Dear Postpartum Body,

I can’t believe it’s been just over 2 months since you birthed my son into this world (who you also basically created and incubated for 9 months). You’ve been through so much in just a short amount of time. And yet, here you are, rockin’ it.

Birth was a momentous occasion for you, but your work hasn’t ended. You had to heal from childbirth. You had to shrink and readjust my organs. Your muscles ache from holding and carrying my son. You now are in milk-producing mode and have to keep up with a demanding and hungry boy!

Some of your muscles are weaker than they used to be. You’re softer in certain places. You now have stretch marks in places there never were. In my low moments it can be difficult for me to wrap my mind around it. And yet, I’m so proud. Here you are, continuing to give all of yourself to care for me and my son.

This is why I want to, whenever I can, care for you. I know time is hard to come by with an infant, but it’s necessary. This is why I am going to physical therapy, why I make sure I shower you every day to let you feel the warmth of the soothing water. You deserve so much more than I can give you, but you don’t complain. You keep going regardless.

I didn’t know how much you loved me before, but I so see it now. I want you to know something that I have held back from you much of my life: I love you too.

Always and forever.