The first time around I, like most new moms, was winging it when it came to recovering and the road to getting back to "me". I want to stress that mental health is equally as important as physical health after baby and the balance is very tricky at times. You strive to maintain some sliver of a social life, and some "you" time (which usually consists of the ten minute power shower), and maintain housework, and acknowledge the husband ( who?) as Sweet Brown has famously said, "Ain't nobody got time for that!"
By the second time around I had really learned a lot. I'm not sure if its because I had two boys in a row, or if it was because I had gone through the process of having a fragile newborn and knew I was more than capable of taking care of one, but it seemed to be second nature? I now have a plan formulated for baby #3 due in January and have worked long and hard at making sure I have everything ready to accomplish my goals.
Here is my formula.......
#1- Pick out a going home outfit for yourself that is a statement of reclaiming your body! I know you just gave birth and you probably want to hang out in some yoga pants or sweats and hoodies or tees until you start feeling better. That was my plan the first time around and even though I left in a cute coral sweatsuit I got home feeling frumpy, and unmotivated. Second time around, I brought my favorite maxi dress, some spanx ( i'll get to that), a new scarf, and my favorite jewel sandals. I left feeling like a million bucks! I was ready to do this motherhood thing again, from the top....and I felt happy, healthy, and motivated! Here is what I've come up with for this time around!
By the second time around I had really learned a lot. I'm not sure if its because I had two boys in a row, or if it was because I had gone through the process of having a fragile newborn and knew I was more than capable of taking care of one, but it seemed to be second nature? I now have a plan formulated for baby #3 due in January and have worked long and hard at making sure I have everything ready to accomplish my goals.
Here is my formula.......
#1- Pick out a going home outfit for yourself that is a statement of reclaiming your body! I know you just gave birth and you probably want to hang out in some yoga pants or sweats and hoodies or tees until you start feeling better. That was my plan the first time around and even though I left in a cute coral sweatsuit I got home feeling frumpy, and unmotivated. Second time around, I brought my favorite maxi dress, some spanx ( i'll get to that), a new scarf, and my favorite jewel sandals. I left feeling like a million bucks! I was ready to do this motherhood thing again, from the top....and I felt happy, healthy, and motivated! Here is what I've come up with for this time around!
#2- Wear Spanx (or any high waisted shapewear you choose) for 40 days and nights. I did this both times and I was able to reclaim my former shape and eventually tone up my midsection. This is actually practiced in many different cultures in many forms! Some use a gauze wrap, ace bandages,or just plain material wrapped multiple times tightly. I used to think it was ridiculous back before I had kids. Seriously though,come on people, we've already been uncomfortable for the last few months, whats another 5/6 weeks?If it means things will be more likely to work back into place why not? I actually wore mine past the 40 day mark for comfort during the day. I am not one who is comfortable with my bulges or bumps even if no one else can see them.....( I prefer the high waist boy short type, see above image)
#3- Make a starting workout plan- As eager as you are, I highly recommend waiting the full 6 weeks before you do any more than walking. I'm not going to list all of the risks but I've heard of women who were so eager to get back in shape after their babies they ended up hemorrhaging and almost dislocating their reproductive organs from a mixture of gravity and the strain they were putting on their bodies. That being said have a starting goal in mind. Mine is to start doing Zumba at home on my Wii. I have done both Zumba 2 and Zumba Core at home on the Wii and have seen awesome results, and its really fun! So I got the new Zumba World Party and am excited that I know where to start on my road to post baby weight loss.Also, remember to be realistic. I'd love for my goal to be- Make it to the gym 3 days a week. I also know I'll have 3 kids, it'll be the end of winter, my gym doesn't take babies under 12 weeks old, etc., etc..
#4- Buy a new workout outfit- Just like the going home outfit, this outfit will serve a fell-good purpose. It is the start of you reclaiming your health/fitness! Even when I hit a plateau on the road to shaping up I usually go for a new workout outfit, or at least a fun bright top or new sports bra. These things don't have to cost much. Try Marshalls, Walmart or Target and often times you can get a complete workout outfit for around $20. I happened to catch the first ever semi-annual sale on the Zumba website ( going on until Dec.25th, 2013). I love the bright colors and couldn't pass up some of the awesome deals they are having!
***PS- if you have an instructor code from your Zumba instructor, you can get an extra 10% off your order!
#5- Use an event as motivation- Usually my motivation is a friends/family members wedding. You could also use a birthday, anniversary, or heck just pick a date! Again, BE REALISTIC! I'm having my baby in January, and as much as I'd love to say Valentines day would be my goal, it obviously, for many reasons, cannot be.Try to make the date 6-9 months post delivery. As they all say, " It took 9 months to gain it, give yourself 9 months to lose it." If it works out that you accomplish your goal earlier that's absolutely wonderful! If it takes a little longer, don't get down and give up, just extend it to baby's 1st birthday and I know you will make it! My goal is my birthday, which is exactly 6 months after baby.
#6- Say No, more often- As much as we'd all love to make it to dinner parties, social gatherings, and even play dates, sometimes its just best to say no. Politely decline and let everyone know its not personal and that you are looking forward to catching them at the next occasion. I attempted to attend everything after baby #1 and was so flustered sometimes that I felt I did more damage to my relationships with others by being there than I would have if I had declined the invite. Up until a certain point not all of us are able to leave the little one (even with trusted loved ones) and slip into our old selves for the evening. I found often times that I'd feel guilty being away from them. Even at events where they could attend, I often felt as thought I were appearing to be anti-social because it was easier for me to park myself and the kids at a table in the corner so I could keep all of my things out of the way of others and so that my children were far from the exits and I didn't have to keep chasing after them! Even though they are usually fairly well behaved, kids are kids, and at certain ages they are just more curios!
#7- Give yourself a break- There may be times where you feel out of touch with yourself. There may be times where you know you've said or done something that just really isn't like you. Try not to judge yourself so harshly immediately post baby. With baby #1 I really felt as though it took 2 years to fully "find myself" again. A lot of the first year (other than moments caught on video/in pictures) was a blur. The people who love you and understand you the most will still be there when the dust settles. I wish for everyone reading this that some of my discoveries will help you on your journey back to mental/physical health and reclaiming your own identity after baby. Motherhood is the most wonderful thing in the world, but it is a tricky balance. Everyday we learn something new about ourselves in so many ways!
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