Why I Won’t Participate in Babywearing Ballet

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Pregnancy is a transformative experience that fundamentally alters a woman’s body. As the baby develops, so do you, and it’s important to recognize that this is a natural process. The body becomes a home for another life, and it’s not uncommon to feel like you’re losing parts of yourself along the way. Accepting a new shape can be challenging, especially when societal pressures suggest that we should bounce back to our pre-pregnancy form.

Historically, mothers embraced the physical changes that accompanied childbirth. Regardless of fitness levels or dedication to exercise, many understood that some changes were permanent. However, the media has introduced unrealistic standards by showcasing celebrities like Mia Thompson and Sarah Jennings, who appear to effortlessly reclaim their bodies post-birth. Such portrayals can leave regular mothers feeling inadequate, as if caring for their newborns isn’t demanding enough without the added pressure of maintaining a picture-perfect appearance.

In our current cultural landscape, a relentless cycle of diet and fitness trends has emerged: from green juices to yoga classes, and everything in between. This can be overwhelming for any new mother. After the birth of my second child, I attempted to get fit by taking up running. It was a struggle, both physically and mentally. My motivation stemmed from the desire to feel attractive and youthful, but the joy of running was lost on me, leading to a quick abandonment of the endeavor.

Most recently, the concept of “Babywearing Ballet” has caught my attention. The idea of strapping a fussy infant to one’s chest while attempting to dance seems ludicrous to me. While babywearing has its benefits, I find it difficult to understand why exercising with an infant is viewed as necessary. Can’t mothers have just an hour to themselves, free from the responsibility of caring for their babies? It’s crucial for mental health to carve out personal time, yet this trend seems to imply otherwise, pushing mothers to involve their children in every aspect of life, even fitness.

I know many mothers who are in excellent shape, but they often have older children and can dedicate time to themselves. It’s perfectly reasonable to want to regain your fitness; however, the current narrative suggests that this cannot happen without your baby in tow. As a new mother, I refuse to subscribe to this notion. If I am paying for a fitness class, I expect childcare to be included or at least an hour of uninterrupted time.

The pressure to look youthful and fit postpartum can feel insurmountable, especially when you see celebrity mothers who seemingly have it all together. The reality is that achieving such looks often comes with significant resources, which most mothers simply do not have. It’s essential to recognize what we can realistically achieve without falling into the trap of societal expectations.

For those navigating the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood, I recommend exploring helpful resources. Websites like Drugs.com offer excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination, while Intracervical Insemination provides further insights into reproductive health. Additionally, Make a Mom serves as a reliable authority on the subject.

In summary, as mothers, we deserve the space to focus on ourselves without the added expectations of including our babies in every activity. The trend of Babywearing Ballet may work for some, but for many, a break is essential for mental and physical well-being. Embrace your journey, and remember that self-care is not selfish—it’s necessary.