I hope you guys have been enjoying my Real Talk series here on TameraMowry.com. I personally love getting a chance to talk directly about real life struggles and triumphs, inspiration and truths, and hearing your stories in return. Today’s topic is postpartum life, something that I’ve touched on before. The thing is, life after pregnancy is different in so many ways, and we all have unique experiences. But the digital world often makes it seem like what we go through is all the same, and honestly, that it’s a lot more glamorous than it sometimes is! I think we can all relate.
Throwback! My first time around…
As much as I hope to be an inspiration for all mommies on their journeys to getting that pre-pregnancy body back and knowing that you can achieve all your health and fitness goals, I also want to set a realistic example. The truth is that the length and pace of the journey is different for everyone. Nothing happens overnight. For some women, a major struggle post-pregnancy is dropping the weight. For others, there are mental struggles like depression (there are 3 million US cases of postpartum depression each year – and even more undiagnosed) and feelings of isolation or stress. Usually, there are both the mental and physical ups and downs to navigate.
And while it’s important to focus on keeping physically fit and healthy so that we can better meet the needs of our little ones, let’s face it – there are always going to be a million other things to focus on at the same time. Life can throw things at you that deserve more focus than arbitrary weight goals (don’t get me wrong – health is important, but a number on a scale? Not so much). Don’t be afraid to turn your focus on to something else, and even inward at times.
It took time to learn and accept that my journey is and will always be different from the next woman’s. Reading blogs, following those you don’t personally know on social media- these can all be points of inspiration, but they can also be points of comparison. It’s so important to know that what you see is only a carefully thought out version of the story. That’s why it’s become more and more important to me to be authentic – so that people get a genuine look at how I experience motherhood, my work, my home and LIFE! Life is beautiful as is, and if we’re too caught up in the physical parts of it, we can lose sight of the real focus – our loving relationships, our mental health and our happiness and fulfillment as mothers.
No matter what stage of pregnancy or motherhood you are at, I challenge you to give yourself a few words of encouragement each and every day!
What are your feelings on this postpartum journey? Do you have any words of encouragement for other readers?
Xx,
Tamera
Throwback! My first time around…
As much as I hope to be an inspiration for all mommies on their journeys to getting that pre-pregnancy body back and knowing that you can achieve all your health and fitness goals, I also want to set a realistic example. The truth is that the length and pace of the journey is different for everyone. Nothing happens overnight. For some women, a major struggle post-pregnancy is dropping the weight. For others, there are mental struggles like depression (there are 3 million US cases of postpartum depression each year – and even more undiagnosed) and feelings of isolation or stress. Usually, there are both the mental and physical ups and downs to navigate.
And while it’s important to focus on keeping physically fit and healthy so that we can better meet the needs of our little ones, let’s face it – there are always going to be a million other things to focus on at the same time. Life can throw things at you that deserve more focus than arbitrary weight goals (don’t get me wrong – health is important, but a number on a scale? Not so much). Don’t be afraid to turn your focus on to something else, and even inward at times.
It took time to learn and accept that my journey is and will always be different from the next woman’s. Reading blogs, following those you don’t personally know on social media- these can all be points of inspiration, but they can also be points of comparison. It’s so important to know that what you see is only a carefully thought out version of the story. That’s why it’s become more and more important to me to be authentic – so that people get a genuine look at how I experience motherhood, my work, my home and LIFE! Life is beautiful as is, and if we’re too caught up in the physical parts of it, we can lose sight of the real focus – our loving relationships, our mental health and our happiness and fulfillment as mothers.
No matter what stage of pregnancy or motherhood you are at, I challenge you to give yourself a few words of encouragement each and every day!
What are your feelings on this postpartum journey? Do you have any words of encouragement for other readers?
Xx,
Tamera 
23 Responses
Tamera, that’s so true about everyone being different. After my first son, I don’t think I even looked in the mirror. For one, I didn’t have the time to really analyze my body. I was so concerned about being a new mom and trying to do everything right, I didn’t pay much attention to the way I looked. I remember reading about celebrities that dropped their pregnancy weight in a short period of time and thinking, they can’t be nursing! My son’s pediatrician told me the caloric count I needed to ensure a good supply of milk for my son, and that’s what I did. I didn’t work out because I had read that it would affect my milk supply. However, what I did do is eat healthy (mostly), and I took a stroll with my son most days because it was summer and we had great weather. The walking helped me lose weight even though that was not my motivation. I guess, I just want to tell people that do what feels right to you and your baby. That’s what really matters. You want a healthy baby and a healthy mommy.
Great advice.
Tamera, “Run your own race” that’s what I remind myself when I start that very destructive of comparison. While reading about others life might sound like fun
we don’t have the whole picture,and even if we did it might not be how we want to arrive at our goals. At time we cause struggles,stress and sometime
even some depression because we put so much pressure on ourselves to live
up to others expectations.
After three baby, my last was the hardest to lose that last 10 lbs,but I am feeding my family healthy,and living a healthy life style sooo the body will do
what the body will do,lollol. And I remind myself all the time if I don’t get back
to my “pre.” three baby weight how much important will I continue to give it?
Will I continue to let it control my thinking and life? NOOOO. As you stated
Life is beautiful as is,Kiddos healthy,Hubby healthy,Momma healthy, just working on her last few lbs.lolololol.
Blessings…
I’m 5 months into my pregnancy and this will be my first and like you said each one of us has to live our own journey. I know that essential to feeling like myself is taking time for myself. Obviously I won’t have as much time as I used to but I know it will be important for me to make the time to either for for a run, or get a manicure or watch a movie.
Thankfully I have a great support system that aids in affording me those moments. The point is I know that I desire that time to connect with myself and to hold on to “me”. It can be a challenge in this day and age but holding on to yourself is important to feeling good.
So I think it’s important for women to recognize what matters to us, what helps us feel beautiful, strong and capable and to make time for those things.
I agree wholeheartedly, Tamera. Every woman’s journey is different. Words of encouragement? Don’t give up – it gets better with time & never be afraid/ashamed to ask for help.
I am so glad that you wrote this. Just last night I was in tears because I looked at myself and was like it is almost a year later and I’m not exactly where I want to be with my weight and fitness. But I also have looked around and said I have a beautiful baby boy and awesome husband and I am so happy with my life. It is defenitely a journey, this motherhood but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I am also thankful that you are being open and honest because this was my first child and nobody told me the half of how it really is. I applaud you for who you are as a public figure. And in my mind you are a dear friend of mines. Again I applaud you and love what you stand for. Keep it up!