Age:19/ 4.5 months postpartum
Pregnancies: 1 birth/ 1 miscarriage
It must have been prom night that my son was concieved. Even though my boyfriend and I did not go to prom (in order to save money for a trip to Jamaica) we did look forward to the after parties. The alcohol mixed with the graham crackers and the self-serve packets of tingling lube made for a dizzy night conducive of baby-making. I was just 18 years old. Slim, but not skinny. Athletic, measuring 5’7″ and weighing in at roughly 125. I started lifting weights at 15 years old, and at some point went from 135 lb to an unhealthy 112, then evening out at 125 lbs. I am happy to say, that at 4 months post-partum, I am weighing 122 lbs. I feel sexy, but not satisfied. I am grateful to have almost no stretchmarks on my stomach, but I definitely have flab in places that I do not ever remember having flab. I was not one of those lucky women who could put on their pre-pregnancy jeans right after giving birth. I went into labor at 181 lbs and left the hospital somewhere between 160-165 lbs after giving birth to a healthy 7lb 15oz baby boy. If I could give any pregnant woman (or new mom) advice on how to get back into shape it would be this:
1) Get a jogging stroller. This thing SAVED MY LIFE. My boyfriend and I work out a system on the weekends where he watches the baby while I sleep an extra 2 hours, and then when I wake up, I take the baby for a jog so that my boyfriend can have some quiet time.
2) Get a girdle. This is going to sound crazy, but I started wearing a girdle 1 week post-partum because my belly was really saggy. It actually hurt to sleep on my side because it felt like my skin was really heavy. I endorse the “Slimming Waist Cincher Shaper” by Leonisa. At first it was really tight and uncomfortable, but in a matter of days I could put it on without sucking my belly in. I was so happy with my results with the size medium that I went on to purchase a size small.
3) Breastfeed. Being a teen mom, I *almost* gave up breastfeeding due to the excruciating pain. But I found it WAY too hard to clean bottles and mix formula in the middle of the night. In my opinion, I lost a lot of weight by breastfeeding not because it burns calories (that’s just a plus), but because I was more conscious about what I ate knowing that my son was getting a taste of it.
4) Try to walk ASAP. I started walking half a mile to school 4 days after giving birth. This really helped me get some fresh air and not be cooped up with the baby. I would not reccomend “excercising”, though. I waited 6 weeks before attempting to go jogging (and I had to stop after about one block).
5) Lift heavy weights. When you get the “okay” from your doctor, I highly recommend getting into a weight-lifting routine. Weight lifting is really what helps me maintain muscle while boosting my metabolism. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so if you do a muscle-building workout, you will burn more calories in your regular day-to-day activities. Also, weight lifting, will NOT make you bulky. Too many women think muscle=manly body and this is simply not true!
6) Buy inspiration clothes. Before my baby was born I bought a few dresses that were my pre-pregnancy size. This really helped me look forward to wearing these clothes and set goals for losing my baby weight. Also, after having my baby, I refused to let myself purchase clothing that would fit before I got down to my pre-pregnancy weight. Since I had hardly any cute outfits to match my cute baby, I did not “get comfortable”, I guess you could say.
I have attached a few pictures, hope you enjoy!
First three: 4 months post partum. A bikini photo pre-pregnancy at 117 lbs. My handsome guy at 4.5 months.
All I can say is that you look great and whatever you did worked but I am sure your genes helped as well. BEAUTIFUL!
You look great!! I have a similar story. I gave birth at 19 1/2, and it took me only three weeks to get back to prepregnancy weight. Toning up took longer, though. :-)
I definitely agree with you. Jogger = must have, and, as long as it isn’t summertime, a girdle is great. And breastfeeding is the best thing I ever did for me and my little guy.
you look AMAZING!! can you email me sometime or add me on facebook Jackie spencer i have a picture of me up close or email me jacqspencer@yahoo.ca have a few questions :P
You look great! Go, women!!! :D I’m already 3-4 pounds lighter than prepregnancy, but I need to do some weight lifting and toning. I definitely look looser and softer than before. :)
I think you look even better after. Look at those boobs! Very hott. Your stomach looks great esp for 4.5 months PP. I think it’ll look exactly like it did before or so close nobody would see the difference.
You look amazing! Congrats! I love how you gave advice for new moms trying to get their bodies back. Remember though that not everyone will be able to wear their pre-pregnancy size again. Some women’s hips just change too much but that is perfectly okay! Size is but a number and being healthy and happy is more important!
You look sooo good! Err I wish my body looked like this. I went from a really fit body to a saggy belly, flabby arms, and jiggly legs. Sooo depressing.
you look amazing! Thanks so much for posting these tips! :)
Luck you girl with your jeans! I went from size one to a size five just from my hips and butt getting bigger. I’ll never fit in my size 1 jeans ever again because my hip bones are altered forever! I’m okay with that, I’m only 105 pounds :) you look great for 4 pp! And your son is a cutie!
Jackie, I tried finding you but there were a bunch of people with your name.
Thanks for the support, ladies! I am by no means trying to say that everybody can get back to their prepregnancy weight. In fact, it isn’t really relevant. I just mentioned mine because I gained SO much weight. 55 lbs. I want women out there to realize that there are things you can do to make yourself feel good inside and out. Every single thing I mentioned helped me with my weight and bolster my confidence.