Body image after baby « Back to Group Discussions

[element2012]

Just wanted to check in with us, now that our little ones are nearing a year.  How are you feeling, body image wise, now?  How did losing the weight go for you? How has your body changed?  How do you feel about your body?

For me, I gained nearly 40 pounds, and hung out at +15 pounds over pre-preg weight until just recently.  I guess now that DD is older and bigger, nursing is finally helping me lose weight.  I really, really tried to lose weight in those earlier months, and just stopped caring recently.  Now I'm still +5 pounds, and don't care one way or the other.  I was bothered by the changes in my body at first (stretch marks, flabby tummy, wider hips and ribs).  Now most of the changes are barely noticeable, and I just think it's so kick-ass that our bodies can go through pregnancy and eventually return to some semblance of normal.  How are you feeling?

[MadelinesMama]

I am back down to exactly my pre-pregnancy weight.  This is my 2nd child and I don't feel like my body really changed shape after this one.  The change after the 1st was pretty dramatic and unexpected.  I had no idea that even though I lost the weight I wouldn't be shaped the same.  Luckily I seem to have retained the same shape this time and don't have to learn how to dress a new body type again!
 

[montessorimama1]

I recently started working p.t. from home so I barely have time to eat at all, and that got me down to my pre-pregnancy weight (after gaining 60+ lbs).  My boobs are actually smaller than before I got pregnant because I'm not nursing anymore, but I have a layer of fat + skin on my tummy that won't go away.  It muffins a little over my pants, but since I'm wearing looser shirts now anyways it doesn't really show or bother me.  It's a reminder of the life I created within this body.  :)

[Kindermama]

Funny you should ask because as I opened this site up, I was saying to my DH that I really need to lose 20lbs and that I don't like the way I feel in my body, it doesn't feel like mine. I gained 50-55lbs with E. He was my 4th pregnancy. My first pregnancy was when I was 19 and I had gained 75lbs (on a 125lb/5'-7" frame) and my body changed drastically back then. Stretch marks in many places...but before I had my 2nd, I was back down to 126lbs, toned and looking great (just couldn't pull off a bikini anymore with the stretch marks across my belly). I haven't seen that number since and I've had 3 kids since then :( I'm hovering around 165lb now (which is 11lbs heavier than pre-pregnancy). I carry my weight well (at least in the winter when I wear pants!) and many people are shocked when I tell them how much I weight. I wear a size 10 and a size medium up top. I'm trying to get down to 145lbs and a size 8. (by the way, even at 125lbs, I was wearing a size 8...even at age 19yo). 

I'm really struggling with mindless eating. E wakes up every 2-3 hours at night and so I'm often fatigued during the day and eat and crave sugary stuff just to get energy bursts. I started exercising religiously back in June and stopped mid-November. That really helped. I didn't lose a single pound but I gained muscle, looked toned, lost inches and went down a dress size (from 12 to a 10). Mid-november brought head lice and back-to-back viruses in my house and I didn't have any energy to keep up with my exercise routine so I'm all flabby again :( UGHHHHH. I'm losing this battle and it's been hard for me. I think it will get easier when I get some decent sleep and life eases up a little after the holidays. I'm stuck in some pretty bad eating habits. I try so hard to be mindful but sometimes I just binge and then realize I'm binging after it's too late. 

[juneboymum]

I still have 20 pounds to lose from this pregnancy (my 2nd). I gained almost 60 which is still shocking to me! I've been really struggling with a huge diastasis following this preg that did not want to close. It's gone from 4 inches to 2 inches so I just decided to screw all the warnings and start working out like usual. It's very frustrating to still have a pregnant belly! Oh well. I canceled the gym membership and got a couple of the Beach Body programs to do at home (Turbo Fire and RevAbs). I usually get 3-4 workouts in a week. Hopefully I'll be more bathing suit ready this March in FL than I was last March!
Juneboymum

[Kindermama]

Body image improving over here! I started Jillian Michaels 12 week program. I'm 3 weeks in and lost a dress size and almost 4lbs. I feel great on every level. I have so much more energy! I've been eating well and just really happy to be moving towards a healthier me! 

[element2012]

Yay Kindermama! I'll have to check out the DVD. I'm still no where near flat in the tummy area, but I've found that running after a toddler all day and a couple of yoga classes a week is enough to make me feel like I'm doing all right :)  I'm still +5 lbs but I don't really care to lose more.  The boobage is already looking sadder and more weight loss won't help! If I could figure out how to get rid of this tummy bulge I'd be doing pretty good!