Post Baby Body -- Who Kidnapped My Old Self?

I am a stay at home mom of 3 boys 7, 5, and 3. After my 3rd boy I decided to get my body back. I bought a book called 8 minutes in the morning. I have changed the routine completely and dont eat the food suggested but still lost 20 pounds. I stretched a lot because my back was stiff, so I have my own stretching routine and I tried to cut back my eating, though I still enjoy chocolate. I stretch for 15 minutes and do 15 minutes of 5 pound weights. Usually one or two different muscles. I think if you get into the routine of stretching and working out some muscles you will lose weight and it also helps work out the stiff kinks. Good luck because carrying around extra unwanted weight sucks. Hahahaa
Good luck
K.

Try to find a mommy and me yoga class. I did it. It's mellow, but fun and a good way to get circulating. My son is 12 1/2 months and it took me about a 11 months to get back to pre-baby body. That's also without exercising regularly. I just am very busy and dont have time to sit down. KEEP MOVING!! Stretch if you have a little down time when the baby sleeps (amongst all of the other little things you have to do in that time). Good Luck! Don't worry though. It will eventually get better, just get up and get moving. Go for walks with the baby!

A. AI am interested in talking to you about this. I take my son to daycare in Irvine and it costs 250 per month. It is way out of my price range and inconvenient because I live in Costa Mesa and work at the Sugar Shack in downtown HB. Please let me know if you are still looking for someone to share nanny costs with. Thanks.

A. S.

Kirsten hi!
I have the same problem! My first two kids weren't so bad, but the third did me in!! LOL! I did/do yoga as well, but it seems that post baby I had lost my balance? I was a little down about it at first, but decided I couldn't throw in the towel. I started out slow, simple poses etc. and have slowly worked up again. I do feel like my balance is still a little less than before, but I am getting better.
The main thing for me (generally in life) is I want it NOW!! Instant gratis!! I need to tell myself almost daily that things take time!! Good luck to you, and remember to "take baby steps" LaLa La!!

I'm only saying this wanted a tough love pep talk, so here goes: )...

What are you teaching your child by being sedintary? Get out there and model the behavior you want your child to emulate. They learn habits at such an early age and they're always watching! Teach your child to be kind to themselves by starting slow yourself. (Takes a while to get back into pre-baby shape!) Teach them that you love your body and want to feed it good foods. You used that wonderful body that created this child and now its time to use your body to MOVE. You are also teaching the child that you are multidimentional; you are not just mom, but x, y, & z.

How's that? : ) Just give yourself some of that loving attention you're giving your baby right now...

Jen

Hi,

I am a mother with now 7 year old twins, but I remember back after having them and needing to lose around 35 pds. I gained 50 pounds during my pregnancy.

I'm not sure of your financial situation, but if you can afford it, a personal trainer is definately the way to go. I started working with a personal trainer for about 15 weeks after my twins were about 4 months old and lost all the weight back to my normal size in about 3 months. They keep you honest, help with your diet and keep you motivated. Also, it is so much easier to cancel out on a workout when you only have to cancel with yourself and not a trainer.

If a trainer is not an option, I would join a gym with a daycare so you could bring your little one. I think working out at home is too distracting. Also, I used a jogging stroller and walked everyday. This could take care of your cardio, but lifting weights 2 days a week helps to burn calories and should be combined with cardio.

Make workouts fun and have realistic goals. It isn't possible to lose more than 2 pounds a week of bodyfat.

Hope this helps and good luck to you!!

J.

I know what you mean! I joined stroller strides last spring and I love it. I can bring the kids, meet other moms, we go out for coffee afterwards...and my body is coming back! Check it out if you can ;-)

Your first step is realizing you need to do something and you did!

Start slow since you're out of shape but get moving now! You'll feel so much better even if it's starting with 30 minute walks with a girlfriend and strollers.

I'm afraid I'll never have my pre-baby body, but I do teach Jazzercise and it does wonders for the mind, body and soul. If you love music and love to dance and want a great workout check it out. To find a class near you, www.jazzercise.com

Good luck and there *is* light at the end of the tunnel!

