I have been having a hard time dealing with my new mommy body. I am 27 and this is my first child. I am 5’4″ and started at about 140. I have always looked like I weigh much less than I actually do but now I am having a hard time hiding my weight gain. I had the easiest pregnancy (no morning sickness or mood swings or anything) up until 36 weeks. I ended up being induced (what a nightmare!) and giving birth at 38 weeks and 195 pounds. I became really bloated from the magnesium as I was preclamptic and left the hospital at 188 pounds. I lost 20 pounds the first 2 weeks from water weight but now am stalled at 164 and my stomach is so flabby :( I am hoping I can start exercising and lose 20 or 30 pounds before summer. I’m not sure how easy it will be, what are other peoples weight success stories?? I feel I’m lucky that I didn’t get stretch marks and have a beautiful baby boy now, but I just feel like a walking ball of jello and cellulite. Will I ever feel like my old self? Here is a picture of me 6 weeks pregnant, 32 weeks, 6 weeks pp and picture of my son Walden!
Your story and numbers are very similar to mine. I’m 5’2″, gained 40lbs during pregnancy. Lost 20lbs the first week. Got stuck at 164. I think we even have similar stomachs, except my hips and thighs couldn’t handle the bloat without showing some stretchmarks (I”m jealous). Also, I was sick from 4 months and on. With a normal pregnancy and delivery, it takes the body time to recover. Your body has been through a trauma. For me, I approached taking care of myself almost like rehabilitation. I was always an avid walker. I got back to doing that as quickly as possible. At first, I could only walk a block. I eventually started running. That took 6 to 9 months to enjoy. I also learned everything I could about inflammation and autoimmune responses because there seems to be a link with preeclampsia and all that excess water. I would encourage you to forget about the number on the scale. If it comes off fast, great! If it takes awhile, your body needs more time to heal. Also, find some other goal. For me it was running a 5k. I understand, more than you know, how all of this messes with your head. I was so scared to have another pregnancy because I didn’t want to get sick again or deal with the aftermath. Ultimately, I got back to prepregnancy weight (not necessarily prepregnancy body). I also had another baby. There is risk in getting preeclampsia again, but my second pregnancy was beautiful. The delivery was wonderful. I was even able to run a 5k at 4 months post partem this time. It took time and effort, but I lost the weight again. Both of my kiddos love their stroller rides. Enjoy these precious days with your little one.
You sound EXACTLY like me! I am 5’3, started at 135, went up to 190 & am now stuck at 161 at 6 weeks post partum. I also had an easy pregnancy with no sickness & no stretch marks. I’ve been working out & eating right, but I am just stuck!
your son is so beautiful! and you look great!
i am 5’5″ and started off at 130. by the time i delivered, i weighted 175. i left the hospital weighing 163. In two weeks i lost about 20 pounds. So was down to 143. Now i am 3 months postpartum and weigh about 140. I just started working out and already lost 3 pounds. It just takes time. Working out and eating right have helped me a lot. Just dont set unrealistic goals. Work out and be healthy and in time the weight will come off. It might not be by summer but definitely by next summer. Plus, be happy you didnt get stretch marks. I may be able to lose the weight but i cannot get rid of the HUGE stretch marks on my hips. soooo annoying. Well good luck with everything. And again, you looook great.
What a cutie!! You and I share similar stories, except I am now 27, almost 28 with baby #2. I am also your height, approx. same wight pr-preg, and now I am 4 months post partum at 156. I was up to 200 the second time around, and the first was 198. I totally get how you feel. However, After my son was born, I tell you, the first year, I was back in great shape, and probably by 2 years, as LESS then when before pregnant after running around chasing him all day. You look FANTASTIC for just having a baby and I am sure you will continue to just feel better, and stronger as days go by. Right now, my best advice is ENJOY YOUR BABY!!!! He will grow so fast..Document everything!!! You may never be like before exactly, you’ll probably be better. :)
I still have yet to post here..maybe I will soon…
You look amazing at 6 weeks, and your soooo lucky you didnt get any stretch marks! The weight will come off, and you will be shocked that your body gave you a beautiful baby and bounced back! Your little boy is so cute!
Hey! Your son is ADORABLE!! :) I have a 19 month old little girl, and I’m due with my baby boy on July 24th! I gained 52 lbs with Lily, and it took me 6 months to look like I did PP, and 8 months to be 3 lbs below my starting weight. I think round the clock nursing helped me A LOT.
Just give it time. By the way, I think your tummy looks AWESOME for only being 6 weeks post partum!
I found the most helpful way to get back into ‘shape’ post baby was to keep an accurate food journal (actually weighing/measuring food), and babywearing. By wearing your baby as much as possible, as close to you as possible (like in a wrap or pouch), your body thinks you weigh more and will burn more calories. Weightlifting to build muscles will also mean faster calorie burn. Babywearing is also great for the baby, LOL, and your relationship.
You’re only at 6 weeks PP! You didn’t put it all on in 6 weeks, it will take a while for your body to recover. Think of what it did! Be gentle with yourself :)
You will notice a big difference after 3 months. I am 5’4 and was 123lbs when I got pregnant. I gained 50lbs and gave birth to a 8lb 2oz baby boy by c-section. It took me about 4 months to fit into my regular pants. I’m 10 months PP and weigh 115 lbs. My secret…eat healthy and exercise. I started off slow by walking everyday and now I try to run 5 miles at least once a week. Although, I weigh less now, my stomach is still wrinkly and jiggly…not sure if that will ever go away :)
don’t fret. it is still very early–you just gave birth 6 wks ago! It took me 6-9 months to lose all the weight, and that was really without deliberate exercise. Just living life as a parent, student and teacher was enough exercise. Now, 2 year pp i am 5 lbs lighter than before pregnancy. My body is different, a bit more shapely in the hips, but you come to love it. you come to realize that models and magazines are fake…and your body, in its motherhood is REAL. congratulations.
Wow! You look awesome for only 6 weeks pp!!! Congrats!!! :D
Don’t worry! I started at 5’4″ 130 and after birth was stuck in the 150s. A year after giving birth, I finally hit my pp weight!
My biggest piece of advice is don’t focus so much on the weight loss- just enjoy your baby and how fast they grow! :)
you look great! and ur soooo lucky u didnt get any stretch marks. To lose the weight just eat healty and exercise. Also weighted hula hoop is great for cutting down the waist…:) good luck!
Love your baby he looks soooo adorable!! you will be fine :)
you’re beautiful & so is your baby. You look really awesome for only 6 weeks! Congrats!!!
You actually look amazing! Don’t be so hard on yourself. It wouldn’t take long at all to tone your abs. Nothing drastic, just healthy eating, cardio 3-4 times a week(walking, dancing, swimming;whatever you like), and crunches. I’d say two months of that and you’ll be back to pre-pregnancy shape. Congratulations on your sweet baby!
Dont’t worry!just eat right and start running,remember no carbs after 4.im 5’4 i weighed 130lbs when i got pregnant,ended at 157,baby weighed 7 lbs 9 oz and had only lost 10 lbs the first week,now 5 weeks pp i weigh 136,it is my third baby and my stomach looks like yours,so iknow you’ll be ok.It all shrinks back i promise.