Pregnancy changes you on a physical, emotional, and mental level. After giving birth, you don’t just go back to your old self overnight. Your body feels unfamiliar, almost like it belongs to someone else. Muscles that once responded immediately now need time and patience. Movements that used to be easy suddenly feel demanding. And while the world often romanticizes “getting your body back,” I realized that the true journey isn’t about chasing your old shape. It’s about reconnecting with yourself and finding comfort in a new version of you.

There’s so much pressure on women to recover quickly, lose weight, bounce back, and pretend everything is effortless. But motherhood is far from effortless. It’s intense, overwhelming, beautiful, exhausting, and fulfilling all at once. The truth is, no one should be expected to look or feel a certain way after giving birth. There shouldn’t be pressure—only support, compassion, and understanding. Every mother deserves space to heal at her own pace.

To all the mamas out there: you are my heroes. I see you, I understand you, and I know how much strength it takes just to show up every day. Your body has carried life, birthed life, and now continues to nurture it. That alone is extraordinary. Whatever stage you’re in—whether you’re rebuilding, adjusting, or simply learning to accept this new version of yourself—know that you’re doing better than you think.

For me, this journey is about finding myself again. Not the old version, but the one who is stronger in different ways, more patient, more grounded, and more aware of what truly matters. Being a mom is incredibly hard, yet it brings so much joy that it softens all the difficult moments. And that combination of struggle and beauty is what makes this journey so powerful.

I’m still on my way, and that’s okay. The progress may be slow, but it’s real. And I’m choosing to honor every step of it.

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I intentionally avoid using the phrase “getting my prepregnancy body back,” because I don’t believe it represents the reality of postpartum healing. My body will never be the same — and it shouldn’t be. It has gone through something powerful, demanding, and transformative. It’s different now, but different in a way that feels meaningful and earned. Society places so much pressure on women to “bounce back,” as if the goal is to erase the evidence of what we just experienced. But that mindset doesn’t honor the physical or emotional impact of pregnancy. Recovery takes time. Healing takes time. And every woman’s path is truly unique.

If you gained more weight than someone else, it doesn’t define you. It doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. During my last pregnancy, I ate carbs and sugar on a regular basis. I tried to keep it balanced, not because I was afraid of weight gain, but because I wanted to support my health. And honestly, the fact that I had been consistently active long before pregnancy turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. It allowed me to continue light workouts while pregnant and helped me feel more stable, more energized, and more connected to myself. Even a small amount of physical activity can release endorphins and shift your whole mental state.

So yes, this is the short version of where I am right now in my postpartum journey. I’m not rushing anything, I’m not comparing myself to anyone, and I’m not attaching my worth to a number or a timeline. I’m simply rebuilding — slowly, intentionally, and with appreciation for what my body has gone through. And I honestly can’t wait to return to my regular fitness program when the time feels right, with even more motivation than before.

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My first pregnancy was definitely easier in terms of symptoms. I didn’t experience that overwhelming nausea that so many women talk about. This time, the first trimester was a completely different story. I felt nauseous from morning until night, and for weeks I was searching for anything that could bring relief. Ginger beer helped, along with small snacks throughout the day, but it still felt like I was constantly fighting my own body. On top of that, I was endlessly sleepy. I found myself taking naps during the day with Teo, something I never do because daytime naps usually leave me feeling even more distracted. But during those weeks, my body simply demanded rest.

My cravings also changed dramatically. When I was pregnant with Teo, all I wanted was potatoes, meat, and sour cream — ideally all together. Luckily, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and Russian cuisine offer plenty of dishes that fit that combination. This time, my body has been asking for carbs in every form. I have not craved sweets this much since I was a child, and honestly, I had forgotten what that kind of sugar craving even feels like.

And then there are the hormones. They have hit me much harder this time. I get emotional over the smallest things, and I find myself crying unexpectedly over comments or moments that normally wouldn’t affect me at all. I have become more sensitive, especially to anything my husband says, even when he doesn’t mean it in a negative way. It’s like every emotion becomes amplified, and sometimes I just have to remind myself that it’s temporary.

Many people say that pregnancy symptoms can depend on the baby’s gender, and I’ve heard so many theories over the years. I’m not sure how much truth there is to that, but I do believe every pregnancy follows its own unique script. And maybe that’s the beauty of it — you never know what to expect, and each experience teaches you something new about your body, your emotions, and your own strength.

Do you believe pregnancy symptoms can really reflect the baby’s gender?

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Still, I will be honest: after pregnancy and breastfeeding, I sometimes feel as if I have gone through an exhausting battle. There is pride, of course, but there is also physical tiredness you cannot fully explain until you live through it. That is why this sudden change felt both unexpected and symbolic, as if another chapter quietly closed behind me.

