I wasn’t sure exactly how I was going to write about “getting back in shape” after baby {number two} besides simply doing what I always do, sharing workouts and tips for making time to train and prep food regardless of what else you have going on in your life.
When you have a newborn it’s a stressful, exciting and busy time, but one of the main things I’m always preaching to clients and friends is that when you’re busy and stressed you probably need to MOVE more than ever…or at least find some way to de-stress and relax.
I think it’s obvious that I do my best to practice what I preach, but I have a lot of mixed thoughts on post-baby weight loss, even as far as what language to use around this touchy topic.
Listen, I just GREW A CHILD. I’ve also been FEEDING A CHILD WITH MY BODY. That’s crazy cool, right? When I think about what a blessing all of this is, I feel like maybe it doesn’t matter how long it takes to “get back in shape.”
Believe me, I love the whole embrace your body movement that is so prominent lately and the overall idea that moms need to be more patient with themselves while taking the time to fully heal after childbirth.
On the other hand, I talk to a lot of moms who say they want to get back in “pre-baby” shape. However, as we continue talking, they go on to give excuse after excuse about how they are too busy so they’ll deal with fitting exercise in later.
Look, I try not to be a judgey mom, but just because you have kiddos doesn’t mean you should devote every thought and waking moment to your children. You still need to make time for workouts, girl time and really anything else you want to do or used to do for fun or self-care pre-kids. Happy moms have happier kids. (Yes, I get that you will absolutely have to say no way more often and things like travel may not really be possible all that often. I’m talking about 30-minute workouts, an hour here and there to run errands, a day with friends, or an overnight every now and then!)
Okay, so fine, you get that I’m saying to be patient with yourself, but wait…not too patient. Then you’re just making excuses, right? {Yes, I’m exaggerating a bit here, okay? You get the point.}
So here’s my personal thoughts on my own post-baby body and my approach to training and nutrition during the early postpartum period.
I love being strong and lean. I miss having more time and energy to train and being physically stronger in general. Sure, that might sound selfish, but being fit makes me feel good (and keeps me sane). I feel strongly (pun intended) that strength is not just a physical thing, but rather a way of life.
So yes, I feel strong for growing, birthing and feeding a child, but at almost 8 weeks postpartum I’m really craving more of the “other” type of strength right now too. The type of strength that allows me to bang out tons of pull-ups or be able to deadlift over 200lbs.
The good news is, I know this type of strength just takes time and that if I do what I can consistently, versus trying to be perfect, strength gains (and leanness) will come back into my life.
After I had CJ, I figured losing weight post-baby would probably be fairly easy. I “knew” what to do so it seemed like I’d have no issue getting back in shape post-baby. I posted monthly progress pics to hold myself accountable. Putting myself out there like that was different than anything I’d ever done and I was proud that I stuck with it, especially when I felt frustrated with my progress.
I’ve grown a lot in the last four years and I didn’t really feel like posting those types of pictures every month would really fit where I’m at with my blog right now. So this time, I’m telling things like they are and sharing some ideas that are helping me do what I can to start getting leaner and more fit (yes, I’m purposely avoiding the words “get back in shape” here) even though I’m not in complete control of my schedule or my body yet.
What I’m saying is that I’m all for being gentle and patient with yourself after having a baby, but if you seriously say you don’t care that your stomach is still much rounder than it was pre-pregnancy a few months after giving birth, you’re probably fibbing a bit. Everyone wants to look in the mirror and feel good about themselves. Yup, we’re all vain in some way/shape/form (no pun intended!) and I don’t see that changing any time soon.
I’m working at finding the right balance between being patient (especially considering all of the crazy life events we’ve had going on in the last month or so) and getting stronger and leaner again. I thought this week would be when I would start following a real training program, but it’s been pushed out again until next week since we still have someone painting the cabinets and we are really still getting settled in our new house. New routine starting this weekend once I have my kitchen back!
There has to be some type of balance between being patient with yourself and making time instead of excuses. It’s easy to push things off until next week, until Monday, until the New Year, but we all know how well that works. It doesn’t. Sometimes you have to figure it out.
I’ve been pushing out following a training program since I know with the chaos right now all it would do is stress me out to try to follow a plan. That will only lead me towards an all-or-nothing mindset. Instead of trying to control the uncontrollable, I’m squeezing in movement and starting to lift even if that means doing sets throughout the whole morning!
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this article next week where I’ll share my strategy of mini-workouts for new mamas during the first 8 weeks postpartum to stay consistent. Not perfect, but consistent.
Moms, did you find you were more kind to yourself with baby #2?
Were you able to be patient and stay focused on slow and steady winning the race after you had a baby or did you feel rushed and pressured to be “in shape” again?
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