When you are pregnant, again.

By Caitlin McIntyre

When I found out that I was 11 weeks pregnant 5 months postpartum I was in total shock.. full of emotions and instantly feeling guilty for my first baby.

Despite the knowledge I have as a remedial massage therapist, nothing prepared me for becoming pregnant again while still very much in the postpartum stage..

My first pregnancy taught me a lot about how the body adapts and changes, it helped me to understand more about the female body and how my job as a remedial massage therapist makes such a big impact in pregnant women’s lives.

This second pregnancy has been a completely different experience. Not only am I growing another baby, but I’m also caring for a baby while navigating interrupted sleep, teething and daycare sickness all while continuing to recover from my first birth.

From the new veins that have popped up, the pelvic pain that started early, calf cramps, fatigue - you name it, I feel it! All I can say is, get a massage and see your women's health physiotherapist asap!

Since I started working in a women’s health physiotherapy space, it has given me a unique

perspective, especially during this stage of my life. I could always sympathise with women about their aches and pains and the importance of looking after yourself and seeking support. But experiencing these issues myself while juggling motherhood has given me an even deeper appreciation for the women I work with everyday. I can not only sympathise, give professional advise, but I can totally relate and understand. I can even throw some opinions around, on what has worked for me - like the ever so flattering compression tights that make you feel like you’ve done a HIIT workout before you’ve even brushed your teeth.. but wow, grateful!!

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that postpartum recovery doesn’t stop simply because you’re pregnant again, the body is so resilient but does need a lot of support.

Whether that’s pelvic floor health, managing aches and pains with massage, rebuilding strength, maintaining movement or simply finding time to rest, it all plays an important role in our recovery.

So, be kind to yourself, look after your body and know that there is so much support out there for you and what your body needs, after all every pregnancy and post partum recovery is different.