The Unforgettable Comeback: "I Made it to The Olympia 9 Months Postpartum" Let's face it. Most girls struggle with the thought of halting their career to start a family. While some have it all figured out that they will start a family at a certain point in their life, maternity leave, additional childcare cost, postpartum depression, etc. overwhelmingly brings them a hodgepodge of emotions. Let alone challenges with trying to make a comeback to pick it up from where you left off after bringing forth a child into the world.  Returning to a training post pregnancy it's not only an emotional challenge for brand new moms, but it's an uphill task for the body as well. Having said that, I already know the kind of questions running through your mind. "How possible is it?" "How long should the break be before you try to resume?"   If you ask me, returning to the sport after having a baby is very much possible. In fact, I'd say you can do everything you set out to do. But don't take my word for it for I have absolutely no experience in this. Seriously though, how about you hear it from someone who's had a personal experience? India Paulino is here for you.  India Paulino is a professional athlete, Certified Master Personal Development Coach, and Founder of The Conscious Mom Project. As a professional bikini competitor, India is the most accomplished, consistent and successful woman athlete in the industry. Her diligence and hard work have seen her climb the athletics ladder throughout her career. India is a 3x Arnold Classic Champion and has placed top six at the Olympics eight years in a row. Since earning her pro card in 2011, she has consistently continued to overtop her division. India is currently endorsed at BPI Supplements. India has shared her knowledge of health and fitness with major fitness publications such as "Muscle and Fitness Hers" and "Fitness Rx for Women” through articles and blogs posts. India is passionate about empowering and inspiring women to explore the depths of their souls to learn who they are and conquer obstacles in order to achieve their goals.   In today's podcast, India shares her pregnancy journey and how she made a comeback just seven months postpartum. She also shares tips on how she has managed to consistently remain successful for eight years. In addition, India explains the concept of energy and why it's so important on how you spend your energy.  Let's go.     Takeaways  You are your own obstacle Your issues are only as big as you make them Our perspective is everything It starts in your mind Believe in yourself Don't doubt yourself; you can do what you set out to do Always put yourself in check Don't forget to celebrate your accomplishments Every show is different - what worked for the last show isn't going to necessarily work for the next one Learn to love yourself Yes, you can compete after pregnancy Don't compare your yourself regardless; use it as a goal Energy is everything and you have to protect it Surround yourself with people that match your frequency  Respect yourself  There's much power behind gratitude You attract who's ready for you Remind yourself why you do what you so.  Keep pushing   Important questions [00:07:35] How many years have you been competing? [00:12:51] Why do you compete? [00:22:28] How did you get started into fitness and what led you to competing? [00:28:34] What were some of the first timer mistakes that you made over and over again and how did they change when you became pro? [00:37:21] Can you touch on your nutrition and what has been working for you?  [00:40:23] Do you always follow a set meal plan or do you like macro counter?  [00:45:38] What kind of emotions did you go through when you found out you were expectant? [00:53:41] Did you ever feel the need to reinvent yourself when you were pregnant or did you still feel like the bikini champion that you are? [00:56:21] Did you ever feel like you were missing out from the competing world? [00:56:54] Did you ev