I was in your same place a year ago and the only thing that helped was Physical Therapy. Once I could get into PT and get the kinks worked out I was able to get into the gym and make that work better for me too. Getting stronger and more balanced at the gym has made my daily activities painless. Have faith, you'll get there!

maybe a mommy & me yoga class would help you find the time and motivation to get back into it.

i am saying this as much to myself as i am to you - i need to do this too.

After I had my fourth child my body seemed to fall apart as well. My knees started creaking and popping and my back would completely give out at times. I tried a few different things but only one helped, its called a Fluidity Bar. It's like a ballet bar that allows you to stretch and tone all of your muscles and gets all of your joints moving. I started a couple months ago and now I feel 100% better. It cost me about $250 dollars but it was worth every penny! It is perfect around the little ones as well since there are no moving parts for them to get their fingers into, just a bar.
I wish you nothing but the best.
H. Stanley

Hi Kristin,
Hahaha I feel the same way sometimes:D I was like you. I did yoga for years 3-4 times a week before my daughter. During pregnancy I tried to do the prenatal, but stopped around 5 months because I was getting too tired and had to listen to my body. I got myself a couple of different mommy and baby yoga videos. Let me tell you the have pains subsided and its a blast to watch her faces during the excise...makes it go by faster to. I also got a balance ball to help stretch and strengthen slowly. I was a little sore but I told myself it was my body telling me thank you for moving it again. Take it slow and remember your doing it to be HEALTHY:D

Hello K.,

I think Pilates gets your muscles back in tone really quickly. That's what I did and it worked well and quickly. You can even do some of the exercises quickly at home on a mat. They have dvd's for it, but the class would probably be fun for you.

Hi K.,

Congratulations on your new addition. It looks like you answered your own question! As as yoga instructor, I see that you mentioned that you used to do that, the only thing that I would recommend is that you choose a style or a class that would be gentle and supportive to your body that has changed and been through a lot. I am not sure where you are located and I have just moved and re-starting my yoga and yoga therapy business. You did have the answer yourself all along!

Best wishes and good luck, A. T.

Hi K.,
I found after my third baby I started feeling a lot like you're explaining. Joint discomfort, extremely tired, achy, and grouchy. I found Isagenix and my health and my life has completely turned around and I know it's because I'm removing the impurities from my cells that were slowing me down and feeding my body superfood. I once again had the desire to exercise, play with my children, work in the yard, clean the house, paint my living room... Oh, and the mental clarity that was lost during pregnancy came back. If you wanna know more just click on my profile and it will show my business. I decided to start my business with Isagenix because I could see so many people with amazing results I decided I could help support my family while blessing the people of the world.

Hi K.,

Have you heard of a product called Monavie? It is a great tasting antioxidant fruit juice. It's primary fruit is the Acai
Berry from the Amazon. This juice also contains glucosamine which supports joint pain. I've been drinking since last September and absolutely love it. You just need a couple of ounces twice a day. So much better than trying to swallow pills.
I now have my parents and my kids drinking it also. It's organic
and perfectly safe for all ages. It was featured on Oprah with Dr. Oz as the "Super Food of the World" Feel free to call if you would like to chat about it. ###-###-####

I started walking, usually about 20-30 minutes on pretty level ground 3 times a week. As you get in better shape, walk in different neighborhoods that are hilly and work up to 4-5 times a week. After that I started to add in some crunches. It all helped. I started eating a lot better too but my back just isn't the same. Don't expect to ever be the same, but make the best of what you have.

Hi K., Not sure how old your baby is or where your located but I would reccommend a boot camp as well. I go to one on tues/thurs mornings 830-930 they also have a ###-###-#### class..We are at the Northridge Rec center on Reseda near the daycare center. Your first session is free to check it out. I love it because there are 2 instructors and they really personalize the workouts for you if you have issues. I have bad knee's so they are always giving me alternate moves to do. But they keep on you so you get a good full hour workout in and we have a great group of moms that have fun. If you would like more info give me a call ###-###-####.

