“From Baby Bump to Body Goals: My Postpartum Struggle & Journey 💙”
Alright, Bleu Bells,
let’s talk about it. The REAL struggle of trying to accept and transform my body after having Sariah. This is a new challenge for me, and let me tell you, it’s not easy—it’s just necessary.
Before Sariah, I had my body transformation routine down pat. I’d tweak my diet, do some ab workouts, and boom—flat stomach in a month. Fast forward to January 20th, 2025, and I am staring at a new challenge: post-baby body reality. My stomach muscles have been through a WHOLE journey—they’ve been moved, stretched, and just downright altered. And let’s not even talk about how hard it is to get these abs to wake back up! 😭
10 hours wearing a waist trainer
Man you couldn’t tell me NOTHING this day!!! I worked hard for this body! Well not really lol but I worked out!
I felt the best at this weight
The Reality of This New Journey
Gone are the days of sneaking in a Kit Kat, adding sugar to my tea, and getting away with it. No more Wendy’s quick stops or indulging in those fries guilt-free. This body said, “Girl, not anymore!” Now it’s all about protein, protein, protein! But can we be honest for a second? No carbs? Do y’all know how hard that is? It’s HARD.
I’ve been disciplined in the past, but this time, it’s different. This is a different body, a body that brought my beautiful Sariah into the world. A body that’s been through it, and now I have to unlearn everything I thought I knew about fitness and start fresh.
Dealing with the Insecurities
I’m not gonna lie, y’all. Some days are HARD. Looking at my stomach, wearing a waist trainer to feel comfortable, or throwing on a Faja under my clothes to feel a little bit more confident—it’s an adjustment. I’ve never had to transform my body in this way, and it’s taking a toll on me mentally.
But here’s the thing: I want Sariah to know that struggles are real and transformation takes WORK. I want her to look back at these moments and see what I went through—not just for myself but to show her that it’s okay to have insecure moments as long as you keep pushing forward.
The Plan: No More Excuses, Just Action
On the first day of work, January 6th, I woke up, showered, put on my Faja, and added my waist trainer. This is Day 1. I’m taking before pictures today and starting this journey right here with you. I will show it all—the good, the bad, the cries, the breakthroughs.
This isn’t just about me wanting to feel confident again. It’s about building discipline, setting an example for Sariah, and proving that I can do this. So, let’s get to it.
How I’m Tackling This: ShayBleu Style
1️⃣ No More Fast Food Runs: Sorry, Wendy’s, but you’re not in the budget anymore!
2️⃣ Protein-Packed Diet: Eggs, chicken, turkey, and protein shakes are my new best friends.
3️⃣ Faja & Waist Trainer Combo: This is my new daily uniform for a while. It’s not fun, but it’s part of the process.
4️⃣ Documenting Everything: I’ll record this journey in real-time to keep myself accountable and show y’all every step.
5️⃣ Progress Tracking: Weekly photos, check-ins, and honest reflections. This is about transparency, not perfection.
Why I’m Sharing This
To my Bleu Bells, I want you to know that it’s okay to struggle. It’s OK to have days where you don’t feel your best. What matters is that we show up for ourselves every day, even when it’s hard.
This isn’t going to be easy. I’m going to cry. I’m going to want to quit. But I also know this journey is worth it, not just for me but my baby girl. “It’s not easy—it’s just necessary.”
And more importantly, I’m trying to build a community with this blog where we can share our moments—both the wins and the lows. Because guess what? They MAKE us. They shape who we are. And I’m learning to embrace mine, push through the fear, and stop sitting in it. Let’s share our journeys.
Support the Journey 💙
Please help me keep this blog and YouTube channel alive by clicking the links below and shopping my ShayBleu essentials through my Amazon affiliate links. Your support means the world to me and Sariah!
✨ ShayBleu Essential Favorites ✨
ShayBleu’s Amazon Affiliate Book List
1. Guess How Much I Love You
A timeless story about love.
2. Why a Daughter Needs a Mom
Celebrate the bond between mothers and daughters.
3. Princess Truly: In My Magical Sparkling Curls
An empowering book celebrating magical black curls.
4. I Love You As Big As the World
A heartwarming story to share your love.
5. Young, Gifted, and Black
An inspiring book about black excellence.
6. Brown Bear & Friends 123
Perfect for introducing numbers during storytime.
7. Mommy and Me Finger Puppet Book
An interactive and fun finger puppet book.
8. Nerdy Babies: The Weather
A fun and educational book for curious little minds.
9. Nerdy Babies: Ocean
Explore the wonders of the ocean with your little one.
10. Time for Bed
The perfect bedtime book to wind down your little one.
11. Baby Young, Gifted, and Black Board Book
A sturdy, colorful board book celebrating black history.
12. Me and My Mama
A sweet book about the bond between mother and child.
13. Babies in the Forest Flip-a-Flap Book
Interactive fun for your little adventurer.
Check out all the books in video style with Sariah & Shay Story Time
Stay Connected with ShayBleu 🌐
📌 Pinterest: _shaybleu
📺 YouTube: ShayBleu
🎥 TikTok: @shaybleutoo
💻 Blog: ShayBleu.com
Alright, Bleu Bells, let’s get to it. 2025 is about putting in the work, loving ourselves through the struggles, and showing up even when it’s hard. Remember: it’s not easy—it’s just necessary. Let’s do this together! 💙✨
