Now that my daughter is 12 weeks old and I’m fully back in the swing of a fitness routine, I thought I’d share a post-baby body update. There’s good news (I’ve lost all the baby weight!) and bad news (my body ain’t what it used to be), and I don’t want to brag about or bash my body. I just want to share what’s worked for me since I’ve always loved reading about other moms’ experiences in the weeks and months after having a baby.
So here’s the latest: I’ve been back at my pre-pregnancy weight since my daughter was 8 weeks old, having lost all 37ish pounds I gained. BUT that’s pre-pregnancy #2; I’m still a good 10 to 15 lbs. away from what I weighed before my first pregnancy, and I’ve come to terms with the fact that I might never be at that weight again. Having said that, I’d like to lose at least another 5 lbs. and see how I look and feel. From there I plan to get back into heavier lifting so I can regain my muscle tone.
Speaking of strength, I’ve been surprised at how strong I’ve felt since I started working out again. For my strength workouts I’ve used 10 lb. dumbbells max, plus lots of body weight moves, so it’s not like I’m back to lifting heavy weights again. But I feel like I still have a decent muscular foundation (so to speak) and hopefully it won’t take too long to get back to where I was. I give full credit for my strength to maintaining a fitness routine through most of my pregnancy.
Anyway, let’s get on with it. Here’s what I’ve found has helped me lose the baby weight and get back in shape:
- Breastfeeding: First, let’s be clear: this is not the point in time where you hear me spout off about how superior breastfeeding is to formula-feeding or how more moms should really do their babies a favor and stick it out with nursing, even when they can’t or choose not to. I’ve nursed both my kids and have had a relatively easy time with it; I realize not everyone can breastfeed, and not everyone wants to. I only mention this because I think it’s one of the big factors in helping me lose the baby weight, not because I’m trying to tell any other mamas how to feed their babies. Whew, glad that’s out of the way! Moving on…there’s a lot of confusion about breastfeeding and weight-loss. In theory, nursing helps you lose weight because it burns a lot of calories (roughly 500 per day). But for every woman who says she could hardly keep the weight on while breastfeeding, there’s another who couldn’t lose the last 5-10 lbs. until weaning; it’s different for everyone and there are no guarantees. With my first baby, nursing didn’t seem to do squat to help me lose weight. This time around, I think it’s definitely helped – I eat a decent diet and I exercise a few times a week but I’m in NO WAY strict about my eating or exercise habits, yet I still managed to lose all 37ish pounds of pregnancy weight by the time my baby was 8 weeks old; I chalk that up to breastfeeding, at least in part.
- Short, intense workouts: Ok, I know we’re all busy, so I’m not here to convince you my life is any more hectic than yours. In fact, I can’t stand when people humble brag about how busy they are.
But when you have a baby (or two), your so-called ‘free time’ (ha!) is unpredictable; you never know when it’ll start or when it’ll be interrupted by a hungry, crying baby. That’s why, with the exception of an occasional run, I’ve focused my exercise efforts almost exclusively on short but challenging workouts. As soon as the baby goes down for her first nap, I throw on workout clothes, fire up a video and get through a routine in 15 minutes or less – sometimes I even have time for a quick shower before she’s up again. My go-to workouts have been ZWOW routines (free on YouTube) and Lindsay Brin’s Bootcamp 2 DVD, which is designed specifically for postpartum women. Other options include BodyRock or your own HIIT routine. If you push yourself hard during those 15 minutes of exercise (once you’re fully recovered from giving birth of course), there’s no reason you can’t see the same results you’d get from a longer but less intense workout.
- A new food attitude: You’d think that not having to worry about my calorie intake would mean all-day bingeing on chips, pizza and every other bit of junk food that falls under my gaze. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that relaxing with regards to calories (thanks to the additional calorie burn from breastfeeding) actually stops me from obsessing about food all day. Just the fact that I can have that piece of chocolate or extra serving of pasta or whatever else means that I often don’t even want it. I try to eat healthy meals most of the time, but I also let myself have treats or bigger portions without thinking twice about it, and that attitude adjustment has made such a difference in my eating; it feels so much more natural because I can enjoy food – both the healthy and not-so-healthy – without becoming preoccupied about what’s going into my mouth and what I’m trying so hard to keep my hands off of.
Moms: what have you found to be most helpful in helping you lose the baby weight and getting your body back? I’m always looking for more ideas!
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About Miami Housewife
Welcome, I'm Kristen! I'm a 20-something mother of two working to make exercise and healthy eating a simpler and more enjoyable part of life. I love lifting, running, being outdoors and enjoying food in all it's healthy and not-so-healthy forms. I believe that happiness is as essential to 'healthy living' as exercise and vegetables - that's why I never turn down dessert! Connect With Me!
Love your approach- very balanced and down to earth. I was still quite the mess 12 weeks post partum. My girls are nearly 2 and I finally feel good about where I’m at. I lost the weight quicklyish too but just took a long time for my stomach to not look like a saggy mess. Totally agree breastfeeding made a big difference for the majority of the weight. And exercising when I could was also a big help.
Oh yes – my stomach is still a mess! I’m trying to be realistic but I’m really hopeful I see some big improvements in that area. Thanks for reading Jess!