Do you feel the same after giving birth?

[Remo22]

Hey mums
I am a new first time mom
I have always had a pretty good stamina and played lots of sports throughout my life, unfortunately during pregnancy i was too scared to workout, i did minor stretches and brisk walking

Unfortunately after delivering (I had A CS) my baby had to be admitted in the NICU for around 10 days ( i had horrible crying fits, one inverted nipple and the other was bleeding and wounded)
Long story short
My recovery was not the easiest out there

Since then
I constantly had joint aches, knees, wrists, and even hip pains

I can't go out much since the dad is almost always at work (out of town) and i get extremely anxious about it

I feel so tired and super unwilling to do ANYTHING other than doing the baby's care
I even applied for unpaid maternity leave because i couldn't handle all that stress

Do you feel the same?
Btw i gave birth in October 2023 and i still have these symptoms

Fatigue
Body aches
Forgetfulness
Loss of interest
Joint aches that wake me up at night
Dislike my body
Weight gain
Hair-loss
And extremely dry skin

I lost huge amounts of fitness in pregnancy due to exhaustion and SPD, then had recovery heavy births.

I started with walking, little and often. My starting point was to the end of the road and back. I then built in post-natal pilates videos (pre-youtube). After a few months, feeds spaced out enough to go to mainstream fitness classes when DH was home and take up C25k. Long term, I'm stronger and fitter than in my 20s pre-children.

Weaning was good for my diet as it waz good focusing on food quality for baby.

It's important to look after yourself, and that's to your child's long term benefit. It's best managed by getting out with the pram and short workouts at homr

It also sounds lile there's depression in the mix, not uncommon after complications around birth and being alone a lot. Going to the GP and getting that managed will help get the physical health in gear.

Pregnancy, major operation and huge stress (maybe best feeding too?) really take it's toll collectively.

I'd support your body by making sure you have a good multi vitamin as all those symptoms can be caused by deficiencies in bodily reserves of various vitamins/trace minerals.

Things like magnesium, vitamin B's & D, etc etc.

If you can afford it, have blood tests to identify any low levels. And if possible consult a good nutritionist so your body can repair, restore and recover.

Good luck op, really sounds like you've been through the mill there.

You'll get there, with care and support, you'll get there. 💐

Though you are six months post birth, don't forget it took nine months to get to that point, it wouldn't be unreasonable for it to take at least the same to return to anything like before.

It can be quicker for some if they were lucky with easy births and have the personal resources (family help, money, time etc) to invest in lots of self care... But they are the lucky ones.

Those who have a hard time and are flying solo a lot are bound to need longer, so forgive yourself. Try to look kindly on your lovely body who has just built and is nurturing your whole new family member.
Try not to look at your body with dissatisfaction (easier said than done). If you look in the mirror and dislike the way your body now is, accept that disappointment and then introduce the thought that your body holds your soul, a person of value, it created your baby and survived a traumatic event, it is trying to heal and will once you work out what it needs. Your body could even do it all again if asked, it is so resilient and fantastic. Your body is a source of sensory pleasure and joy as well as pain... Isn't it wonderful.

Trying to foster those thoughts without castigating yourself for the critical thoughts, will help your morale, is fair to you and will support your recovery and return to old self.

Do you have anyone in real life you can share your struggles with and be supported by?

Sounds pretty normal for the first year. Just ease your yin very, very slowly when it feels right. Don't force it.

@BogRollBOGOF

I tried a couple of videos but i seem to do one each week which is too little to make a difference

I feel if i managed to have one hour for my self i can workout at home

I wanna go for walk as well, maybe with the stroller,

The motivation is missing
But great ideas i will try them

@PoochiesPinkEars

On point

Yes i take calcium and multivitamins

I will try to get some blood tests done this week just to make sure there are no underlying causes for these symptoms

Thank you for making me feel better generally

I guess i have to get a quick check and try to move a little more

Love love love how you put that so eloquently

I can't be grateful enough for such kind words

It means a lot

I have an aunt but she lives in another country and has a lot on her plate as well

Some friends i talk to from time to time but also are away (Australia, Italy, canada, etc.)😂 i have no idea why all my close friends travelled at the same time

I felt using the app and socializing with fellow moms will help immensely with having a better push towards improving my self

Big hugs. I'm sure it will get better. Before DD (now 15 months) I was a long distance cyclisy. Now i struggle through 4 miles to work and 4 miles back.
Little and often is right.
Get checked for PND and Fibro - I have both and an increase of antidepressants helped no end with pain.

Enjoy your LO xx

That must be physically draining
I wish you all the best 🤍 bless you and your DD
I hope things get better soon

Anaemia is another common energy drain.

Little and often is better than big chunks at times like this.

15 mins x4 per week is easier to find than an hour. It's better for your body building up that way too than to do a long session in one go.