As a mom who embraces fitness with my little one by my side—yoga included—I can attest that those flawless social media snapshots are often deceiving. From a baby erupting into giggles while I’m in Savasana to unexpected spit-up landing in my mouth during a pose, my moments of tranquility can swiftly turn chaotic. And you know what? That’s perfectly okay. Merging your baby into your workout routine—or any aspect of your life—is not about crafting an image of perfection. Parenting consists of messy moments and, depending on your perspective, some beautifully imperfect experiences. (Is my cup half-full, or am I just a sip away from needing to leave this coffee shop?)
I’ve made the choice to incorporate my baby into nearly every facet of my day-to-day life, for better or worse. While it may not all make it to Instagram, it’s genuine. My mommy-and-me endeavors have included:
Toilet Time
When I stumbled upon a viral image of a mother nursing her baby while using the restroom, I was initially perplexed by what sparked the debate. While I’ve only nursed my baby during bathroom trips once or twice, I have certainly taken her into countless public stalls. What other options do I have when nature calls? Speaking of toilet time, I recently found myself squatting in the woods, baby strapped to me, and I make no apologies for it.
Nursing on the Go
Just yesterday, while hiking with my baby securely in a carrier, she became hungry. With no time to spare, I simply breastfed her right there. I felt a twinge of guilt since I was drenched in sweat, but it actually worked—briefly. I did ponder what I’d say if I encountered other hikers, but ultimately, I didn’t care enough to come up with a response. Free the nipple, I say!
Socializing in the Adult World
Most of my friends are still childless, so I typically skip hiring a babysitter unless absolutely necessary or if the event is particularly unsuitable for a baby. Instead, I engage in a variety of mommy-and-me social activities, whether it’s grabbing coffee, enjoying a drink at a bar, or catching live music. The baby joins us, captivating everyone around her, even if she occasionally swipes a drink off the table. It’s not always seamless, but it’s a way to bond while keeping it convenient.
Appointments
It would certainly help to have a babysitter in some situations, but that’s not always feasible. Just recently, I had to undergo a 20-minute X-ray session and had no one to watch the baby, so I brought her along. Yes, it sounds absurd—babies can’t be in the X-ray room—but I parked her in her stroller in the waiting area while the technicians did their work.
You know what? She generally handles these mommy-and-me moments quite well, and when she’s not happy, we just adapt. I may not share these experiences on social media, but I won’t pretend my little one doesn’t sometimes disrupt my bridge poses.
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In summary, motherhood is a beautiful yet messy journey filled with unexpected moments. Integrating your child into your daily activities, even the less glamorous ones, can enrich the experience. Embrace the chaos; it’s part of the adventure.