Exercise and motherhood

Nisha Rickaby - 3 Mar 19

Both my children arrived into this world via an emergency c section. Whenever I think about  the day they were born I have mixed emotions. I was happy, relieved and excited, but I also felt scared, shocked and anxious.

I handled both in very different ways. With my first born it took me a long time to get back on my feet, both mentally and physically. I cried when my husband left the hospital to go home and I couldn’t wait for him to come back.

Looking back I probably felt sorry for myself quite a bit! It was probably the realisation of motherhood kicking in, and the jelly belly aftermath that no one tells you about!

I didn’t really exercise or look after myself so it took me years to feel strong and healthy again. But I did focus on baby classes and making some incredible mummy friends. I built myself  a baby foundation for those tough early years.

Just as I was back on form I got pregnant again with my baby girl. From the moment she was yanked (I’m not kidding, the table actually moved) from my tummy and she took a second longer to cry out I knew that she had changed me forever.

From the moment they wheeled me onto the ward I decided to be strong. For my son who was waiting for me at home, and for my tiny new daughter who was lying beside me in her cot.

I felt happier the second time around  I didn’t even notice when my husband left to go home! I think he was worried when I didn’t ring him sobbing down the phone!

When the staff removed my catheter and told me to drink lots of water I did. I got out of bed that night and started to very slowly walk about. I even went and made my own tea and toast in the ward kitchen! My husband was stunned when he walked in the next morning and found me stood up feeding our baby.

I started exercising after my 6 week check. No excuses this time around. I had my baby foundation already in place. It was time to focus on my wellbeing and health.

I took my daughter with me every single time. In the early days she slept and drank her milk, as the months went by she progressed to rusks and baby crisps and biscuits. She loves a good gym snack!

She saw the good days and the bad days. Each time I kept going because I wanted her to see me never give up.

Now she is 14 months old and sits in her jumperoo snacking away and clapping encouragement.

I wonder sometimes if she has taken anything in from the sessions. I’d love to know what her thoughts are!

Then out of the blue one day she started squatting in the kitchen, wiping her forehead and applauding herself…..

I laughed and thought that’s my girl  ♥️

Nisha Rickaby

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