Girlfriend Collective leggings | large
James Perse yosemite bra | SOOOOOOOOOOO old, but my favorite
I was going to post this on instagram because I felt inspired by someone I follow who posted her own after-five-babies-belly, but this is my home, not instagram. Anyway, it felt too performative, as instagram does.
I hope I’m pretty real about my body, etc., on a regular basis, but just in case, here is what it looks like now, without an oversized dress hiding everything. I won’t post before and afters because that is moot, and anyway, you can look those up LOL.
In spite of my pain, I always feel so much better when I ride the Peloton or do an streaming Pure Barre class, so today I did a HIIT ride during Hawk’s morning nap. This is the pre-ride picture. I was too hot and tired to take an after-ride picture. It kicked my butt, and I couldn’t even keep up, but as they say, at least I showed up.
And thank you to everyone who left a comment on Monday’s post; I hate that so many of us have dealt with postpartum pain, but I am grateful to feel less alone in mine today.
I want healthcare to be different in this country. Among other things, women should receive more postpartum care than just a six-week visit which, let’s be honest, is mostly to clear you for sex. **eyeroll** I had to get a referral from either my primary care or ob/gyn for physical therapy and neither one thought to refer me to an actual pelvic floor specialist. Anyway, it turns out that such physical therapy isn’t covered by my insurance, so even if the pandemic hadn’t started I wouldn’t have been able to go to many sessions at $300 each. I did go to two, but even those felt “indulgent.” I don’t want it to be that way.
Of course, we should all vote, and then make our voices heard to the politicians who are supposed to be working on our behalf, but other than that, I think sharing our experiences with other women, and as many other people as possible is a good way to start. Also the medical establishment has to step up and take better care of women, especially Black women.
End rant. For now.
Apparently a 3x a week posting schedule is what is working best for me now; even when I try and post everyday I get derailed and have to write in parts haha, so I’ll see you Friday?
I hope you are all well. Thank you so much for being here.
Thanks for being an authentic voice for women and moms of “advanced maternal age” (my doctor used that terminology — I just leaned into it). I had my son at 42 and wish your blog was around then for support. You’re doing a great service to us now!
I wanted to let you know that you WILL be able to get back to your prior level of fitness, just hang in there and be patient with it. It might take a while, but I think when you’ve maintained being healthy and fit before, it’s easier to return to that state again. I’m inspired and motivated by you!
<3 this! That bra looks so comfortable and chic! And I know the point isn't how you look, but you look strong, gorgeous and glowing. Here's to showing up : ) you've inspired me to get my walking shoes on and get my butt out the door — I know I'll feel better if I do!
I keep meaning to post a comment lately, as I’m almost five months postpartum and dealing with some serious issues that my doctors have never seen or heard of. ? ALSO my plantar fasciitis seems to be back. Tell me more about wearing Birkenstock’s and that helping please! Much love. Thanks for sharing.
ugh, i’m sorry kiara!
i read in passing somewhere that before getting out of bed, you should flex your feet back and forth several times to “warm them up” and then put them directly in some supportive shoe – something with a molded footbed. i have several pair of birkenstocks, so that’s not a problem for me!! i try to do this and it definitely helps, vs putting my feet directly on the floor. someone also left a comment to forcefully massage your heel, which should also help but i can’t do it since i can’t really use my right hand very well, and it is my right heel that hurts so much….
just fyi if you don’t have a pair of birkenstocks and think of buying some, i wouldn’t recommend the soft footbed, it’s not as supportive as the regular. i have one pair of those and can’t wear them now.
thank you kate 🙂
I had PF very badly a few years back – only shoes I could wear were an old (reallyreally old) pair of Merrell sneakers, and my birkenstocks. I found some foot stretching videos from a PT online and have been doing the foot arch stretch before getting out of bed every morning since! There are other stretches (and foot rolls and support sleeves) I utilize during a PF “outbreak” (it’s come back once, not for too long, since the original months long issue) so for me, I think the stretching really helps!
[this is what I do before getting out of bed – quick 1 min video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6xAC0RGGaQ ]
Keep on showing up! I find that it’s enough to get me going and motivates me to keep on going. Posting three times/week sounds just right for a new mom. I’m always glad to see your face!
You’re awesome!
Thank you <3