Only the thought of postpartum recovery used to scare me. I imagined it as something overwhelmingly difficult, something that would require all of my strength both mentally and physically. And in many ways, it truly is a demanding journey. But I also discovered that when you have a healthy and respectful relationship with your body, the entire process feels different. It becomes less intimidating and more meaningful, almost like a continuation of the intimate dialogue you have had with yourself throughout pregnancy.

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.