K.,
I feel just like you! I did pilates 3 x week and yoga right up until 37 weeks pregnant. I was a size 2 (for me it is also about being skinny and wearing my nice clothes again ;-( ) But I also feel joint pain, low back pain, stiff ankles, etc. I have been stretching and getting massage. Also stroller walks. But I have no energy to work out. My 7 month old is up 5-6 times every night. I am looking forward to your replies. My only advice is to get massages if you can. Oh, hot soaks in a hot tub or bath help me too - then I stretch when my muscles are warm. How long ago did you have your baby?
Empathetically,
D.

Hi K.,
I read a few of the responses and agree about the personal trainer. You don't mention what area you are in, but if you're close to Yorba Linda, I have a good friend who does p.t. from his home and is very affordable. We also do boot camp Saturdays which are really fun. His work phone number is ###-###-####; his wife Becky might answer...just tell him that I referred you.
Good Luck,
L.

You should try Stoller Strides! Its awesome. Its a great workout and you have a chance to meet alot of other moms who have common goals.

I was like you....after 5 kids and a hysterectomy it seems like I hurt every where. I started doing turbo jam, because I have a hard time getting out of the house. It was fun and I enjoyed doing it. For the joint pain I use a ten in one liquid vitamin and I know that it might be strange to say that it helped with joint pain, but it did. It even helped with my arthritis. It didn't just help, it's gone!!!

Hi! I started taking Alo vera jell a 4th of a cup with juice and in a few days had good energy and was motivated to get out and walk the dog, it was a start.God bless.

Start off slow and do it with friends!!! I had 2 kids before I started exercising again, and what got me doing it was some friends that walked with their strollers 3 times a week around the neighborhood. Because I knew my pals were waiting for me I would get motivated to go, and we talked and walked and before you knew it, we had walked 4 miles!! So take a class, find a walking group, get some friends together and see what you can work out. Many YMCA's have a childcare room that will care for your kid while you work out or take a Yoga class. No wmy youngest is 3 and I singed up my 2 kids to take ballet class at the same time while I take a Dancercise class. We all get sweaty and strong at the same time! You can do it!! Go, momma go!!

Me Too. I still need to loose the 20 lbs I gained. My daughter just turned 4 months. I just started to T VO "Inhale" and do it when I can. It comes on at 6 am. Good luck.

S.

Hi there....
You are not mentioning how long ago you had your baby????
All i can tell you is not to rush, things will fall into place & without even trying hard you will notice you will once again fit into your skinny jeans.

D.

I am totally with you on this. I am miserable too. Have you tried just walking everyday for 20 or 30 minutes? I try to get up and stretch in the morning if I can. It helps me to loosen up and get my day started. I am also in the process of trying the Slim in 6 DVD. I kind of skip through some parts of it, but it is a good workout and goes pretty fast. It is easy to do and I feel great afterwards.

I started walking at least 20 min. every day and then slowly added weights. I also had weak joints, so I used braces to support them while they got stronger.
Just take it easy and don't over do it. If it hurts, stop, and try again later.
It took me about a year to get my self back into shape after having my 4 kids. I didn't really workout much until after having them.

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Hi K.,

You didn't mention your age ....but I'll assume you're under 40?
First it sounds like you are really lacking calcium. Babies take alot out of your system. I think it would be good to find yourself a good herbalist and start by 'replenishing' your body with what it needs that pregnancy and post baby took from you. Mine has me on a TON of calcium for the aches and pains that came with childbirth, what a baby takes from you when you are nursing, and just in general to give back to all your organs that have been thru a major ordeal. I mention especially the calcium (although there is quite a bit you should be replenishing) because if you are nursing, your body will give to the baby first and can leave you depleted. Hence, the aches and pains.

