At first, preparing all the kit feels like a faf – it seems like you need to take the kitchen sink out when you have a baby! You need clothes, changes, first aid, weather-related kit and food (for you and baby).
It’s tempting to think it’s easier to stay at home where you have everything to hand! But once you’ve done it a couple of times it’s easy and isn’t actually much different from packing a normal changing bag.
Even once you’ve got the time and kit it can feel daunting getting outside with a tiny vulnerable baby.
Despite being a previously active, adventurous woman, I was suddenly nervous about things happening to me and my baby when I was out. But I started with small local walks, and before long I felt confident to get out for longer, wilder walks.
There’s a lot of pressure to do stimulating activities or groups for your baby, but less emphasis on doing things for yourself.
We’re brilliant at making ourselves feel guilty for wanting to do cool non-mumsy or directly baby-related activities. I love a good singalong class but also wanted to use my mat leave to achieve something for myself.
It’s like it’s selfish to have interests of your own!
A lot of postnatal health media or services are also often overtly or subtly focused on ‘getting your baby body back’. I’m happy with my body and proud of its incredible ability to grow and birth my two kids, so I was really adamant about not joining sports activities that were strictly about ‘bouncing back’.
I didn’t want to have to do heavy cardio or especially tiring exertion when I was already sleep-deprived. I wanted something gentle and walking fitted the bill.