I was very active pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy. I started at 108 lbs. and only gained 28 lbs. I even skied at 37 weeks, in hopes of inducing labor (it didn’t work)! I went back to the gym at 8 days post-partum, more for my sanity than any athletic endeavor, since I had third degree tearing. Having a kid and working full-time made me even more motivated to get fit since time was so limited. Since my daughter’s birth in August 2008, I have raced 30 road bike races, 4 triathlons, and skied 30 days. I also spent an hour-two hours a day during my maternity leave at the gym (they have childcare starting at 6 weeks). I did Pilates for the first time and I feel ten times stronger than I did pre-pregnancy. I am so happy about my body these days. I know that I worked hard for it, I eat right and I have so much energy for my daughter. I want to be a good example for my daughter to be and stay active throughout her whole life.
~Age: 31
~Number of pregnancies and births: one pregnancy and one birth
~The age of your children, or how far postpartum you are:
My daughter is 11 months old in this picture. Currently, she is 15 months old.
wow… your abs are amazing, and your willpower too! I know so many women who think they ought to “eat for too”, end up gaining much more weight than they were supposed to and never did a thing to change that afterwards.
Oh you look fantastic!!! Look at those abs! :D And what a sweet baby! You go, girl! :)
i think it is great to be fit, as a matter of fact, I also train for marathons. BUT….I think it is critical to be there for our kids, before our bodies. Parenthood is a sacrifice…
Awesome!!!! you’ve worked so hard and it has paid off!!!
One Word….Inspiration
Very impressive! I think you are setting a great example for your daughter. Focusing on being “fit and healthy” instead of “thin.” You’re daughter will definately pick up on your healthy eating habits :)
Way to go! You are STRONG (physically and mentally, obviously)!
I think it’s great to have other interests and hobbies and to not lose yourself in motherhood. It’s great you are doing things for you and her.
Wow! Very impressive. I must say that I’m most jealous though of the help that you must have that frees you up to pursue all of your physical endeavors. Nonetheless, you’ve inspired me to find time for my treadmill in the basement.
WOW! nice six pack:) but childcare at 6 weeks old? another great way to get your body strong, loose baby weight and not have to be apart from your sweet little bundle is by wearing her in a sling or wrap, really works wonders!! especially while hanging out washing! Im sure I dont need to mention how amazing breastfeeding is for weight loss too? You look great non-the-less though:)
while it is certainly an amazing example of self-discipline & commitment to reshape your body as you have, i am concerned about your attempted self-induction at 37 weeks, and especially by such dangerous means as skiing. 37 weeks is considered the minimum of fetal readiness for birth. the fact is that the “due date” is simply an estimate & should only be used to guess a general date of birth. it should more appropriately be called a “due month” since labor can begin up to 2 weeks after the “due date” resulting in a perfectly normal baby, not huge or “overdone”. it is an alarming reality that many women in our culture today consider 34 weeks to be a perfectly good time to deliver, while a baby’s lungs are not even fully mature until several weeks after that time!
there is another thing i don’t understand from your story as well – the return to the gym 8 days post partum after a 3rd degree tear. that was certainly a time when your body would have benefitted greatly from rest & recuperation, especially after the “marathon” of labor & birth. i’m trying to understand how weekly (or more frequent) visits to the gym could have aided your perineal healing.
i understand every woman & mother is different, therefore, it’s difficult for me to understand how one can take so much time away from one’s child, especially in those irreplaceable early days/weeks/months & fill the motherbaby bonding time with work & working out. i agree with christy, and i’m trying hard not to be judgmental here, that mothering is a sacrifice & our children deserve our undivided attention to their needs.
from one mother to another. nothing but love.
You look so awesome!
I know this is inspiring but sometimes I think people post to show off that they were lucky enough to be spared some of the hardest things like sagging skin, and stretch marks. She did work hard but gaining weight isn’t always from overeating some people just can’t help it. I kinda feel like she is gloating.
Poster (and those who commented), I think you look amazing! Props to working out and being fit! I too worked out and ate healthy while pregnant (my post is on this site as well) and gained 22 lbs. I went to the gym also a week after labor, not in a hurry to lose weight, but just because it was what my body was used to every day during my pregnancy.. no over-exertion, just some incline walking and a sanity check. I don’t understand.. are we only allowed to post if our bodies have been greatly distorted and damaged? And if we worked very hard or are just happy with our bodies after pregnancy and childbirth, must we keep it to ourselves for fear of hurting someone else’s feelings? This site is to show “the shape of a mother”… and they come in all shapes, hers being one of them. In addition, yes, mothering is a sacrifice and our children deserve our undivided attention, but everyone needs a little time to themselves to get out and breathe… even just for an hour a day. It makes us better mothers… and gives daddy a little one-on-one time… it’s not fair that mommy has to be the only one sacrificing, right? SO, poster, you look great… keep it up and stay healthy for your daughter!
I don’t see it as gloating, she’s just proud of herself for working as hard as she did. If I had that kind of dedication, I’d be proud too.
