After giving birth, new moms often desire to return to their pre-pregnancy bodies as quickly as possible. Soon, they realize that it will take time and plenty of adjustments given all the new responsibilities that come with having a baby.
Bea Fabregas wearing the Nike (M) Women's Pullover
Just ask Bea Fabregas, Host, Radio DJ, sportscaster, and mom to baby Tyler. Below is her testimony on how she embraced her new body in the new chapter of her life, and how she is getting back to fitness postpartum.
Bea wearing the Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh (M) Women's Medium-Support Padded Sports Bra (Maternity) and the Nike Dri-FIT One (M) Women's 7" Shorts (Maternity)
An emotional postpartum journey
Even while pregnant, Bea remained active under the guidance of a coach. So, it was a hard reality check for the former athlete when her body became weak after an emergency C-section. “Not being able to move the way I used to, was very frustrating,” Bea tells us.
Bea wearing the Nike Dri-FIT (M) Women's Tank (Maternity) and Nike One (M) Women's High-Waisted Leggings (Maternity)
She also admits that learning to accept her new body was an emotional journey. She tells us that she experiences “mom guilt” whenever she wanted to work. “I really value my career. I started working as early as college, so it’s just so intertwined with my being and life. Being a mom really makes all of that take a backseat, especially in the first few months and even more so in a pandemic.”
“I really have a deep respect for all moms, whatever their situation is. There is so much self-sacrifice that is automatically made, without even thinking twice,” she adds.
Bea wearing the Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh (M) Women's Medium-Support Padded Sports Bra (Maternity)
Adjusting to postpartum
The post-partum journey is one that is often forgotten as all attention is on the child and less on the mother. “Appreciating yourself and everything you do is not selfish at all,” says Bea. “Self-love and me-time in whatever shape or form that is, needs to be on your calendar. It’s a season of sacrifice that doesn’t exactly end, so continue to be gentle with yourself. There is a physical need to rest.”
Bea wearing the Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh (M) Women's Medium-Support Padded Sports Bra (Maternity)
Bea has also been enjoying her new role as Tyler’s mother. “I don’t think I am trying to return to my pre-natal fitness stage right now. I have successfully incorporated working out to 4 to 5 times in my week again and I am more than happy with that."
Fitness during pregnancy and as a new mother
Working out is not just for herself anymore. Now, Bea shares that she works out also so she can be there for her loved ones in the best way possible. “Working out is something I do for me and it makes me very happy. And doing something that makes me happy makes me a better mom, too,” she revealed.
Bea wearing the Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh (M) Women's Medium-Support Padded Sports Bra (Maternity) and the Nike Dri-FIT One (M) Women's 7" Shorts (Maternity)
Bea’s advice to other moms who are getting back to fitness is to find activewear that makes you feel good about yourself, just like her fave Nike (M) activewear. The line consists of some versatile pieces that are totally mom-friendly—from maternity bras to tights that are specially designed to fit your body throughout your motherhood journey.
“Comfort and versatility are what you need as a mom because there is so much to get done. I feel so motivated when I am wearing the Nike (M) line. Knowing that this was made with ME in mind makes my workout so much more efficient and purposeful," Bea tells us. "Being confident is so important as a mom. You are getting to know yourself again in this new body and I think feeling uncomfortable in an outfit should be the last thing on your mind.”
"I now always consider if it will be possible to breastfeed in the clothes that I wear. My style hasn’t changed, I just make sure the pieces don’t give me a hard time when I am trying to feed Tyler," Bea shares.
Finally, Bea shares that you should find a workout you actually love and set realistic goals. “If you haven’t been active recently, try to set aside one to two days a week then build up from there. There is no shame in slowly easing into something and beginning again."
Her message for other mothers is to honor the body and season you are in. “Thank it for everything it has done and it is currently doing, and don’t be in a rush. Motherhood is so rewarding so just enjoy all the gifts that it gives.”
Learn more about the Nike Maternity Line by visiting the brand’s official website.
