Losing the baby weight!

[Lala]

So I'm posting this mostly for motivational purposes. I'm trying to lose the baby weight, and I thought maybe we could motivate each other by posting ideas for shedding those extra pounds!

I am pretty much down to my pre-pregnancy weight, but can't get rid of the paunch! I'm doing stomach crunches, trying to go for walks when I can, cutting down on junk food and exercising portion control.

What are other peoples' post-partum weight loss secrets (if you're willing to share )?

[ladymoreta]

Good luck! I also have the flappy skin after losing the weight. I don't know when/if it goes away...

[Bittersweet]

Best of luck ... and I'm glad I'm not alone I was seriously pissed to still have a paunch despite reaching my pre-pregnancy weight. It's going down a little as DS's first birthday approaches but I'm still so much softer throughout my middle.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I hate it! Despite being back to the right weight, my darn clothes fit all weird. Am I supposed to buy all new clothes or will I eventually return to the same body shape?

[MrsK]

The skin stretches and it takes a long time (sometimes never) for the muscles to knit back together. Tulips, your shape will continue to change. You are too soon post-partum to fret. I know I freaked out around the 4mo pp mark for both of my pregnancies wondering if I'd look like a deflated balloon forever. I am not into exercise but I'm wearing a smaller jean size now than I was before babies. I've always been soft in the middle and probably always will be. But now it's a badge of honor. I've grown to love my soft life-giving belly that my babies nuzzle their faces into. Also, pregnancy and motherhood have taught me to accept my body and worry less what people think of my theighs because, I've learned that people generally don't think of my theighs! I'm not saying you all should ignore your health or stop caring about yourselves but cut yourselves some slack. See yourself through your babies' eyes and be kind to your recovering bodies.

[v-girl]

I'm not saying you all should ignore your health or stop caring about yourselves but cut yourselves some slack. See yourself through your babies' eyes and be kind to your recovering bodies.

Wise words!


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[SoonerTexan]

No secrets here> I joined Weight Watchers recently and Im 2 lbs away from pre-baby weight but far from fitting into all my old pants. There really has been some improvement though.

However, my beef is the stretch marks. I gained 35 lbs during pregnancy and have them all over my belly, upper thighs, love handle area, and boobs. Do they ever look better? The only thing that makes me feel better is knowing I got them because of the un-stretchy skin (well, and weight gain) I got from my mom, but this same skin has served her well in the wrinkle area.

[Thirteen]

I think you can always lose weight, and be at your pre-preg (or lower!) weight, but I think it does change where your distribution is concerned.

I had to buy new pants. They are the same size I was before, but my hips are slung wider now.

I can honestly say, however, that I am probably in the best shape of my life currently, due to a fitness regimen that I can live with/enjoy, and less meat/dairy overall. Do I look like a personal trainer? No, but like others, I have a softer lower abdomen that my son seems to prefer. Kids are cool: they seem to find your places of insecurity, and turn them into sources of strength and love. DS constantly touches my stomach, pats it, blows raspberries on it, etc.

My husband compliments me on my figure, and also doesn't seem to see what I see. Mommies are definitely sexy.

Don't beat yourself up! 4 months is so early in the game: media exposure of high profile women and their bodies "6 weeks after baby!!!" does NOT help your concept of normal in this area.


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[Michele]

If you are looking for tips to lose weight, here's my biggie:
-Don't order yourself food at a restaurant, if you are likely to just end up finishing your toddlers plate!

But like others have said, you learn to love your new shape. I'm now down 20 pounds below my original pre pregnancy weight and still have a "mothers apron". If you google "Mother's apron" you can find some exercises that are supposed to help. It's mostly ab work. But you also find a lot of stories of surgeries to remove the skin.

[alison]

Stretch marks with lighten but never disappear. I will spare you a picture of mine. Hehe. They were a deep purple in some areas and raised. Now you can barely see them. They're just somewhat shimmery scar-like tissue.

[moonlight]

I was overweight when I got pregnant. When DD was about 14-15 months I starting a health and fitness plan. In the last year I've lost 51 pounds and my body is STILL not the same shape it was before I got pregnant! Most women will tell you their body weight is shifted around and different post baby. Best of luck, but at some point try and be happy with what you've got: healthy weight, healthy body, healthy baby.

[Vishenka69]

I didn't have many problems going down to pre-pregnancy jeans but def had to switch to high-waisted styles. I have gained a size on top though because my rib cage has expanded so much during pregnancy (from 34 to 38) and didn't completely constrict afterward (currently 36).

[Ladybug]

I think there is a huge genetic factor.

[Lala]

Glad to know I'm not the only one who has experienced a somewhat different shape. I agree that it is so important to learn to accept the shape (and especially what it represents!), however it is definitely hard to come to terms with it, especially when you see other women who have had kids and who have totally flat stomachs! Oh, and I can totally relate to the stretch marks. Although I don't like them, I can't say I mind them because it's like my baby autographed my tummy, and how much can you really mind that!

[MrsK]

Someone recommend a book to me on the topic. "Does this pregnancy make me look fat? " I haven't read it but you might want to look into it.