I have shared some of my pregnancy journey and what I learned throughout each chapter. You can read those posts here: Initial Signs & First Trimester, Second Trimester Recap, Third Trimester Recap,Birth Story. With my niece making her arrival in a couple of days (can’t wait), I thought I would share my experience with recovery and what that was like for me personally. Like I have mentioned, we all have such a different experience when it comes to pregnancy and birth, which is always something to keep in mind. Out of all of my experiences, I honestly wish I had been a little more prepared for the “after” or recovery phase, especially as a first time Momma!

It’s so easy to forget everything a woman is going through after having a sweet newborn baby in the world. You can easily forget that the woman is personally recovering from something major and trying to heal her body, learning to nurse (if she chooses) and having her body change/adapt to provide for her baby, running on little to no sleep, navigating taking care of a precious baby that there is no manual for, handling a multitude of hormones, and so much more! You go through so much change overnight that it can feel difficult to navigate and adjust, which is okay! You are already everything that baby needs and with time you learn and gain confidence in your new role. .

Depending on the birth, you will have a different recovery experience physically. Thankfully, our hospital had awesome nurses so they helped me A LOT as I tried to move around. Just remember….your blood volume increases when you are pregnant so it has to normalize after. Gravity is not your friend when you stand so having your partner help as much as they can is nice (or staff members). You will probably be sore for a few days/weeks depending on your situation and ice packs/medication help. You don’t have to be a super mom during this time because you can easily overdo it. Your body definitely needs that recovery time. Our nurses quickly showed me how to do everything myself so that I immediately felt comfortable using the restroom on my own and gave me all the materials to bring home (they will monitor the first time, especially if you had a catheter). You definitely want some cheap/different undergarments to use as well as recovery products.

Every time the nurses came in to check me, they would look at my vitals, ask about pain or any specifics I was experiencing, as well as check on swelling in my legs/feet. I also asked a million questions which is also OKAY. They are there to help you, reassure you, and provide valuable knowledge and insight. I also had a lactation consultant come a few times in our hospital room to observe/help as I was learning to nurse. Take advantage of those resources! You will initially produce colostrum and then have your milk come in a few days later which is such a strange and surreal feeling. Nursing is a whole other ball game that I will share more on later!

For the most part my physical recovery was pretty easy, which I am extremely thankful for. I felt stronger with each day and was able to do more. I also had new Momma friends which helped a TON in seeking advice during an unknown time and asking if certain things were “normal”. I did call my doctor a couple of times from home just to make sure nothing was out of the ordinary. The emotional side is a tough one to navigate because it is so unique to each person and can be a totally different experience. With time, the emotions and hormones do balance, you do begin to feel normal, and there is so much help and support if you are in need of something more. Becoming a mother is such a humbling experience full of firsts. People truly want to help!

What were your recoveries like? Anything that surprised you? I would love to know!

Until next time…

Blessings,

Jac

I was listening to something the other day about how we treat ourselves, and it made me think about self image and how we can create a more positive one, no matter how young or old we are. I truly believe knowing yourself, appreciating yourself, and loving yourself are so important and create such a joy centered life. We have the ability and power to become who we want to become if we allow it and work towards it day in and day out.

I wanted to share some ways I have found myself building my own self-image and what I think is important to keep in mind. I would love to know any of your thoughts!

1. Self Talk/Affirmations

What we say to ourselves is so important. We have the ability to fill ourselves up with positive self talk and affirmations each and every day. Never underestimate the power of your mind…it can alter so many things.

2.Grace

No one is perfect and we will all fall and make mistakes. Recognize those mistakes as an opportunity to grow and learn…then move forward! Give yourself the grace you deserve and probably give to others easily.

3.Supportive/Uplifting People

I once heard you become who you surround yourself with. There is nothing better than being with people who support, encourage, and lift you up throughout all of life’s ups and downs. Choose those who make you a better version and let go of those who don’t.

4.Live Your Life For You

You are on your journey. Do what makes you happy and live your life for you, no one else.

5.Avoid Comparison

I’m sure we have all fallen victim to comparing ourselves to others but it really is the thief of our joy. We are all created differently and perfectly in God’s image with our own set of gifts and abilities. Learn to love those differences and appreciate them in others. Always remember, your beginning may be someone’s middle or end.

6.Do Things You Love & Fuel Your Spirit

Find the things that bring out the light in you and make them a priority.

7.Accept Areas Of Improvement

Accept yourself as a flawed being and recognize the areas of struggle or improvement. Decide if those are areas you want to grow in, but don’t let them define you.

8.You Are More Than Societal Expectations

Your value is not based on anything society has told you it is. Your identity lies in your heart and spirit.

9.Take Care Of Yourself 

Your life is not a dress rehearsal. Make yourself a priority and take care of yourself in the ways you need it. Be kind to your body, mind, and spirit.

10.Love & Be Kind To Others

Love and kindness are contagious. Spread it as often as possible.

What are some things you try to focus on?

Blessings,

Jac

Even though we are 40+ days in with staying home, I feel like it can still be difficult at times to find a groove in maintaining productivity (especially during these circumstances). Although I am used to staying home with my son, it is definitely a different experience and challenge not being able to do our normal activities. I have had many mental check-ins and reflections to maintain a joyful attitude throughout this time while feeling productive in specific areas.

Today I wanted to share ways I stay productive in our home. I know each person and situation is extremely different, however hopefully some of these tips can work for you. I would love to know anything you do to stay on track!

1.Map It Out

This depends how you like to think about things, but I think it is so helpful to chunk out  tasks and then break it up from there into smaller goals.  I like to do a monthly “brain dump” where I will write down everything I want to accomplish that month. From there I map out weeks, and then create daily goals. It helps to not feel overwhelmed and to make things realistic. This can be done with your children’s school work as well as work projects.

2. Create Realistic Expectations

Once you map out your jobs/tasks, create realistic expectations for yourself in the day to day. The worst thing to do is create an unrealistic list where you are stressed, overwhelmed, or feel like you failed/won’t catch up.

3.Have A Calendar/Tracking System

Writing things down is so powerful and keeps you accountable and on track. I like to keep a large desk calendar where I can cross/check things off each week, however each person works different. You can color coordinate a large calendar for different to-dos such as “work, school, personal, home” so it is visible on one system. Find some type of tracking system, and stick to it!

4. Write A Daily Non-Negotiable List

These are your top 2-3 items that you will choose to get done that day no matter what! It can be anything from working out to making your bed. Whatever is your highest priority, write it down and think of it as an appointment that can not be cancelled.

5.Make Your Bed

When you make your bed, you are starting your day accomplishing something. It sets the stage to continue accomplishing tasks and being productive.

6.Create A Routine

Having some type of routine at home can help with staying on track and being productive. When there is no routine or structure to the day there is no motivation or accountability to stay focused. This looks different for every family and every situation. Play around with different routines and see what works best!

7.Set An Alarm

It is amazing how much you can get done when you set an alarm and wake up before the rest of the house (especially kids). Having an hour to yourself to work, exercise, pray/meditate, or have alone time can be such a motivating force to continue a productive flow throughout the remainder of the day.

 

What are your go-tos to maintaining productivity at home?

 

Additional Resources:

Weekly Cleaning Schedule

Maintaining A Tidy Home

5 Tips To Stay Motivated

Goal Setting: Top 5 Tips

Blessings,

Jac