Hi Mamas, I usually like to keep it all light and positive on the Love and Fit platforms, but with the birth of my second daughter getting closer each day, postpartum life is weighing heavily on my mind. I want to get real with you ladies about two conditions that affect a lot of postpartum women. It’s okay to admit that postpartum life is not always rainbows and butterflies.

Let’s normalize real-talk about the challenges of postpartum life. Whether you’re a first-time mom or you’ve just had your fifth child, these things can occur both physically, mentally, and emotionally.

1. Postpartum Depression

Yes, there’s no denying that having your baby and caring for your newborn will be some of the best moments of your life! But, postpartum depression is a possible complication of pregnancy which can cause you to experience some of your lowest lows. The Mayo Clinic says some of the signs of postpartum depression include:

• Depression or severe mood swings;
• Excessive crying;
• Difficulty bonding with your baby;
• Withdrawing from those close to you;
• Loss of appetite or significantly overeating;
• And inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much, among others.

It’s important to discuss any of these symptoms with your doctor to get your postpartum depression under control. In rare cases, women can develop postpartum psychosis which is a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention.

2. Diastasis Recti

Pregnancy physically changes your body in many ways, but one many people don’t talk about is diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is when the muscles along the abdomen separate, making a permanent bulge. Parents.com says about two thirds of women experience this condition. It’s so common, yet so unknown.

Doing exercises while pregnant can help decrease your chances of developing this condition. The Dia Method, by Leah Keller, is a core based exercise regime to prevent diastasis recti before delivery and help mamas get back in shape after they’ve had their baby. Learning about and becoming aware of your abdominal muscles and your pelvic floor will help your prevention and recovery if you do develop a mommy tummy.

And if your mommy tummy never goes away, remember that it’s a badge of honor! You grew human life inside of you and that’s something to be damn proud of!

Normalizing These Conditions Will Help Mamas Everywhere

For far to long mamas have dealt with postpartum conditions in silence because they thought they were the only ones going through it. That is so not the case! I love seeing all you mamas in your Love and Fit activewear talking about the real struggles of motherhood - your strength inspires me everyday. Keep the conversation going, you are not alone, mama, rely on our community for the support you need!

I created Love and Fit to help mamas embrace breastfeeding and their pregnant and postpartum bodies. Our bodies miraculously make human life and the changes they go through are natural. Having a nursing sports bra that unclipped when I needed it to and postpartum leggings with an ultra-high waist that covered my belly helped me feel better about myself and get me back to the things I enjoy, like working out! I hope our activewear line is a little positive boost for all you mamas out there and that you find support in our #momtribe community!