With each of my three children I put on the same 40 lbs in the same consistent time frame. I didn't work out like I should have when I was pregnant, and didn't get out quickly enough after the baby was born to melt the pounds off.
With my first child I just stood back and hoped the pounds would melt off. They surprisingly did! I was so overwhelmed with my new job as a mother and all the tasks that came with that little 7 lb. person that a regular diet and exercise routine was the furthest thing from my mind. It took around a year for the pounds to just melt off.
My body wasn't exactly the same but I could fit into my old clothes and the number on the scale was the same as it used to be.
Then I got pregnant with #2. I tried to work out. I tried to keep walking but darn it, I had to pee way too often. I also had just recovered from a miscarriage and every little ache and pain sent me running to the sofa to lay on my left side throughout the pregnancy.
After my son was born, the pounds melted off pretty fast but my body was very different. My hips were much wider and my body was storing pounds in strange places like never before. Before I knew it the holidays hit and the numbers on the scale shot right back up even though I was nursing around the clock.
By the time my son was nine months, I had 20 pounds to lose to get back to my pre baby weight so I took up pilates and walking EVERY DAY. Not only did the pounds come off but so did the inches, I felt more energized, I instantly started eating better and I felt better.
I kept that up for eight months before I got pregnant with baby #3. Once again, I stopped moving for nine months. Now at three months post partum, I have 18 lbs to go and lots of hours at the gym to shake the bulging pounds off.
How do you do it with a four year old, two year old and infant? That is my question.
Eating better, we can do. Getting out and exercising when the outside temps can reach the triple digits, not so easy.
I do have a few things to share
- It's very easy to get stuck in a rut when you're at home. Babies need to get out just as much as we do. Find ways to get out and about. The excercise will happen without you thinking about it and the kids will eat and rest better. The more children you have, the harder it is to manage them in public and to find areas that really work. Stay close to home and start out with short adventures.
- Physical Activity is only part of the equation. A change in diet is going to be necessary. Don't starve yourself and don't change your diet dramatically. Try to cut a few calories from what you regularly eat. Your hungry baby is more important than your shapeliness. Wait a few more months if you have to.
- Keep healthy easy-food around. It's easier to eat healthy when you don't have to think or spend time cooking. Having carrot sticks and other little nibblers handy keeps you from wandering to Miccy D's for a quick snack and some happy meals.
Talk About Controlling the Mama Bulge
