(photo from our newborn session! I’ll be posting more soon, but check it out here )
On Friday Ever turned six weeks old. Anyone who has had a baby knows that six weeks is when you are OK. . . right? Six weeks and you can work out again, have sex again and should be ready to do all of that. Right.
To me six weeks is right when the hormones all collide and the birth buzz has worn off. It is when you feel normal but still look so abnormal. It is when I start trying on old clothes and lamenting that they don’t pull up past my knees. . . six weeks is a hard one.
I went to my last (don’t get me started on how heartbreaking that is) midwife appointment and weighed in. I gained 50 pounds this pregnancy and at one week PP I had lost 30. I stood on the scale and ticked up the pounds and felt a cold wave of shock. I had gained back 10 pounds. I shouldn’t be shocked considering the quantity of food I have been eating but I was completely shocked. I left feeling defeated but my sweet husband brought me back to reality. He gave me kind words, gentle words, and reminded me of how I would treat and what I would expect of a 6 week PP Mom. I need to use those same words for myself. So I am. I am trying to at least.
This time around I have a plan. And I didn’t drag my feet. I started keeping an online food journal to account for what I put in my mouth. Sleep deprivation and some ups and downs emotionally send me straight to snacking and having a place to be accountable to what I eat has been really helpful. I also started in on Stroller Strides classes. They are killer, work all muscle groups and connect me with other Moms and, best of all, Nolie and Ever can come with me. The final step I am taking is to get back into running.
This evening I went for a run. It was only 10 minutes and only a mile. But it felt like a break, silence filled with silly pop music, time just for me. I felt so light.
I am not quite ready to do the PP belly post. . . I am not there yet. But I have all the faith in the world that speaking gentle words and putting some care into my body will yield results. Maybe not weight loss, but strength gained and loving myself a little bit more.
So, here I go. For accountability’s sake I am going to keep this going. Let this blog be a journal of this journey. Today is day four and I am feeling hopeful.
there is something about postpartum that is even more difficult than being pregnant. Even though I’m still at it at the gym, I can’t help but think how hard it’s going to be postpartum. I’m here to encourage as well without morning doughnut drop offs:) Sparkling water with citrus does wonders for the afternoon for me to avoid eating pointless calories. love to you sweet Autumn, be kind to yourself.
Kamille @ Redeeming the Table recently posted..Presentation in a bowl of Simplicity
I am nearing 6 months out, and I can still tell that strangers look at my belly and have to check themselves from asking if I’m expecting – unless, of course, I have all four kids with me – then no one wonders about the pudge. However, I always say, it took 9 months to gain it, thus I have 9 months to lose it (or more, if that’s what it takes!). I’m looking forward to getting back into Tabata once we’re settled in our new home. 4 minutes and MIRACULOUS results (though no mama friends). It was doing wonders for my prior postpartum belly. You are beautiful and your belly will not look like it does forever.
Marianne recently posted..Blessingway Bunting
This is a hard one for me too! I just flew to LA with my 7 month old, and the first half of the flight I had a boppy on my lap. When I moved the boppy, the very friendly man next to us (who had been helping me entertain Lorelei) asked me if I was about to have another one! when said no, he was like, Oh, well it looks like it. (He was not brought up in our culture)… So hard not to be snide and bitter for his thoughtless words. I wanted to be like, “In MY country…” and give him a lesson in ettiquite. But then I remembered I still have to sit next to him in a metal tube for another 45 minutes. I guess I don’t really have a point besides it’s freaking hard and sometimes you feel like people (especially men) don’t understand why you don’t just “bounce” back to your original shape like a gumbi doll. I’m so happy to hear that you have an amazing, sensitive and thoughtful partner who can remind you to treat yourself with the same love that you lavish on others. You are beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
And not to mention the parts of you that you can’t see that just don’t bounce back. It’s been over two years since Bear has been born and I still feel like I will never have my old body back. But, it’s still you and it’s your new body and it’s the right of passage to being the mommy. You will always feel it, whether it’s the droopy boobies and callused nipples or pinchy tear spots from birth. Or, (do we say it out loud) hemorrhoids?! Oh yes, we have earned this place in life. Battle wounds are not just for soldiers. Much love to you and your BEAUTIFUL babies.
we are so gracious and accepting of our preg bodies. Post is part of it…another chance to give TIME ….lots of time and grace LOTS of grace to ourselves. and LOVE. and because we keep our babies with us…a lot people will know….and if they don’t, you will know…I just made a baby.
a year is always been my timeline….a year for like pre-preg weight plus 10.
Autumn, I would like to thank you for your honesty. These words are like a breath of fresh air. For me, the second time around has been more brutal. And I am glad you have such a wonderful hubby to step in and remind you to give yourself some grace. Its hard. Even almost 9 months in, I still look at the flab and wonder if it will go away. But those early months are brutal. I’m impressed that you have a plan and are working out. Way to go!
Jessica G. recently posted..Lately {in photos}
I can hear the Rocky theme music in my head at the end of this post. Keep it up! You’re such a strong lady.
Your husband is wise. What good advice! My baby is 6 days old and I can hardly wait to get back in shape. It’s so hard to be patient with our bodies during this time. Thanks for sharing all that you are going through!
Anna recently posted..i never thought i’d be the coupon mom that goes to group exercise classes and drives a wagon
You’re very conscious about yourself. It’s amazing. I like you very much. And wish your good luck and reversion.
Layton Steve recently posted..http://www.elinformedavid.com
It’s awesome for me to have a web site, which is good in support of my knowledge. thanks admin
handy buki recently posted..handy buki