You can do it by eating right....but it would have to be organic and as we know from studies - in order for us all to REALLY get all the nutrients we need daily? We'd have to eat the equivalent of 1.5 truck loads of food!
An herbalist can help you to replenish your nutrients, get your hormones balanced out again and it will all help when you go back to exercising. If you were to go back to exercising now, your body would just see it as more 'stress'.
Giving the body what it needs can improve things immensely. Once you've replenished you just go to a maintenance level.

I don't know where you live but my herbalist is in La Verne, CA.

I'm a 47 yr old Mom, married 14 yrs, with a 7 yr old boy and a 17 month old baby girl. Considering how late I had my babies (that were not supposed to be), I couldn't have done it without my Chiropractor and herbalist to keep my body in top functioning shape to handle it all. I have zero medical issues and haven't seen a 'drug' in 17 yrs.

I noticed that you said you use to do yoga. So I'm guessing you know how important exercise is....so what I'm talking about is just the flip side of 'supporting' the body with being able to do that and live pain free.

Good luck...it'll get better!! {;o)

T.

Hey K., I was not happy with the way I was looking, especially in the tummy area. I started using these patches , that worked like magic. One is for burning fat all day long. I now have definition all over my body. This company has patches for pain too that take affect in 30 seconds. Please look at my website, you'll be stoked you did. Lifewave.com/kherihealth

Think about it this way... Your body took nine monthes to get as big as it did so it's going to take at least a year to get it back togeather again. I would suggest taking your prenatle pills still and find an entertaining way to get your butt up off the couch. I lived on a ranch after I had my son so I would go out side and spend sometime with the animals and sit in the sun to chase the blues away. Look in to kettle bells for a new swift and entertaing way to work out. Beleive me do kettle bells once or twice a week for 15 mins and you'll be outta breath! Go to dragondoor.com for more info on Kettel bells.

Hi K. -
I totally relate. One of the best things I did was go to a trainer in town who focuses on "Core" work for the body. She helped me build strength from my center and I now have superb strength and balance. If you would like her info, let me know.

Good luck, L.

Hi K.:
I can completely relate! I have had three daughters and with each I found myself baffled at the body that remained! I have had the amazing opportunity to find out about Stroller Strides and it has changed my life! I work out 3-5 times per week with my children in the stroller and get a phenomenal workout! Plus, I get the bonus of meeting some amazing women friends. Check out www.strollerstrides.com for locations near you...you won't regret it! I am at the Vista, CA location. I hope to meet you soon!
-F.

i had the same problem, it's the yoga, not in a bad way but your body gets used to it and when you stop it is telling you to get back on the ball. i started slow 20 minutes every other day, and sometimes just the breathing which helped my patience level. I don't know how old your child is but there is baby yoga and my daughter started when she was two, doing simple child poses and then she started coping me. it is a great way to spend healthy and fun time together.

hello Kristin~ I am now pregnant with my 3rd & after the 2nd I started to go to Curves. I don't know if that's possible for you, but the results undeniable! I lost 25 pounds & over 12 inches in just a few short months.
It's only 3 times a week for 30 minutes each time. My knees & my back were bothering me when I started but I pushed through it & the pain eventually disappeared...my knees were strengthened and my back too.
overall it's a wonderful program...you get out of it what you put into it.

goodluck!

All I can say is, once you find that kidnapper, will you please ask them the whereabouts of MY old self? Lol.

I gained a lot of weight during my pregnancy and had a 9lb baby 3 weeks early. (Can you even imagine full term? YIKES!) Other factors considered, I ended up w/ a dropped pelvis on the right side. I unknowingly walked around like that for 3 years until I was convinced to visit a chiropractor.

I'm now on a journey to get stronger. I'm going to yoga- which I LOVE- and exercise at least 45 minutes a day. I've gone a long time saying that I don't have time to exercise but when you want to make time for something, you can FIND time to do it. I've even invested in a few videos that I can do with my daughter on days when I just can't get out.

So far, I'm feeling optimistic. I say, get out there and find an work out buddy. I know how hard it is to get and stay motivated but you have to do this for yourself.

