Finding My Body Back, A Year Later

Nov 16 , 2024
By Eden Sahle

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For many women, becoming a mother is a transformative experience that reshapes our priorities, self-perception, and connection to our bodies. As I celebrated my daughter’s first birthday this weekend, I felt immense gratitude for the blessings of motherhood. However, family and friends seemed most captivated by a particular transformation I have undergone over the past year: shedding the 30kg I gained during pregnancy.

The journey to regain my strength and energy was not a simple “bounce back.” I initially felt a strong disconnect with my body—each movement seemed weighed down, and I found even routine tasks exhausting. Despite my husband's reassurances, I struggled to recognise myself in the mirror. I was also surrounded by well-meaning narratives of quick post-pregnancy recoveries, which made the experience even more difficult. Studies on postpartum experiences reveal that these physical and emotional struggles are common, and many new mothers find themselves wrestling with similar body-image shifts and unexpected physical changes after childbirth.

My goal was to regain strength and feel comfortable in my skin. With an approach grounded in mindful eating, I balanced my meals, making sure they were satisfying yet aligned with my health goals. A study in Obesity Reviews found that postpartum women who focused on balanced eating and sustainable physical activity had improved health outcomes and experienced fewer setbacks in weight management compared to those following restrictive diets.

As part of my routine, I embraced weight training, jump rope, and ab exercises. Weight training, in particular, not only helped me shed weight but also restored my energy levels. The research underscores that postpartum exercise, especially strength training, can help rebuild muscle and improve metabolism, leading to sustainable weight management and improved mental well-being. The shift was not easy—I usually felt sore and questioned my determination. But with my husband’s encouragement, exercise evolved from a chore to a cherished part of my day.

Friends and family noticed the change, especially as I could carry my daughter effortlessly, even as she grew. Everyday chores also contributed to my energy output. When we paused having house help, I realised the extra movement added up. Research in "The Journal of Physical Activity and Health" confirms that such everyday physical activity can seriously impact weight and overall fitness, especially for those who may not have time for structured workouts.

Some friends asked how I managed to lose weight while still enjoying sweets and hearty meals, wondering if my transformation was as effortless as it appeared. Others speculated if surgery played a role in “bouncing back.” But I have come to learn that weight loss is never a one-size-fits-all journey. Genetics, metabolism, and especially hormones all influence each individual’s experience. For instance, hormones like leptin, which regulate appetite and energy balance, play a critical role. Studies show that conditions like leptin resistance can interfere with weight management, causing the brain to underestimate fullness and drive the body to store more fat.

A close friend of mine, despite a rigorous exercise regimen, struggled with her weight due to a hormonal imbalance. Once she received appropriate treatment to regulate her hormones, she began to see progress. Her experience displayed the complex interplay between biology and weight loss, which is usually overlooked in mainstream discussions about fitness and postpartum recovery.

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PUBLISHED ON Nov 16,2024 [ VOL 25 , NO 1281]

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