As a mom who enjoys working out with my little one in tow—yes, even yoga—I can assure you that those picture-perfect moments are few and far between. I’ve experienced everything from my baby giving my belly an unexpected raspberry during Savasana to an unfortunate instance of spit-up landing right in my open mouth while I was holding her above me. Those moments are the antithesis of zen, but that’s perfectly okay. Incorporating your child into your fitness journey, or any aspect of your life, isn’t about achieving some flawless ideal. Motherhood is filled with imperfect moments—or perfectly imperfect—depending on your perspective. (Is my coffee cup half-full, or am I just halfway to needing another refill?)
I’ve made the decision to include my baby in nearly everything I do, and trust me, it’s not always Instagram-ready. My mommy-and-me adventures have included:
Toilet Time
When I stumbled across that viral photo of a mom multitasking by nursing while on the toilet, I didn’t even grasp what the fuss was about. Sure, I’ve nursed my baby while peeing once or twice, but I’ve definitely taken her into public restrooms more times than I can count. What am I supposed to do when nature calls? Speaking of toilet time, there was that one time I had to squat in the woods to pee while wearing her. No regrets!
Nursing on the Go
Yesterday, while hiking with my baby strapped to my chest, she got hungry. I didn’t have time to stop, so I just whipped out a boob. Sure, I felt bad for her because I was dripping with sweat, but it kind of worked for a bit. I briefly pondered what I would say if I encountered another hiker, but honestly, I didn’t care enough to worry about it. Free the nipple, I say!
Grown-Up Socializing
Most of my friends are still kid-free, and I rarely bother with a babysitter unless absolutely necessary. So, I engage in plenty of mommy-and-me socializing, grown-up edition. Whether it’s a coffee date, a drink at a bar, or catching live music, my baby tags along, charming everyone from baristas to bartenders. Sure, it can get a little chaotic—she has a knack for swiping drinks off tables—but it’s how we spend time together, mainly for the sake of convenience.
Appointments
Sometimes I really wish I had a babysitter, but that’s not always feasible. Just the other day, I needed 20 minutes of X-rays done and had no one to watch the baby. So, I brought her along. If that sounds absurd, it is—babies aren’t allowed in the X-ray room! I parked her in her stroller in the adjacent room while the technicians did their thing, and she was just fine. Most of the time, she’s perfectly content with our unconventional mommy-and-me activities. And when she isn’t, we just adapt. I may not capture these moments on Instagram, but I’m not going to pretend she doesn’t occasionally disrupt my bridge poses!
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Summary
This lighthearted piece reflects the chaotic yet joyful reality of motherhood, where traditional activities like yoga can be hilariously disrupted by a baby’s antics. From multitasking during toilet time to nursing on the go, the author embraces the imperfect moments of parenting while involving her child in daily life. It’s a humorous reminder that parenting doesn’t always fit the picture-perfect mold, and sometimes, it’s about rolling with the punches.