Canadian influencer Rini Frey reflects on balancing 'survival' and joy in postpartum update
"You can focus on getting through the long nights, and you can also love this chapter more than anything," Frey said.
Rini Frey is giving her fans an update on her postpartum journey.
The Canadian influencer known for her advocacy in body positivity and mental health took to Instagram on Sunday to mark five months since welcoming her youngest daughter, Olivia. The mom-of-two posted a series of photos documenting and comparing her progress from one month to five months postpartum.
In her caption, Frey reflected on the rapid passage of time in the early days of postpartum life, writing, "Some people find it annoying when they’re told to 'take it all in because time flies.' Or to 'make sure to slow down and really be present,' when they’re in the early postpartum days."
Frey shared her understanding for those frustrated with being encouraged to embrace early parenthood. "I get it because when you’re in the trenches, the last thing you need is someone telling you to 'enjoy it while it lasts,'" she wrote.
The content creator explained that despite the challenges of early motherhood, seeing her and Olivia's growth keeps her optimistic.
"I don’t get annoyed by it. Yes, I’m running on no sleep. Yes, we’re doing lots of contact naps. Yes, it’s been hard. But seeing these photos side by side, seeing how much she grows month by month, I’m really glad that despite the long nights I did enjoy it while it lasted," she shared. "I feel so lucky."
Frey concluded by pointing out that two truths can co-exist — parents can be in "survival mode," and still simultaneously embrace the journey.
"If you’re in survival mode like me right now... just know that you can do both. You can focus on surviving, and you can also 'take it all in while it lasts.' You can focus on getting through the long nights, and you can also love this chapter more than anything," she noted. "Both can be true at once."
Fans showed their support for Frey in the comments.
"Love this post! It’s hard to be present when you’re exhausted and feeling physically bad and emotionally distraught," an Instagram user shared.
“'Both can be true at once' is one of the most powerful, wise phrases that many of us need in almost every aspect of like. Truly," someone weighed in.
"Im getting ready to be in the trenches again in June!" a follower told Frey. "My toddler is 14 months. Nervous about 'two under two' but I plan to enjoy the newborn phase as much as I am able to, they grow so fast. I feel like last time I just wanted it to be over."
Last month, Frey shared a "relatable" Instagram Reel about early parenthood titled, "POV: Your a mom with intrusive thoughts."
In the candid video, she included on-screen text admitting some of the fears she has around caring for her little one, including, "What if I accidentally throw the baby down the stairs?," "What if she chokes while feeding and I don't realize?," "What if we accidentally drop her?" and "What if I swaddle her too tight and she can't breathe?"
"Sharing about my intrusive thoughts this year (which are still new to me and catch me off guard)," she wrote in the accompanying caption. "If you have any of these, just know they are just that, thoughts. They don’t define you and you are a great mom."
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