Isn’t it awesome after you have your first baby, you’re so full of excitement and love, and then you walk into the bathroom and realize when you look in the mirror that you still look 7 months pregnant? No, it’s not. And then you think surely with breastfeeding you’ll lose the belly quickly and by 6 weeks postpartum you’ll look amazing in a bathing suit. There’s a good possibility this one didn’t happen for you either. And if you’re me at 2 months postpartum you start seeing pictures of women that had their babies after you looking freaking amazing in bathing suits and skimpy clothing, whereas you know you don’t, and your self esteem is pretty much shattered.
Different doctor give different guidelines for different women. My doctor told me absolutely no hardcore cardio for the first three months, and I could go on walks and do yoga as soon as I felt up to it. I know women who have C-sections or other complications during delivery and pregnancy are given different guidelines. My best advice? Do things at your own pace, and follow your doctors advice. Don’t fall into the comparison trap and look at other girls who had babies after you in bikinis. Know that as long as you are healthy and happy, that’s what matters.
The first week be proud of yourself if you get out of bed. I started going on walks three days after giving birth. Very slow walks, really just to stretch my legs some. I also did light yoga, also for the stretching. I had a lot of hip pain and was looking for relief in any way possible. I highly recommend attending prenatal classes, where your instructor should show you poses that are also good for postpartum recovery.
At three weeks postpartum I attempted my first run. Oh boy. I did not know what I was in for. My whole body felt different. I couldn’t do it – I ran maybe 10 yards before I gave up. Slowly over time I’ve been able to run a little farther, but even now 4 months out I’m still adjusting to my new body. The scale tells me I’ve lost the weight, but the mirror doesn’t, especially in my belly.
For the last month I’ve been attending a stroller mommy fitness class. I love it. It makes me get up early and get out of the house and workout so I don’t have t worry about fitting in a workout the rest of the day. Plus, my baby comes with me, which is great since I’m not sure I quite trust gym daycares yet. I get to socialize with other moms, she gets to socialize with (well, stare at) other babies, and I can tell I’m gaining muscle. And I love that my baby will grow up watching me exercise, which will hopefully encourage her to live a healthy lifestyle as well.
How did you lose the baby belly? Let me know below!
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