Although physically I had begun to move again, mentally I struggled and became frustrated as I felt like a beginner again. I found it hard to gain consistency because I felt so exhausted all the time, running around after two kids will do that too you along with lack of sleep!

My two pregnancy and post partum experiences were so different- physically and mentally, but they were both still hard in their own ways.

Being a Mum is the best job in the world, but it’s a tough gig in so many ways and we need to be more real and talk about our post partum experiences.

I’m still discovering who I am now that I am a Mum, actively reminding myself to be kind to a body which I often feel frustrated with - feelings of failure during childbirth and the weeks following, as well as annoyance and disgust that my body no longer moves or looks the way it used to. My biggest piece of advice is to start seeing a women’s health physio during pregnancy. Also to take lots of photos and video in the newborn stage. You can’t have too many, and the time is so fleeting (and sleep deprived) that it’s hard to remember a few months down the track.

And always be kind to yourself, both you and bub are learning.

I found the postpartum period extremely hard mentally and physically. Mentally drained with hormones running wild and limited to physical activity. I was told I had a 5 finger Rectus Diastasis that created extreme back pain, poor posture and constantly feeling bloated 24/7.

After three years, I now feel fighting fit again!

After I had my bub, I was diagnosed with postnatal depression & anxiety at 8 weeks post. I was medicated straight away & this only fueled my lack of motivation & my weight fluctuated even more.

I was lucky enough to have a close friend who was a PT, who helped me get back into the gym (with baby as well!) to motive me to lose the weight

I ended up losing most of the weight, over an almost 2 year period - to then fall pregnant with my second baby!

My recovery and return back to exercise was a slow transition because of this. I was trying to get into the gym at around 6 months postpartum which felt very good, but I wasn’t able to do anything before that.

It took me about 10 months to feel like myself again.

The gains may be slower for me now, but I can’t say how proud I felt when I recently managed to hold a plank for nearly a full minute!

At 7 months postpartum, I returned to coaching at F45 and realised that whilst my body had come a long way, it still had a way to go. Movements that were easy before, felt straining and hard, and the excessive time spent on my feet brought back prolapse symptoms some days. It felt like another curb and more uncertainty.

I am so appreciative of my body and all its gone through to bring this bub safely to me and now nourishing my bub as I breastfeed. I have to remind myself of that a couple of times a day when I see a new stretch mark, cellulite or when I am puffing move than I would have on our walks.

I think it is so important to have encouraging, supportive people around. Social media these days can be so damaging as we are constantly shown incredible “bounce backs”.

I felt like I had my strength properly back by the time she was one, coping with full length Pilates classes well and gym sessions.

But it was a long road!

I feel like my mindset has changed now about how I feel about my body and it’s different but I’ve got a happy little girl and that’s all that matters ☺️

Am I as physically capable as I used to be pre-pregnancy? I don't think that I am. But I think I am pretty close, which is something that I am really proud of.

What a journey both physically and mentally. A ride that no one can ever prepare you for because everyone's is different. I am beyond grateful to have our beautiful daughter earth side as I was told I may never be able to fall pregnant due to being diagnosed with endometriosis in my late teens. Imagine my excitement when we found out we were pregnant, a feeling of absolute euphoria.

Currently, at 7 months postpartum, I feel I can do most things with a lot more ease.

I think its safe to say for some, postpartum recovery isn’t 6 weeks and I hope this alone helps another mama in her recovery journey. It can be months or years but regardless of the length, every mama should take the time they need without the pressure of what the “expected” recovery time is. To know in time, they can reach the destination they are aiming for and be proud of what they have experienced and overcome!