Restarting: Embracing body change during pregnancy and postpartum

As someone who values strength and feeling good in my body, watching myself gain 30-60 pounds during pregnancy was never easy…Let alone 3 times in a span of 6 years.

With my first pregnancy, there came a point where I could no longer enjoy anything. Everything felt uncomfortable, and I felt weak and miserable. change is hard.

When I transitioned into postpartum after having my first son, it would’ve been easy to feel discouraged and lost in this new version of my body. I could’ve given in to those feelings and stayed stuck in a cycle of frustration.

But instead, I chose to see it as a challenge. I decided to get excited about the opportunity to regain my strength—both for myself and as a lesson for my son. Years later, the weekly mantra in our KidStrong class said it best: I am strong, I am brave, and I can do this.

And that’s exactly what I did. I wasn’t strong …yet, but I was brave. And I kept going.

Rather than focusing on what I was losing—whether it was weight or the confidence I once had—I focused on what I could gain: muscle, rest, and small bursts of exercise whenever I could find the time.

I made a plan, accepted the challenge, and I followed through with little daily wins.

By the time I entered my second pregnancy, my mindset had completely shifted. I saw the changes as an opportunity to challenge myself: How can I get through this and emerge feeling strong? How can I finish this race with confidence?

By my third pregnancy, I had grown to embrace the changes with confidence. I welcomed the weight gain and trusted in my ability to recover. I continued to accept the challenge with a positive mindset.

This shift in perspective has transformed how I approach life’s challenges. Now, when I face obstacles, I see them as opportunities to grow. I know I can navigate change, and I’m almost excited at the prospect of being challenged again.

So, how can you view starting over in a new light? Can you embrace the challenge? Can you approach it with excitement and determination?

Here is your mantra: You are strong, you will get stronger. You are brave, even on a day when you don’t feel it. You can recover.

Kiri Krishingner, PT, DPT, PPCES

mom of 3 wild boys