What makes this story even more meaningful is how naturally everything happened for Teo. My milk supply started to decrease, and he slowly lost interest. At some point he simply showed with his behavior that he was ready for the next stage, ready to explore real food, textures, and flavors that were more exciting than his usual routine. I am grateful that the process unfolded without stress or pressure for him. This is exactly how I hoped it would be — gentle, intuitive, and calm.

Of course, there is a little bit of nostalgia. Breastfeeding was not just about nutrition for me. It was about closeness, about the quiet moments that belong only to a mother and her baby. Eight months passed unbelievably fast, and I truly enjoyed this period more than I expected. Letting it go feels emotional, because it marks the end of a stage that will never repeat itself in the same way.

And now, just a few days later, my pre-pregnancy breast size is back. The shape, of course, is different, and I am still adjusting to it. But I believe that with time the body finds its own balance again. It always does.

I would love to hear your experiences. How did your transition after breastfeeding go, and how long did it take for your body to feel like yours again?

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But here is the truth: the number on the scale has never been the main indicator of how I feel in my body. That is why I prefer to talk about my shape rather than my weight. I personally feel my best when I have more muscle mass and when I feel physically stronger. It gives me a sense of stability, confidence and energy. It does not mean that I dislike my current shape. On the contrary, I appreciate my body in every stage, knowing how much it has done and how much strength it carries.

My goals, however, are connected to rebuilding power and gaining some muscle. Right now it is challenging because breastfeeding takes a lot of energy and limits the intensity of workouts I can comfortably do. But I also understand that this is only a temporary phase. My body is still adapting, and I am giving it the time and patience it deserves. Strength will come back, and with it, new physical goals and possibilities.

If there is something I have learned through this experience, it is that acceptance does not appear overnight. It is a long and sometimes uncomfortable process that requires honesty, self-reflection and daily work. At some point I made a decision to respect my body not only when it looks a certain way, but also when it is healing, changing or simply resting. That shift in thinking helped me feel more grounded and peaceful.

One day I will tell you the full story of how I learned body acceptance and what helped me reach this level of understanding. Would you like to know more about that journey?

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The last five months taught me more than I expected. I faced sore nipples that made the first weeks painful, moments of low milk supply that made me question whether I was doing everything right, episodes of lactostasis that required patience and careful attention, and even discomfort during workouts because the upper body tension felt completely different. But with time, support, and willingness to learn, I figured out how to navigate each period and finally reached a stage where I genuinely enjoy the process instead of surviving it.

Many of you ask about my diet, and this is the part that is truly individual. What works perfectly for one mom can be completely unsuitable for another baby. In my case, I had to remove fresh vegetables and certain fruits like lemons and oranges. I also excluded sauces and recently gave up chocolate. I keep coffee to one cup a day because anything stronger doesn’t feel right for either of us. And overall, I try to eat clean, nourishing meals that give me enough nutrients to support both my body and milk production.

One unexpected challenge was weight loss. I didn’t think maintaining a stable weight during breastfeeding would become something I had to actively control, but recently I noticed that the kilos began to drop too quickly. That is why I started adding extra calories to my daily ration and paying more attention to consistency in meals.

Workouts required adjustments as well. I became much more careful with exercises, especially upper-body training. I try not to overstrain myself, listen to my energy levels, and rest whenever I feel physically drained. Nothing is worth pushing through exhaustion, especially during breastfeeding.

And one more thing I want every new mom to know: having a good lactation consultant can change everything. I was lucky to have someone who guided me through every concern, answered every question, and reminded me that I was not alone in this journey. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a form of care for yourself and your baby.

So now I’m curious: did you breastfeed your babies, and how long did your breastfeeding journey last?

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For me, loving your body means appreciating it in all its forms, including its changes, imperfections, and phases. It means building a relationship with yourself where you can grow, adjust, and improve without judgment. My message has never been “look at my perfect body.” It has always been about accepting yourself fully and celebrating even the smallest steps you take toward self-respect and self-love. Many of the flaws we see are only visible to us because we overthink them. I want you to feel confident in your own skin and proud of the efforts you make, no matter how small they may seem.

When it comes to content, I genuinely want this space to feel meaningful and relevant to you. That is why I believe the most honest approach is simply to ask what you truly want to see here. Maybe you prefer content related to workouts, nutrition, and body awareness. Maybe you are more interested in motherhood, postpartum experiences, and daily life with a baby. Perhaps fashion, beauty, routines, or even lighthearted videos bring you the most joy. I want to understand what inspires you and what supports you in your own journey.

