As a mom who tries to squeeze in some exercise with my little one by my side—including yoga—I can tell you that those perfectly staged photos are often just that: staged. Between a baby giggling and blowing raspberries on your belly during Savasana, or the unexpected spit-up landing in your mouth while you hold them above you, achieving that serene moment can be a challenge. And you know what? That’s perfectly okay. Blending your baby into your workout routine—or any aspect of your life—isn’t about crafting a flawless image. Parenting is a beautiful mess, filled with moments that are both flawed and perfect, depending on your perspective. (Is my coffee cup half-full or am I simply delaying the inevitable transition out of this cozy café?)
I’ve made the decision to involve my baby in just about every aspect of my life, for better or worse. Sure, it’s not always Instagram-ready, but it’s genuine. Here are some of my favorite mommy-and-me activities:
Toilet Time
When I stumbled upon that viral photo of a mom multitasking by nursing while using the restroom, I was taken aback by the controversy surrounding it. While I’ve only nursed my baby during a bathroom visit a couple of times, I’ve brought her into countless public stalls. What are my options when nature calls? Speaking of bathroom adventures, I recently had to squat in the woods and pee while wearing her. No regrets here!
Nursing on the Trail
Yesterday, while hiking with my baby snugly strapped to my chest, she decided it was feeding time. With no time to stop, I simply whipped out a boob. Sure, I felt a bit embarrassed being all sweaty, but it worked—at least for a little while. I briefly considered what I’d say if I encountered fellow hikers, but ultimately, I didn’t care enough to plan a response. Free the nipple, I say!
Socializing with a Twist
Most of my friends still don’t have kids, and unless I absolutely need babysitting or the event is not kid-friendly, I don’t bother finding a sitter. So, I engage in some good old mommy-and-me socializing, grown-up style. Whether it’s grabbing coffee with a friend, enjoying drinks at a bar, or listening to live music, my baby is right there with us, charming everyone from baristas to band members. Sure, she might knock over my drink from time to time, but it’s a fun way to spend time together, and it’s often more convenient.
Appointments with Baby
Sometimes, having a babysitter would make things easier, but that’s not always feasible. Not long ago, I had to get 20 minutes of X-rays done, and since I didn’t have anyone to watch the baby, I brought her along. Yes, babies aren’t allowed in the X-ray room, so I parked her in her stroller in the adjacent space while the techs worked. You know what? She mostly handles these mommy-and-me outings just fine, and when she doesn’t, we simply adapt. I might not capture every moment for Instagram, but I won’t pretend that she doesn’t occasionally disrupt my bridge poses.
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In summary, motherhood isn’t about perfection—it’s about embracing every experience, even the messy ones, while making the most of your time with your little one.