The “most challenging, and the most rewarding” they say. I currently feel all the challenging, and very little rewarding. There’s a twinge of guilt and a tablespoon of shame as I type that last sentence.

You’re not being told what “cleared” actually means.

So let me tell you.

When you get cleared at 6 weeks, it is medical clearance. It means you’ve healed well. If you had tearing or a C-section, it means your stitches are healing well, your uterus has shrunk back to its original size, there are no signs of infection, etc.

While seeing your OB-GYN is a great starting point, this clearance does not dictate your readiness to return to exercise.

I had tried everything I knew to do and my symptoms were worse. I still remember the day that broke me. I leaked in the middle of a squat. That had never happened. I cried right there in the middle of the gym.

There are some key things that every mama needs to know and practice on their postpartum healing journey and return to exercise.