My Motherhood, My Health

Women’s health… what does that even mean??? It means so much! From self care, physical fitness, mental health, and prevention, to fertility and motherhood. 

As a younger woman, I rarely thought about women’s health. Although, reflecting back now, I realize that I spent quite a bit of time focusing on self care and physical fitness which helped keep my mental health in a good place. 

As the seasons of life have changed, so have my perspectives and thoughts about women’s health. One constant remains, my desire to take care of my body and mind the best I can during any given season. 

I’d have to say, right now I am in the thick of the motherhood season. So let’s chat about that!!! 

Starting a family can be an exciting and yet scary time! Nick and I decided to start our family right after we got married. And yes, you may roll your eyes… 🙄 I am one of those women who has no trouble getting pregnant. Pretty much we decide let’s try to have a baby and then 9 months later… hello sweet ❤️ thang!! 

The journey I’d like to share starts after those sweet babies were born! Our kids are each 20 months apart! So 40 months between Boston (our first) and Grace (our third). I’m always asked about their age gap. Was it planned? Would I recommend having kids close in age? What are the perks and disadvantages? Let me tell you, from a women’s health perspective, there’s a lot to think about and a lot to talk about.

After having Boston, our life changed so much! All in a good way. Honestly, although things were different, I still felt very much like me. I was able to create a new mom routine pretty quickly and our rhythm just seemed to flow. By the time Boston had turned one, Nick and I decided to have a second baby. Everything should just continue to flow right?? 😳😳😳

Going from one to two kids was definitely the most challenging transition for me, partly because they were so close in age, partly because two children is an entirely different dynamic, and partly because I became a stay at home mom during this transition. 

Having a newborn and a 20 month old challenged me mentally and physically. The rhythm that I spoke about, that was gone! We weren’t just catering to one baby, at this point we were catering to two. Sleeping was not a given, I felt as if had no time to shower, workout, cook, or even just be. Self care was literally thrown out the window and the tears… they were a common occurrence. Not that I wasn’t grateful or happy, but because it was HARD! 

If you think about it, as a mom of one, you spend all of your energy focusing on your little one and your spouse. Adding another baby to the mix adds another layer. I remember moments nursing Elliana watching as Nick and Boston started to spend more time together. It was so bitter sweet. I loved watching them build a beautiful bond, but at the same time I felt sad that he needed ME less. I remember the first time I offered to help him and he responded, “No Mama. Daddy help.” It warmed my heart and broke it all at the same time. 

With lack of sleep and a baby and a toddler in toe, I was always exhausted. This didn’t help my cause! I rarely worked out or took time to take care of me. All of my energy was going to being a mom. Each month as they got older, things started to get better. Although finding time for me was still hard. Workouts changed. I started going on long walks with the kids in the stroller and tried to sneak in a yoga session when I could. 

Then before I knew it, Elliana turned one and… yep- here comes Grace! She was a little surprise given to us by the grace of God. My plan was to take some time to get my health back. My physical fitness, my sense of me, and my positive body image. Well God had another plan! At this point, I felt really confident in my motherhood. I felt confident in growing our family. After Grace was born, our transition to a family of five was so much easier. I guess, I just knew what to expect and I was better prepared. Although Elliana was still a baby, Boston was 3.5 years old; a little older and a little more self sufficient. When people ask about having three kids, I often respond with three is a breeze, it’s two that is really hard. 

Although it felt like I had my motherhood journey under control, I was still struggling to get daily time in for me. I wanted to workout more and just get back into shape. I was feeling down about my body image and my ability to do anything about it until my mother-in-law told me, “There will be time for that. Right now focus on taking care of our precious babies.” That meant so much to me. She’s one of the most fit people I know. So to hear her tell me that it will all come in time, really meant a lot. And guess what!!! She was right. After Grace turned one, I was finished nursing, finally sleeping (after 4 years of not) and had the energy to take care of me. It felt great!

Throughout the journey of motherhood, your health may ebb and flow. Sometimes you may feel at the top of your game and while other times you may feel like you are struggling to keep up physically and mentally. It’s normal! Just take it one stride at a time.

☀️☀️If there is ever a time you feel like you cannot handle it on your own, be sure to contact your doctor for extra support.

🌺 Stay tuned for more blog posts in this Women’s Health Series. We are excited to share topics including infertility, mental health, breastfeeding and so much more.

That’s a wrap for now!
Your Mama Friend~

Tessa ~ Mrs. Snuggles and Snacks 💛🧡💛🧡