Reflecting back on the past few months and navigating motherhood, I have seen myself grow and take on new things that I did not think I could. At 1 month postpartum, I still could not move around very well–my hips and knees took a toll while pregnant and giving birth. I did not think it would happen to me since I took care of myself: hydrated, ate healthfully while focusing on protein and calcium, and taking HIIT classes a couple days a week. The scraping feelings in my knees every time I bent down, finally went away at the end of July. Experiencing the bond with my baby is incredible. I feel his pain, wake up a few minutes before he wakes up, and sometimes hear his cries when he is not crying. I learned that mothers respond to a baby’s cries due to a biologically programmed instinct, activating specific brain circuits that trigger protective and nurturing emotions.
There’s a metaphor that is brought up often during postpartum: “getting your pink back” (Lindsey Gurk). Flamingo mothers are drained of their color as they feed and care for their chicks. Eventually, flamingo mothers get their pink back once their chicks become independent and eat on their own. Many mothers feel as though they have poured all their energy (physically, mentally, and emotionally) into caring for their little one(s). The term is used as a way to explain getting back to who they felt they were before motherhood.
I think in some ways I am getting my pink back, but I don’t think I can be who I was before because I am a mom now. I am embracing my new routines of the every day with my son. My husband and I are embracing parenthood together, helping him grow and progress. Even though we’re out of the newborn phase, it’s all still new to me (us) and receiving words of encouragement from friends and family mean so much.
“I’m just thinking about you this morning, sitting here in the quiet and remembering the season of new motherhood..the beauty and the pain of it all..the goods and the difficult. I just want you to know that you are seen and valued. Being a new mom is not easy. I’m praying the Lord will meet you where you are and fill your heart creatively so that you can produce. I know your season will come to be pouring out into others again.”
I have loved the family time with my side and Jordan’s side of the family. Seeing them getting to know Lonnie has been such a joy. I am so thankful and blessed for technology! Living states away from my parents and sisters is tough, but together, we share a photo album so I can show how Lonnie is growing (and see my niece at the same time) and FaceTime as much as possible. I go on little outings to Bass Pro Shop to walk and he loves watching the water and fish. Having him watch me in the kitchen, first trip flying, and going to church together as 3 have been highlights of our routine.
I have gathered some comforts and how I have nurtured myself during this postpartum journey and motherhood.
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Comfort
I can’t even count how many times I have worn this. It’s been the comfiest dress. A maternity/nursing friendly outfit that I wore for Father’s Day. It was my first time back at church and attending as a family of 3 was so special.
Cute, casual going out fit. The zipper top makes it work as a nursing friendly outfit. I love how soft it feels.
I originally bought these to wear in the hospital after giving birth, but I wasn’t doing much walking then. I wore them every day once we got home. I love the adjustable strap because my feet were so swollen.
Nurture
Our freezer is the type where you have to pull the drawer out. It has a top shelf that can be pulled out, with two large sections underneath. These dry erase fridge magnets gave me peace of mind to know how much of a food item we had and what we had. I like making lists, so it was a fun way to stay organized with the freezer meals and snacks.
Having a great exercise mat on hand to do some gentle stretches is the perfect self care and start to healing.
My sister gave me this book and it’s something I referred back to time and time again. It provided wonderful tips for healing by the food prepared for the new mother. It was important to me on how I treated my body post birth, so I can care for my son. Food is healing.
Gathered and Growing 
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