You look amazing! Congratulations on all your hard work – not many women have that kind of muscle tone post-baby. I do have a few concerns, though, especially for those reading who think they would like to emulate what you did.
It’s NOT okay to:
– self-induce at 37 weeks
– ski at 37 weeks (hoping it
wasn’t downhill!)
– work out at 8 days postpartum
(such a huge risk for pp
hemorrhage!)
I just wanted to point out some safety concerns for both mom and baby – for you in the future, and for others reading.
You look like a loving, happy mom, though. And your daughter is gorgeous. Have fun!
I admit, I enjoyed some of your responses, simply because I too am jealous. However, it is against this websites core beliefs to tear someone down. We are quick to uplift someone who gains a ton of weight and is struggling with their appearance, and just as quick to tear someone down who gets back into incredible shape quickly. We got a simple glimpse into this woman’s life and are making many, many assumptions and even questioning her commitment to mothering…COME ON! We dont know the whole story, but we seem to enjoy making up our own versions because it makes us feel better. I am pregnanct with my fourth child in 4 years…I am tipping the scales at 190 and am pretty miserable…but that is no excuse to tear down a fellow mamma! I think this woman is very hard working and inspiring, and any jealousy issues we have beyond that should be something that we strive to overcome in ourselves, not by attacking others. Love you ladies, now lets start loving ourselves, ok??!
I love your spirit! Congrats on your beautiful daughter and good for you for staying fit! I love it when Moms want to stay fit for themselves and not for anyone else!!! You look fantastic and I’ve bookmarked this page for inspiration after birth!!!
Wow….. So sad, and quite disappointing, to see that some can be so harsh! You look fantastic! You’re strong, healthy and motivated! All of the above will only help you on you’re journey throughout motherhood. Keep up the great work, momma. Also have to add that, as moms, we have to keep a little something for ourselves, whether it be the gym, our careers or any other passion that helps to keep our spirits a-bubblin’, or the demands of parenthood will suck us all dry. Kids grow up and move away, as they are an entity of their own. Got to keep some sort of identity for when this season has come and gone……
She is not gloating at all..merely showing that even the sagging skin can be a stereotype, as much as women having perfect bodies. sure some people are “luckier” than others, but if you don’t try, and just accept the norm that you will look like a crumpled up human, then you will. If you try and still do not achieve, then it was meant to be…either way..dont hate on a beautiful mother and woman.
Agree with Jess, I-dra, Skye, and Christy :(
as an athlete i am very pleased to see this post. it is hard for people to see beyond their own lifestyle, no matter what that lifestyle may be. my mother doesn’t know why i would breastfeed when there is perfectly good formula; my friends don’t know why i would have a baby while in law school.
i don’t think Anon is gloating. i think it is a point of pride, and as worthy as a “foodie” or a knitter or anyone who is able to keep up their passion through difficult parts of life. if she wrote a book or went to a spa, would people say she was gloating? and as for time away from her child, its an hour or two hours. my husband likes “alone time” with our child – and i am not going to sit in other room patiently waiting for my turn. and besides my husband, my mother, mother-in-law and other family members are always more than willing (and wanting) to spend some time bonding with the baby. to be honest, i really don’t think baby is counting the hours she doesn’t see me and we are both better off when i get back from a run.
life is short, we have to take happiness where we find it. (and not how it is prescribed by other people…)
last note: i would like to add that it is a very, very rare few mothers on this planet who can’t imagine spending an hour or two away from their baby. my family came to this country from central america and i can’t think of too many families where mama can stay home and admire their baby for 18 months. as long as your baby is loved and cared for, every person – every woman – has a right to make their own choices. a baby deserves undivided attention but not necessarily from the same person 24 hours 7 days a week.
I think you look great and I think its great you have maintained your sense of self while your were pregnant and post birth. Its known that staying fit, active and healthy at all times is vital for your well being. While other mothers may suffer depression and sit around to compare who is doing worse / ended up worse. I know that when become inactive and refrain from excersize I become withdrawn, depressed and grumpy. I think its great you have maintained your strength. In turn this makes you the best you can be. Well done you are an inspiration and i understand why you went back to excersize so soon as it is for our own sanity. Lots of love
I think this is inspiring. Skiing at 37 weeks is scary but not really the point here. Its good to do something good for yourself. A happy mom is much more healthy for a baby than an unhappy mom. Kuddos to you!
Man, ladies, what judegements!It’s not like she’s leaving her daughter at home alone while she goes out to sell her body for crack! There is such a thing as balance. You can love, take care of, and spend quality time with your child and still have other hobbies and interests. From the picture the baby looks pretty healthy to me, no signs of neglect or starvation. Like the other woman have said, why can’t other family members and loved ones spend time with the little one while Mom goes out to do something healthy and good for herself? It’s good for children to be socialized and not clinging to Mom’s hip 24/7. My body doesn’t look as good as hers but I haven’t done as much as her to get it that way, so good for her! I know it’s natural to feel jealous, especially if you have tried as hard and haven’t got the same outcome, but this site is to show different woman bounce back in different ways.