Time to get your sexy back!!! :D

Good luck, mama!

Hey K.! Just know that you are so not alone! Have patience, sometimes it can take up to a year and a half to two years post baby to feel good again. Stretching and massage therapy help greatly. Try to allow yourself to get the massage therapy from a GOOD massage therapist and it can make all of the difference in the world. As I well know, this is easier said than done. But you are worth it, so don't delay or you could get more down over time. Also, lots of vitamins and fiber. Good luck!

Kristin -

Depending on where you live, I was in Arizona at the time, I found a good 45-60 minute power walk, cleared my head and unbelievably brought me back to old self. I had either Daddy, grandma or sitter stay with daughter. Since I did gymnastics, played field hockey, skiied, both water and snow, rode horses, I had injuries that totally eliminated jogging. I found that walking with some great music mixes blaring, strides resembling lunges and not caring, because the music is blaring, about how I walked, gave me my me time. I watched great sunrises and sunsets, depending on temp and time of year, literally gave the brain not much to do unless I needed to, and got in shape. I had the gym memberships, classes etc available, but loved that hour outside by myself.

Hi
I joined www.babybootcamp.com
It is a stroller based exercise group that meets in most areas. You take your baby with you and get a great workout. Strength, resistance and cardio. You also get the opportunity to meet other moms - a great source of support, socialisation and information.
Good luck

Get out and move... NOW! (-:

If you are a stay at home Mom, check out www.strollerstrides.com, this not only gave me my body back but a brand new one!

If that isn't an option then just start by moving for at least 30 minutes a day. stretch when you get up, stretch before going to bed. You'll feel so much better and your body will thank you!!

Eat well and take care of yourself, you are worth it!!!
M.

I had alot of aches and pains too. I went back to gym when my son was 2 months old but I hadn't worked out in almost 2 years. It was hard because of my joint pain in my ankles and knees but I stuck with it. I would only go 3 times a week at first but within 2 months I could go 4 or 5 days a week. I would do cardio and pilates and I went to Weight Watchers for one month to be reminded of what a portion size actually was! I gained about 47 lbs. with my son. I lost 25 within the first 6 weeks (I only breast fed the first 4 weeks). By the time he was 4 months I lost another 10 lbs. But I didn't lose anymore until he was 9 months old and then I lost 7 lbs. I have only lost 2 lbs. since then and my son is 13 months old. I have 3 lbs. to go still but I think it's here to stay unfortunately. It is a long and sometimes painful process getting your body back so I totally understand!! It can be done though. Good Luck.

I really like Jen's response below! She said it perfectly! If you add some weight training and cardio 3 x's a week you will be a new and improved person. :) I have had 2 children and my post baby body is so much better because of adding weight training!!
If you would like any advice feel free to e-mail me and I will give you some pointers. I am a Licensed Sports Nutritionist and a Certified Personal Trainer and I love to help people. here is my website http://funtobefit.com
Go Kristen GO!!!

Hi Kristin!

I went to a chiropractor after delivering my first and it really helped- I only needed a couple of adjustments in the hip area to get me back to feeling comfortable. After that I would recommend going back to the yoga or pilates, but at a comfortable pace. I had a prenatal yoga video that I think would work for post-natal too, because it gave lots of options in terms of challenge. Oh and of course be sure you're eating well and sleeping well (ha ha).

Good luck! You can do it!!

Hi Kristin,

Same thing exactly for me. Did yoga, and was in great shape and stoppped everything for 4 years while I had two kids. I tried Stroller strides and other classes, and found a few things, first off, I love yoga, not exercise. Secondly, I wanted/needed "me' time. I splurged and joined Equinox, which has great childcard. It's expensive and quite honestly the Yoga classes are much more vigourous then what I am ready for. Just recently I started Kundalini yoga at the Awareness Center in Pasadena. It's been just what the DR. ordered. There is a 7am class, which I can swing with husband watching kids.
Good luck, and be gentle with yourself!