Postpartum, Week 4

This feels like a big week for me personally. I'm getting so used to having my baby in my arms that it feels strange to not hold her. And she's getting so used to my arms too. We are learning to move together in that very intimate mama-baby kind of way. It's just glorious. I'm starting to be able to learn her cries, cues, and preferences. At the same time, she very clearly knows me- she stops crying when she's handed back to me, even if I'm not entirely ready to nurse her when she wants it. I am mama. I am comfort. She is my baby love. 

With that stated, I realize how grateful I am for the history that I have with Josie. I've loved being her mama every second that I've known her. She is my constant reminder that life evolves and this baby stage, while lovely and fleeting, simply leads to more fun, challenges, and love in the future.

Notables:

• I'm starting to feel my body again! For the first time since December I am feeling like my body is my own. My food cravings aren't dictated by my growing baby; my belly isn't growing; and there are no more kicks or contractions. It's just me in my skin!
• Oh my belly! And my back! After 9 months of an expanding belly, the muscles in my core are confused! My core muscles are inclined to just be loose and ready for change all of the time. But I'm beginning to notice that when I stand and walk, my upper body doesn't feel supported. My lower back is starting to ACHE and I'm "dumping" into my lumbar spine. If I keep this up then I'll be headed straight for years of various low back pain and issues. I'm reminded of ways to prevent back pain and discomfort.
  • Here's a gentle but very effective practice that is helping. I teach this standing posture in EVERY SINGLE active asana class (pro-tip: it can be used even if you're just interested in strengthening your core without doing loads of ab "workouts"): 
    • Pull your belly button closer to your spine and lengthen your low back. When you do this, your pelvic floor naturally engages so that you can slowly but consciously rebuild strength "from the ground up".
    • Imagine that your lowest ribs (your floating ribs) are being tied together with a ribbon. Basically, engage your lower ribs toward each other. 
    • Driving, texting, computer work, sitting, nursing, and pretty much all other modern posture is leading us all to a hunched over posture. Counter that by pulling the heads of your shoulders back and shoulder blades moving toward each other and down your back while pressing the top of your head upward.
  • Doing all of these things together even for a few minutes a day is helping to remind my body of its pre-baby shape and strength. Anyone can do this to return to more youthful spinal health.
• I'm noticing my digestion again. I can finally taste my saliva (I didn't even realize that I'd lost the capability when I was pregnant!). I just feel like I'm waking up to the workings of my digestive system. 
• My muscles are SO TIGHT!! No yoga or intentional physical activity for months has led me to ignore my body. I pretty much had to for self-preservation. Now she is waking up and getting my attention. I had a massage this week and it. was. glorious.
• No more bleeding! Yay!! My lady bits are almost healed!
• Suddenly, I'm beginning to think a wee bit in yogic and Ayurvedic terms again. Small but mighty steps in this arena. Feels like my brain wants to resume function soon-ish. Yay!