You know those safety signs on public pools decks warning patrons to “walk, don’t run”? I’m almost tempted to mount one of these in my home as it seems the perfect moniker for life at 10 weeks postpartum.
First, the obvious translation; after about a couple of weeks of running almost daily, my body gave me signs that I needed to slow down. It was just the expected aches and pains typical of getting back into shape, but it left me feeling fatigued all day and cringing every time I lifted my toddler. As a mom of two little ones, I don’t have the luxury of resting aching muscles (parenting itself is a non-stop workout of hauling children), so for the last week I’ve been taking long walks with the stroller instead of running to ease the stress on my body.
“Walk, don’t run” has broader life implications as well. I entered this postpartum period with great expectations about what I could achieve. I want to keep myself fit and build my running skills, but I also want to make sure my daughters have eventful, stimulating days. I am dying to blog regularly, sharing my new style obsessions and photos taken with my new high-end camera, but I also want a clean house, healthy home-made dinners, a landscaped backyard, quality time with my family and good sleep. At 10 weeks postpartum, something’s gotta give. “Walk, don’t run” reminds me that falling short of these daily goals isn’t failure, it’s just a slower, steadier pace to achieving them without burning out.
Vital Stats (after the jump)
Sleep: I have a two month old who pretty much sleeps through the night and a mother who helps out daily, even letting me nap when I really need it. I’m living on easy street compared to many new moms, yet I am quite certain I am chronically sleep deprived. Sleep is always broken, inconsistent and out of my control. Even though it’s to be expected, it still catches up with you.
Breastfeeding: When it works out well, as it has for me, breastfeeding really is the best thing ever. I’m much too lazy to prepare and pack bottles or develop intricate soothing strategies. I credit my lactating, ever-ready breasts with granting me most of the sleep that I get.
Body: I haven’t weighed myself in weeks, but I fit into all of my pre-pregnancy clothes.
Fitness: I aim to get about an hour of physical activity daily, but am taking it easy this week stroller walks instead of running.
C-section Scar: No change. I remain optimistic that the area above the scar will one day be flat again, but I could live with things the way they are now if it doesn’t.
Scheduling: Although we’re somewhat flexible about nap and bedtime, we have established a general pattern that has made life easier for us all. Nap time is still hit and miss (Lexia is almost as likely to spend nap time in her “time out” space as she is sleeping), but bedtime has been a phenomenal success that has greatly improved life in our household.
Emotional Well-being: Overwhelmed. It’s insanely stressful to realize that my parenting is the most important factor in keeping my girls safe and well-balanced in a difficult and dangerous world.
What if something happens to me? I don’t my girls to grow up without a mother. What is something happens to my husband? There’s no way I could do this on my own.
I’ve become virtually incapable of watching the news or even fictional portrayals of tragedy. I made the mistake of watching Slumdog Millionaire recently and am still haunted by the treatment of orphans. May my daughters (and all little kiddies everywhere) always be raised by someone who loves them and is dedicated to meeting their needs.
Related Posts
Confessing My Top 10 Postpartum Joys
The Honeymoon is Over – Life at 5 Weeks Postpartum
