When I was pregnant people said all kinds of crazy things to me:
“You look like the octuplet women!” (I am not lying, someone actually said this to me.)
“You need to check with your doctor again, I’m sure its twins.”
“You’re going to have that baby any day now!” (6 months preggo)
“I can’t believe you weigh that much!”
and then after the baby came someone said: “I’m sooo glad you lost all that weight, I was getting worried.”
Its true, I did have a watermelon-sized belly when I was pregnant.
I think maybe I looked like an alien, because strangers and acquaintances alike (even people who had themselves been pregnant) felt the need to basically scream in horror at the site of my cone-head of a belly.
I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight (and have been for over two-years now) which also seems to draw some attention, so a few have asked for my thoughts:
1-It takes 9 months to put it on, don’t feel bad if it takes 9 months to remove it. A lot of times it won’t but it seems kind of reasonable. Gotta’ say, a friend shared that one with me 7 years ago, it took a lot of pressure off!
2-Everybody is different.
3-Yes I am “skinny” but I promise my body is not the same shape it was.
4-Exercise immediately. I did Kegals in the hospital bed. Really, its true!
5-Don’t deprive yourself, but have discipline. I tend to be a mostly healthy eater and I exercise regularly. So when I am trying to lose weight, I add a few more things to my routine: I weigh myself daily, don’t eat after 9pm, and only eat dessert every other day. It works for me. You have to find out what works for you.
6-Breastfeed if you can.
7-Drink a lot of water. Now go drink some more!
I attended a class with a lot of new and soon-to-be moms over the weekend. They asked the OB-GYN speaking how long it takes for your body to return to “normal”. She said years and at the same time it doesn’t ever really return. Sorry for the bad news.
Her message and mine, just get yourself healthy!
Cheers to your health! XO
PS: If you have trouble with your own self-discipline, why not try an accountability group. My cousin has helped many people through online weight-loss accountability groups. I can send you in her info if you are interested.
Newborn Love 