I have my own personal opinions and battles. I will say you do look AMAZING (jealousy wagging its head) There is no reason to be mean. I have been working on losing weight for a year. Every person has their own battles.
As long as her child WAS being watched and looked after who cares? I do think you pushed things a little BUT your daughter is happy and healthy and so are you. Frankly the people in this country seem to think that you need to have your child with you at all times and dont you dare think of leaving them with someone else in the first months.
We ALL need to remember we have our own parenting styles and our own lifestyles. She did a great job and kudos for that!
I agree with Alexis. I commend her for putting forth the effort towards being healthy while caring for a baby. Being a healthy individual benefits her child as well.
Also, I’m kind of disappointed so many women have decided to be snarky over her success. I didn’t see her as gloating at all, simply of how she did postpartum. Not everybody is the same. This is what worked for her.
I understand some women have tough pregnancy or birth which are laced with hiccups… some are not and some women are fit through and through. i worked out the very next day after i gave birth by doing 10 sets of 8 flights of stairs while i was at hospital, i then worked out for one hour a day while my daughter was asleep (from a home gym and dvd’s) as well as breastfeed. She has worked hard and so have alot of other mothers in order to feel good. I am sure she is a great mum to her girl and she in turns feels great cause she looks after herself and makes time for herself which is what we ALL should do.
I respect that you are living such a healthy lifestyle and are such a positive role model for your daughter. I strive to be healthy by eating well, staying slim and incorporating some physical activity into my day (walking, housework, running around after my 2 year old). As a SAHM to a 2 year old an 5 week old, I admire the fact that you made time to go to the gym, run marathons…I barely have time to breathe, yet you did all of that while working full-time and caring for your baby.
Personally, I couldn’t put my newborn into day care even for just an hour a day. My 5 week old screams when not being held (or breastfed), as did my 2 year old as a baby, so day care would be out of the question. Aside from walking and poor attempts at yoga and Pilates, I loathe sport and physical activities such as running, skiing and the like so the odds of me ever having a body like yours are slim. But I grudgingly accept that. Still, I would love to have your level of fitness and energy (as well as a flat stomach) but without me needing to run a marathon…
You look healthy and athletic and you have every right to be proud of your accomplishments. There are mothers though, like myself, who would probably love a break from their children, but can’t bear the thought of being away from them, even for just an hour or two. I don’t think we’re being judgemental (I’m not) but we just don’t understand your level of commitment to physical health. Time away from your baby is a big sacrifice and some mothers find it hard to make that sacrifice.
I hope your daughter grows up sharing your passion because it’s fantastic to be able to find activities that are enjoyable as well as beneficial to your health that you can do as a family. Thank you for sharing your story. You look amazing.
I am as jealous of her six pack as any other mom or human being would be. Having said that, I worked out 6 weeks after my son was born (left him with dad) and 4 weeks after my daughter was born ( walking with a double stroller) and I work out daily pregnant with my third. It does wonders for your self esteem and ppd. I see nothing wrong with showing off your hard work. All those other sports activities she did? I am just jealous she got enough sleep at night to be able to accomplish those! She obviously has an amazing support system and I think we should be happy for her. I am too, however, hoping that the skiing was cross country. And poster: Your baby is a freakin doll!!!
woooo hoooo you look amazing, and just ingore the nasty comments, the mothers are just jelous.
Congrats!!!!!!
Oh. My. Goodness. Amazing!
Rock those abs, mamacita! (love the matching sunglasses). I agree with Carolyne and Ashley– no one wants to rip on or critcize on this site a woman who gains 85 lbs during her pregnancy and is awash in stretch marks and saggy skin, but this is not the first post I’ve seen where someone in great shape gets accused of “gloating,” “showing off,” etc.
Women do come in all shapes and sizes– this poster did NOT get ths body by running to the gym right after birth: she was very active BEFORE and DURING her pregnancy too. She probably has good skin or her stretch marks aren’t visible. Frankly, this site should not be a pity party site– if I looked this great after going through pregnancy and labor, I’d want to share it with my maternal community too! That’s what this site is all about, sharing our tears and fears as well as our accomplishments.
For those who condemn her for trying to induce labor at 37 weeks… can you HONESTLY say you were never tempted to “induce” labor yourself by walking, eating pineapple, having sex marathons, etc? It sucks to have to ask for help to put your own socks on! I’ve never heard of skiing to induce, but I’m sure she never did anything without the approval of her doctor.
NOTE: I was a long-distance runner before pregnancy (and in recovery for an eating disorder), but was unable to continue running because of very bad pressure on my back (and obviously became far more committed to my recovery). I still walked for several miles every day until about 32 weeks when the near-constant Braxton Hicks made the experience miserable rather than relaxing. Athletes are mothers TOO.
It’s frustrating how our society has this notion that if a mother does not devote herself 110% to her child then she’s failing as a mother. That’s an unreal expectation. Every woman must continue to be a HUMAN BEING even after having a child. Your body looks great, and it’s unfortunate that others out there who are jealous of what you look like feel the need to try to tear you up. Congrats on being fit!