As a mom who embraces fitness with my little one in tow—including yoga—I’m fully aware that those flawless social media snapshots are often just that: snapshots. Reality hits hard when your baby decides to giggle at your belly during Savasana or when spit-up makes an unexpected entrance right into your mouth while you’re trying to balance them above you. And that’s all part of the journey. Integrating your baby into your fitness routine—or any aspect of life—is about authenticity, not perfection. Parenting is a series of wonderfully chaotic moments, whether you view them as flawed or flawless. (Am I seeing my glass half full, or am I merely delaying my next coffee break?)
I’ve committed to including my baby in nearly every facet of my life, for better or worse. While it might not always be Instagram-worthy, it’s genuine. Here are a few of my mommy-and-me adventures:
Bathroom Breaks
Recently, I stumbled upon a viral photo of a mom multitasking by nursing while using the restroom. Initially, I didn’t even grasp what was so controversial about it. I’ve nursed my baby while on the toilet once or twice, but I’ve dragged her into countless public stalls. What’s a mom supposed to do when nature calls? Speaking of bathroom breaks, I once had to squat in the woods to pee while wearing her. No regrets here.
Nursing on the Move
Just yesterday, I was hiking with my baby strapped to my chest when she started to get hungry. Stopping wasn’t an option, so I simply pulled out my breast. Sure, I was drenched in sweat and felt bad for her, but it worked for a bit. I briefly considered how I’d explain myself if I ran into anyone on the trail, but honestly, I didn’t care enough to plan it out. Free the nipple, I say!
Adult Socializing
Most of my friends are still child-free, so I rarely bother with a babysitter unless I absolutely need a break or the event is decidedly not baby-friendly. Instead, I engage in plenty of mommy-and-me socializing—grown-up style. Whether it’s grabbing coffee, sipping drinks at a bar, or enjoying live music, my baby joins in, charming everyone from baristas to musicians. It’s not without its challenges; she has a knack for swiping drinks off the table. But it’s one way we bond, mostly for the sake of convenience.
Appointments
Sometimes I wish I had a babysitter, but life doesn’t always align that way. Not too long ago, I had to get X-rays done for 20 minutes, and I had no one to watch the baby, so I brought her along. It sounds ridiculous—after all, babies aren’t allowed in X-ray rooms. I ended up parking her in the stroller in the adjacent area while the techs worked. You know what? She’s usually just fine with these mommy-and-me experiences, and when she’s not, we simply adapt. I might not capture every moment for Instagram, but I won’t pretend that she doesn’t sometimes topple over during my bridge poses.
This article was first published on May 5, 2015.
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In summary, mommy-and-me moments might not always be picture-perfect, but they’re genuine and memorable. Embracing the chaos that comes with parenting while integrating your baby into your daily life can create a unique bond that lasts a lifetime.
Keyphrase: mommy and me activities
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