Ladies, tell me what you are most curious about and what topics you want me to focus on. This space has always been shaped by your interest, and I want to keep it that way.

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The first item that proved invaluable was a rocking chair with an ottoman. I cannot stress enough how much time a mother spends breastfeeding and holding her baby in the first weeks. Comfort becomes essential, not a luxury. Having a chair that supports your back, helps you relax, and allows you to rest your legs makes breastfeeding sessions calmer and less exhausting. And the gentle rocking motion is a wonderful way to soothe the baby and help him fall asleep. This purchase became a little sanctuary during long evenings and early mornings.

Another item that made daily life easier was a baby monitor. It is not something you use to leave the baby alone for long periods, but it gives you the freedom to take a quick shower, brush your teeth, warm up food, or simply step into another room without feeling anxious. That little sense of reassurance matters more than you imagine before becoming a mom.

A properly chosen changing table also proved essential. The height should be comfortable for your back because diaper changes happen so often that even small discomfort becomes noticeable. Having everything organized, easy to reach, and placed at the right level saved me from unnecessary strain and allowed those moments to be quicker and smoother.

A lamp with soft, warm light became another small but extremely useful helper. Nighttime changes and feedings happen constantly, and bright light feels harsh and disruptive. A gentle light creates a calm atmosphere for both mom and baby and helps everyone fall asleep faster afterward. This simple detail made my nights much easier.

And finally, a stroller and car seat from the same brand was one of the smartest decisions. Being able to attach the car seat directly to the stroller frame makes doctor’s appointments and short outings far more convenient. You don’t have to wake the baby or move him unnecessarily. Everything becomes faster, calmer, and much more manageable, especially when you’re still recovering physically.

These items didn’t just make life easier — they brought a bit of order and comfort to a period that is filled with new emotions, challenges, and adjustments. Every mom will have her own list of essentials, but this is mine, shaped by real experience and the first precious weeks with my baby.

Ladies, I’m curious to know what items helped you the most during your postpartum days.

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I allowed myself to rest without feeling guilty. I didn’t think about my appearance for at least the first couple of weeks. I didn’t rush to check the mirror every morning. Instead, I gave myself the freedom to simply be. And surprisingly, I realized that I genuinely liked my body. I wasn’t afraid of changes, and I wasn’t shocked by them. Just like during pregnancy, the afterbirth body carries its own unique beauty. It feels strong, capable and deeply symbolic. Every line, softness, or shift tells the story of the most important moment of your life and the arrival of the little person who changed everything.

Now I’m patiently waiting for my doctor’s approval to return to full workouts, but because I feel good and strong, I’ve already started adding some light movements to reconnect with my body. I have a postpartum “body back to shape” plan ready, and I’ll share it with you as soon as I officially begin my routine. For me, it’s not about rushing or pushing myself. It’s about approaching this new stage with awareness and care.

What matters the most during this period is kindness. Treat yourself gently, encourage yourself even for the smallest progress, and never punish yourself mentally when something doesn’t go the way you expected. Recovery is not a straight line. Some days you’ll feel energized, and on others you may feel exhausted or emotional. Both are normal, and both are part of the process.

And remember, we all recover differently. Our bodies respond in their own pace, with their own strengths and sensitivities. No recovery journey looks the same, and it shouldn’t. Comparing your experience to someone else’s only takes away from your own unique path.

Give yourself time. Give yourself grace. And most importantly, trust your body — it has already proven how powerful it is.

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Many people expect that breastfeeding requires some kind of strict diet or dramatic adjustments, but for me the foundation remains the same: clean, nutritious and balanced meals. I focus on high-quality protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. These components are essential not only for my wellbeing, but also for producing nutrient-rich milk. Foods that digest slowly and keep you full for longer—like whole grains, legumes, vegetables and lean protein—help keep energy stable and prevent those sudden hunger waves that often come with breastfeeding.

One thing I do try to avoid is lactose, simply because my body reacts better without it at the moment. This may not apply to everyone, but learning to listen to your own body is key. Postpartum and breastfeeding are extremely individual experiences, and your nutritional needs can change from week to week. Paying attention to how certain foods make you feel is one of the best ways to build a diet that truly supports both you and the baby.

I also try to remind myself that good nutrition is not only about physical recovery, but about feeling mentally stable and emotionally grounded. When you choose wholesome foods, your body responds with more energy, better mood and steadier focus—things every new mom desperately needs. Balanced meals help avoid fatigue, improve digestion and make the entire breastfeeding journey smoother.

To sum up, you don’t need complicated rules or restrictive diets during this time. Your body needs fuel, care and consistency. Eat clean, nourish yourself well, support your recovery and allow food to become a source of comfort and strength rather than stress.

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