NAVIGATING POST-PARTUM: A GUIDE FOR MOMS WHO LIFT
Written by Coach Bri:
Becoming a mom was one of the hardest things I've ever had to overcome. Two back-to-back C-sections weren't something I had pictured when we started our family, and the mental and physical toll of postpartum was unlike anything I'd ever experienced.
I can imagine you've been in a similar place, surviving on cold coffee, three hours of broken sleep, a toddler demanding constant snacks, and a screaming baby who won't settle. Believe me, I've been there too. But if it weren’t for a resilient mind, a determined body, and a supportive community, postpartum could have pulled me into a deep, dark hole.
My experience as a mom of two brings so many words to mind: chaotic, joyful, lucky, thankful, stressed, and fulfilled. It's the hardest job I’ve ever had, but it's also truly the best.
So, how did I find joy in the chaos and still feel like myself? For me, it came down to a simple but powerful realization: I had to prioritize my own health and well-being in order to be the best mom I could be for my kids. And also heavily lean on my Top 15 Postpartum Must Haves (listed below)
FINDING MYSELF AGAIN
It’s easy to get lost in the endless cycle of feeding, changing, and entertaining. But I learned that even small changes can make a huge difference. For me, that meant:Moving My Body: Some days, this was a five-minute walk around the block. Other days, it was an at home Post Natal Rehab workout or a quick mobility session while the baby napped. The goal wasn’t to lose weight, but to feel strong and more like myself again.
Fuelling My Body: I started focusing on quick, nutrient-dense meals and snacks to avoid the "hangry" moments. I prepped protein overnight oats, kept fruit and veggies handy, and drank a LOT of water.
Finding My Community: Leaning on other moms who understood the struggle was a game changer. Whether it was a text to a friend or a quick chat at the park, connecting with others reminded me that I wasn’t alone.
THE POWER OF “GOOD ENOUGH”
As moms, we're so often our own worst critics. We strive for perfection. A spotless house, perfectly prepared meals, and always happy kids. But the truth is, perfection is an illusion. I learned to embrace the "good enough" life. An un-tidy house meant we were busy making memories. Air fryer chicken chunks and blueberries for dinner meant we had more time to be together.
Finding the balance between taking care of myself and doing what's best for my family isn't about being perfect. It's about being present. It’s about teaching my kids that a healthy lifestyle isn't a chore; it’s an act of self love. Both for ourselves and for them.
Here’s a few items I kept in my gym bag and beyon that kept me thriving as a fit mom.
Top 15 Post Partum Fit Mom Must-Haves list:
Having hydrated, glossy lips makes you feel a bit put together. Especially when you’re up at 3am half asleep.
Having a progressive and expertly thought out workout plan that I could just show up for was ideal. It kept me on track with rebuilding my strength after back to back pregnancies. Available in gym or online through our app.
Sometimes water doesn’t cut it. Electrolytes help keep you hydrated which can help with headaches, brain fog, fatigue, and more. And we all know how dehydrated you feel postpartum.
With the perfect amount of compression, durability for all movements, and added pockets to carry your phone and extra soothers, these leggings do it all for me.
5. WHOOP
For any busy "Fit Mama this product is, without a doubt, my number one recommendation. The data it provides on sleep, recovery, strain, and overall well-being is unlike any other tracking tool. It helped me recognize the profound impact of tiny habit adjustments to help my overall health. Like simply going to bed 30 minutes earlier or cutting out that glass of wine.
It allows me to instantly adjust my training regimen based on my previous recovery. As a mom juggling two littles, this day to day agility is key. It gives me better insight into when I should push myself, and when I truly need to scale back and prioritize rest.
Postpartum re-growth. That’s all.
Movement > perfection. Sometimes my workouts looked like a 10 minute mobility and glute focused session on the floor at home while my baby napped.
Sun safety AND a dewy glow to blend in with the postpartum sweats? Sign me up!
9. RXBARS
With 12 g’s of protein and no added nonsense, these were perfect to throw into the diaper bag for on-the-go days. Nobody wants to see a hangry Mom.
If you know, you know…
Being a busy mom I don’t have time for enough clean shirts to be leaking during a busy day.
12. Waffle Knit Robe
Who doesn’t want to be cozy at home but also make it functional with the pockets, there’s truly never enough pockets.
There’s nothing like ice cold water in the dead of night while breastfeeding your baby. The insulation capability, handle, and the ability to fit into a cup holder make this my ideal water bottle.
There was nothing worse than tight pants that dug into my c-section incision. These high-waisted biker shorts doubled up as the perfect end of pregnancy piece AND postpartum.
15. My Village
Whether it's a partner, a family member, or a friend, having someone you can call on for support is the most important thing on this list. As strong and independent as we know we are, we don’t have to do it all alone. Lean on others when you need to.
Motherhood taught me that true strength isn't about being perfect; it's about being present. I’m not going to lie, some days are still a chaotic mess. But it’s about giving yourself grace on the tough days and celebrating the small wins. By prioritizing my own well being and leaning on my community, I discovered that I could be a mom and still feel like myself. Showing up for you and your family takes true resilience and a lot of self discipline. It doesn’t always have to look or feel perfect. But you continue to rise to the occasion, and get it done.
Coach Bri, mom of 2, pre/post natal rehab certified personal trainer
