to my workout routine throughout the entire pregnancy. I frequented the gym, mainly taking brisk walks on the treadmill for 20-30 minutes at a time, up until the day before I gave birth.

My second pregnancy proved to be more challenging in terms of health issues. My daughter was breech from 6 months on and her position made me very uncomfortable, and consequently made it very difficult for me to exercise. I practiced yoga on a regular basis and went for brisk walks up until a month before my due date, after which I was put on bed rest. My daughter was born via c-section, and consequently it took me more time to get back in shape.

Getting shape postpartum isn’t any different than simply getting and staying in shape, in general. It’s challenging, yet rewarding. It takes motivation, determination, and a genuine desire to be the best you can be, both physically and mentally. New moms tend to find getting their post-baby body back more challenging since they are busy acclimating to all the new and exciting changes going on in their lives. To each his own, and if for you health is a top priority, then rest assured that you will find a day to attain it. At the end of the day – as any mom will testify, despite all the emotional and physical ups and downs of pregnancy and postpartum, when you look at your child’s beautiful face you know it was all worth it!

How did you get back in shape postpartum?