By Rachel Nadolsky, RN
4 days post-partum
After gaining 41 pounds during pregnancy and only giving birth to a 7lb 7oz baby, I had my work cut out for me. During pregnancy, I would fantasize about my pre-pregnancy weight and the day I would see it
again. I had heard and read various contradicting things like, “Oh, the weight will fall right off, don’t worry.” Or, “You’ll never be the same. Ever.” I was determined to get back to the old me. I’ll tell you it wasn’t easy, but I don’t know of anything worthwhile that doesn’t require a little hard work. Juggling a new baby, housework, your job, and the rest of life can get tedious, but once you get into a routine you’ll be just fine.
You may be wondering how I managed to gain 41 pounds instead of the recommended 25 pounds, huh? Well, before I knew I was pregnant, I ate a
1 month post-partum
few more cupcakes, etc. than I should have and my body just hung on to the fat. Other than that, I followed a pretty strict diet. I also worked out 6 days a week. My best guess is that most of it was fluid retention, as I had lost 28 of the 41 pounds in just seven days post partum.
Have fun exercising with baby!
The way I lost the weight isn’t a big secret. It’s following the Leaner Living lifestyle! Eat your vegetables, quality fats/oils and lean meats and drink plenty of water. I personally try to drink 3 liters each day. Add in some daily exercise, including weight training, and pretty soon you won’t feel the need to throw the scale out the window anymore! Breastfeeding undoubtedly helps with weight loss, and according to research, breastfeeding reduces maternal body fat[1]. Also, breastfeeding greater than six months enhances weight loss[2] and also decreases the incidence of future metabolic syndrome[3], not to mention it’s also the best food for your baby! Win, win!
Don’t forget to be patient! I hit a few plateaus but finally fit into all my pre-pregnancy clothes around 3 months post-partum. If you have any questions, please ask!
Running stairs (carefully!) with baby.
Lift some weights!
6 months post-partum, very near fightin’ weight!
[1] J Am Diet Assoc 1993;93(4)429-433
[2] Am J Clin Nutr 1993;58(2)162-168
[3] Diabetes 2010;59(2)495-504
Jezelle Davis says
Hi there lady!!! So question for you… how do I get rid of the stubborn belly fat? I’m pretty much back to pre-pregnancy weight but that bulge just will NOT leave. I exercise, drink a good amount of water, breast-fed for 2 years (I know….don’t ask) and it’s still not budging… Not sure want else I should be doing. I don’t know if you remember… but I’m a vegetarian too, drink Shakeology meal replacements… do P90X and Turbofire, so I feel like I’m out of options :/
Jez
Rachel says
Hey girl! Sounds like you’re doing all the right things! I hit a similar plateau for a while. I finally beat it by cutting out ALL pasta, rice, starches, bread, wine and peanut butter. I didn’t eat much of those things to begin with so I didn’t think it was the problem but one day it came to me that maybe it was. I went cold turkey and boom, plateau gone. Do you eat eggs? Make sure you’re drinking at least 3 liters of water every day. I also eat about 6 times a day. Also, not sure if it helped or not but I also used skin firming lotion.
So, if you’re eating any of those things, try giving them up. Make sure you’re still getting your protein. Let me know if it works!
Heidi says
This site is like a clssaroom, except I don’t hate it. lol