6 Months Postpartum

It's been just over 6 months since the wee guy was born! I can't believe both how fast and how slow it has all gone.

The journey to resuming regular training and teaching has not been without its challenges. I was fortunate enough to get back to pole at 6 weeks postpartum and back subbing at 9 weeks. I resumed teaching a regular class in January and this month a further 2 classes on a 2nd night. I've subbed and got to teach my first workshop. It amazes me that all of this has been possible. But it has not been easy. I've had to work hard to get my strength and stamina back. It's challenging to prepare choreography at home, with a pole that is in my kitchen, with a small human there who may or may not be having a good day and letting me take the time I need to create. Sometimes I am literally trying to choreograph until right before I leave the house. It is hard to teach a class when you can't demo the hardest level of conditioning, or invert without needing to double hook your leg because despite all you've done your low abs still need more time to get stronger; they were always a challenge for you before a baby anyway. I've had to practice over and over the moves I need to teach because I can't just do them in my sleep anymore and I need to think more about how to do them and practice talking while I do them because man is that harder than I remember it being. It is hard being away from the little guy, missing sometimes one or even two feedings, bedtime and hoping that you don't accidentally bang your very uncomfortable chest against the floor or pole at the end of the night. But the comeback has given me a new appreciation of where we all start from, new ways to cue, and a renewed understanding of how hard pole is. All in all it has definitely been a challenge but it has a been 100% worth it. The wee man is amazing and I love spending everyday with him, and I love being able to pole, teach and create. Both are now a huge part of me. And although it can all sometimes be a bit overwhelming in the end the balance I currently have has made me very happy. 💛