Postpartum Weight
2023 edit: A lot was probably due to undiagnosed Crohn’s disease, but the rest still factors in!
Disclaimer: I know these photos are pretty poor quality, and show how often I'm in PJ's in a messy home, but it's what I've got to work with!
I gained about 25lbs total during pregnancy (7lb 11oz of which ended up being Logan), was back to my pre-pregnancy weight around 2 months postpartum, and am now a few pounds under my pre-pregnancy weight. I want to point out that I was not working out while I was trying to get pregnant because I was paranoid that would keep us from conceiving (it sounds crazy, I know). So now that I am working out again, I kind of expected to drop below my pre-preg weight. Since a lot of people have been asking how I achieved this within the first 5 months or so, I have compiled the list of all of the things I believe contributed...
Breastfeeding
I really don't think that breastfeeding helped me lose weight per say, but what I do know is that it helped my uterus return to its normal size much more quickly, thus reducing the pooch. The oxytocin released when you breastfeed helps the uterus contract. And while breastfeeding does burn more calories, I did my best not to over-eat, but certainly didn't under-eat. Here are a couple links to milk-boosting treats I ate/drank regularly that are nutrient-rich and tasty:
Milkful Lactation Bars (blueberry-almond-coconut = SO good)
JNantik Mayan Mother's Tea (tastes a bit like coffee, but is caffeine-free!)
Baby Blues / PPA
Admittedly, I experienced this. Not anymore, but in the very beginning. With a history of anxiety, I guess I was more prone. I know it's very common and not something to be ashamed of, but somehow I still am. I believe it had a lot to do with the huge hormonal shift that occurs right after delivery. Point being that I lost my appetite for about 2 weeks. I also had trouble sleeping (not that it mattered since I had to be up anyway). It's a very real thing that I won't say much more about other than it took a couple weeks to go away.
Diet
I say "diet" as in what I eat, and not as in dieting. I have never been good at dieting, but what I am good at is repetition and self-control (at least my husband says I have great self-control...I never thought so). I can eat the same thing every day and not get bored. So I try not to drive myself crazy with restrictions and stick to things I enjoy. What I mean by all of this is:
5 days of the week I eat the same thing except for at dinnertime (I won't get detailed unless people want me to and I can make that it's own separate thing)
I eat smaller "snacks" instead of full meals (except at dinnertime)
I use MyFitnessPal as a calculator to make sure I'm in my caloric daily goal, and also getting adequate nutrition. Even before pregnancy, this has always been a really helpful tool for me.
Weekends are my "cheat days" if you will. I tend to eat more and don't count calories.
Exercise
I would have to say this has played a less important role in helping me lose the baby weight because of the surgery I had to have at 9 weeks postpartum. Out of the 25 weeks since having Logan, I have only had medical clearance to work out for 9 of them. I guess this helps back up the saying that abs are made in the kitchen and not in the gym? Although it has helped me get toned again as of recently. Those of you who know me know that for exercise, I mainly take the cardio bag classes at Krav Maga, and have been a member there for over 10 years. Whenever I've been out of shape, it has always gotten me back in shape, and quickly. A great amount of core and leg work in between punching and kicking is, in my opinion, the best workout.
Taking Care of the Baby!
Last, but not least, I've just been busy. When I'm home with Logan, I am mostly thinking about him - how he's eating, sleeping, feeling, etc. I'm not as focused on myself. And in between naps, we try to get out of the house, whether for swim lessons or just a walk around the block. It's easier for me to just grab snacks throughout the day, since we're on the go. Also, this boy isn't even 6 months old just yet and he already weighs 20lbs, so carrying him around is a workout in and of itself!
So that's pretty much the bulk of it. I am always happy to answer any questions and share more.
