As if motherhood doesn't come with enough challenges, caring for myself has fallen to the bottom of a long list of "more importants" and "must do's". I am now responsible for a whole other person, and his needs come before mine. This leaves very little time for things I used to enjoy. Pastime favorites such as planning and preparing elaborate healthy meals, hitting the gym four to five times a week with my best friend, getting a biweekly pedicure or my hair cut and colored once every few months have become luxuries and more shockingly, rarities. These previous must-haves are almost impossible to fit in to the agenda these days between diaper changes, breastfeeding around the clock, tummy time play, sleep training, etc, etc...."Me time" has all but evaporated. Most days I have to settle for a 5 minute shower and eating breakfast with one hand.
My postpartum body has left something to be desired. At almost 10 weeks out I became very impatient with my progress. Friends, Family and my Husband had reiterated "you just had a baby", or "it will take some time to get where you were". Well-meant words gave little comfort and at that point getting dressed in anything besides "jogging" pants made me seriously consider starting a small bonfire in my closet. At 15 weeks out I am somewhere between pulling up saggy maternity jeans every 10 minutes and trying to develop a new strategy for tucking in belly skin to my old jeans. Paints a lovely picture, doesn't it? The round, smooth pregnant belly is gone and in it's place remains a deflated, flabby expanse of Mommy "battle wounds".
I gained sixty pounds during my pregnancy and was already about twenty pounds over my ideal weight when I first became pregnant. Admittedly, I enjoyed every indulgent taste of "eating for two" despite being vaguely aware that each bite would eventually come back to haunt me. Alas, I cannot take all the credit and genetics played their own part. Consequently no amount of creams or oils could prevent me from inheriting my Mother's stomach. While the first thirty came off relatively quickly, I anticipated a long battle ahead to tackle what remained. This battle required a plan of action!
I gained sixty pounds during my pregnancy and was already about twenty pounds over my ideal weight when I first became pregnant. Admittedly, I enjoyed every indulgent taste of "eating for two" despite being vaguely aware that each bite would eventually come back to haunt me. Alas, I cannot take all the credit and genetics played their own part. Consequently no amount of creams or oils could prevent me from inheriting my Mother's stomach. While the first thirty came off relatively quickly, I anticipated a long battle ahead to tackle what remained. This battle required a plan of action!
So, I plan to hold myself accountable and MAKE the time to take care of myself. This is something my Mom never accomplished. She spent all her time and energy caring for her Family, an admirable quality unless it comes at one's own expense. Levi deserves a happy, balanced Mommy. I want to teach my Son how to live a healthful, active life while practicing moderation. I needed a plan I could stick to and one that allowed me to continue to enjoy some of life's indulgences and the occasional glass of red wine.
About five weeks ago I marched myself (baby in tow) to the local Weight Watchers meeting and re-joined. I like WW because it teaches and motivates me to eat and live healthfully while accounting for human nature and an occasional splurge. It has worked for me in the past, and I am inspired to give it the ol' college try now. I have already lost almost 8 pounds since joining, slow and steady! I have been trying a lot of new recipes and breaking out some of the old favorites. I have also started exercising more, Levi and I really enjoy our walks. I even jogged (GASP) a little last week and someday I hope to make it back to the gym! At least that is what I tell myself when the payment comes out every month.
I am a nursing mom, which complicates my weight loss to some extent. According to WW, nursing mothers can "safely loose a pound a week" in order to avoid interfering with milk supply. I would like to continue nursing Levi for a year, if possible. Returning to work will also complicate matters, but I am committed to trying at the very least. At this point I am trying to focus on increasing my activity, making good food choices, and enjoying my Family!
I have heard that the older we get, the more we become like our Parents. I must say while it was not my first choice of inherited traits, I am proud to have my Mother's stomach. It reminds me of her sacrifices. It reminds me of my own. I earned this postpartum body, and I will have to earn a fitter version of it also. I am determined to enjoy the journey and celebrate the little victories. I am determined to get this Mommy tummy back into its proper shape and proper jeans! Nobody said parenthood would be easy, but to whom much is given, much is required. I have the battle scars to prove it!
I am a nursing mom, which complicates my weight loss to some extent. According to WW, nursing mothers can "safely loose a pound a week" in order to avoid interfering with milk supply. I would like to continue nursing Levi for a year, if possible. Returning to work will also complicate matters, but I am committed to trying at the very least. At this point I am trying to focus on increasing my activity, making good food choices, and enjoying my Family!
I have heard that the older we get, the more we become like our Parents. I must say while it was not my first choice of inherited traits, I am proud to have my Mother's stomach. It reminds me of her sacrifices. It reminds me of my own. I earned this postpartum body, and I will have to earn a fitter version of it also. I am determined to enjoy the journey and celebrate the little victories. I am determined to get this Mommy tummy back into its proper shape and proper jeans! Nobody said parenthood would be easy, but to whom much is given, much is required. I have the battle scars to prove it!
