Many of you are asking how it’s going losing the baby weight, and bless your hearts, most of you think I’ve probably already lost it because I was in “such great shape” beforehand. That’s very sweet, and I thank you for the props, but I’m here to tell you both as a trainer and empathetic parent — it’s been challenging. Fact is I’ve lost 16 pounds (I gained a total of 30 while pregnant), and 15 of that was by mid-August. It’s nearly the end of September as I type. That’s right, it’s taken me a MONTH to LOSE ONE POUND. “But you’re a trainer!” You say. Mmm hmm. And while I totally expected the weight to come off faster (you’re told the lie that because you’re breastfeeding, the pounds will melt off), I’m also becoming OK with the very slow return to normal because:
1.) I feel great considering I’m the mother of a now almost-3-month-old.
2.) I’m working out 4-6 times a week and eating healthy 90% of the time (10% is wine and the occasional graham cracker and peanut butter raid).
3.) I understand that it took 9 months to gain the weight, it’s gonna take some time to lose it.
4.) Because I am nursing, my body actually wants to hold onto some weight. They do not tell you this in those silly preparation courses because they know women would probably nix the whole nursing thing altogether. But I’ve researched this, my friends, and it’s a true fact – your body needs the fat if you’re playing moo-cow. And a moo-cow I am…
Which brings me to another point of encouragement for those who may struggle with the breastfeeding/weightloss thing. Granted I’m just a newbie at this, but I wish someone would have prepped me better for what occurs after you leave the hospital and you have this beautiful, angelic, screaming human to watch over. Someone could have warned me that breastfeeding can make you feel like a slave and as though you’ll never be able to leave the house again. For the first month this is pretty much how I felt. However as I got better at the traveling milk maid thing, I came to realize that a boob on the run will result in a child who can adapt well. At nearly 3 months old, Lila has survived her first major road trip, day care initiation, and this weekend she’ll survive her first 5k. And yes, I’m exclusively breastfeeding. I am literally a walking feeding machine because I have to move, I have to leave the house, I have to be active, and I want to raise my child the same way. So for those of you worried that you can’t get out and DO something because any moment that screaming angel of yours will crave optimal nutrition from your stellar rack, just go with it. Your mind will thank you and your body will eventually show you some results.
I have complete faith that I’ll lose these last 14 pounds…and at this rate it may not even be until next summer. But I’m a boob on the run and because of it, something’s gonna give!
Word of advice: Pump before you go for a run. Oww…
