FASTer Way to Fat Loss 3 Week Update

FASTer Way to Fat Loss Update

Project Social T Tommie Striped Tank Top - Women's • Project Social T • $37.95
Alo Yoga High-Waist Ripped Warrior Leggings • Alo Yoga • $125
Quay Empire Sunglasses • Quay • $60

HAPPY MONDAY! Who is ready to get after it this week?!!

I’m officially 3 weeks into the FASTer Way to Fat Loss program and I wanted to share 4 things that have surprised me about the program, and what have been my hottest items at the grocery store the last month!

If you don’t have any clue what I’m talking about, check out my 4 months postpartum post where I explain a little bit about the FASTer Way to Fat Loss program!

4 things that have surprised me the most about the FASTer Way to Fat Loss Program:

1. How Quickly I saw results: I’ll admit I was pretty skeptical of the program going into it especially because I’m nursing. BUT I swear that I saw a difference in my body within 5-7 days. I could see changes in my body, clothes fitting better and the crazy thing was…I was eating ALL of the food! This kept me super motivated on and on track! I’m currently halfway through the program, and have lost weight & inches (technically I’m not supposed to weigh myself so shhhh….don’t tell!!But I already have lost a few lbs!)

2. How easy the intermittent fasting is: I was honestly really worried about skipping breakfast and not eating until noon. Going 16 hours without food seemed pretty much impossible. ha. Can you tell I love food?!! I pretty much was convinced that I might shrivel up and waste away during the 16 hours. lol.

   It’s turned out that intermittent fasting is one of those things that sounds harder than what it actually is (for me anyway). Its really just getting past thinking about eating all the time! In order to make the transition easier, during “prep” week I worked my way up to the 16 hours of fasting. And this is coming from someone who LOVES breakfast. Truthfully, It makes my mornings so easy to not eat and I really feel like its working!

3. My milk supply has been great: Outside of the intermittent fasting, maintaining my milk supply was probably my biggest concern going into this whole thing. I’m happy to report that MY MILK SUPPLY HAS INCREASED. Guys, I have more milk now than I did before AND I’m getting leaner relatively quickly! I have no issues on low carb OR low macro days. So, this was clearly a pleasant surprise!

4. Prep week is overwhelming, but after a few days everything becomes second nature: During prep week, I felt a little overwhelmed with info and scared i wasn’t going to be able to manage this. Crazy as it sounds, after a few days, I was starting to take the time to plan the night before (I totally recommend this) and punch everything in to myfitness pal! Remember, knowledge is power! I can’t say enough how much you will learn about fueling your body when you join the FASTer Way to Fat Loss.

Project Social T Tommie Striped Tank Top - Women's • Project Social T • $37.95
Alo Yoga High-Waist Ripped Warrior Leggings • Alo Yoga • $125
Quay Empire Sunglasses • Quay • $60

The next round starts on July and you can register here: https://www.fasterwaycoach.com/#Alexsahlen2 . THIS IS an affiliate link, but please know I didn’t even share the link before I started because I wanted to be sure it was something I could stand behind! I truly love how I feel right now and I’m starting to feel confident that this can get me where I want to be physically WHILE I’m nursing my little guy!

I have another 3 weeks left in the program and I’m excited to see where it will take me! I’ll be sharing my results mid July on the blog including a Q & A on the program.

My current grocery store list:

As always, let me know if you guys have any questions about the program!

xo

Alex

2 Months Postpartum: The Body

Stash Pocket Salutation Peony 7/8 Tight • Athleta • $71.99
Athleta Athleta Women's Encore Tank Top • Athleta • $33.93
Nike Pro Classic Mid-Impact Swoosh Sports Bra 842398 • Nike • $30

2 Months Postpartum: The Body

It’s been 2 months since my little guy was born. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday he was born.. but at the same time I can’t even remember life without him. Does that even make sense? 🤷🏼‍♀️

There is so much that goes into the postpartum period of having a baby. Not only adjusting to the baby, but the mental and physical side of things for YOU, the mama. Everyone provides so much support right after the baby, but when that first month is over and everyone goes back to work, and their own lives it can be HARD. You’re at home with a crying baby and it can get overwhelming especially if its your first baby. The 24/7 care can be exhausting. Combine that with hormones, breastfeeding, as well as with the physical changes that pregnancy and postpartum brings its no wonder there are so many women with the baby blues or even PPD. So little attention is brought to a woman’s mental state after pregnancy.

As you know, I write about everything…baby, mom stuff, recipes, fashion…it has super therapeutic in a way for me with this third baby. Having a baby can be isolating but this has given me an outlet when I might be otherwise cut off a little bit from society and my “regular” life.

But my favorite posts by far have tp be these body/fitness updates because even though I get frustrated on the DAILY- weighing myself, seeing an unflattering angle in the mirror, trying pre pregnancy jeans on.. the list goes on LOL... (I’m just being real with you during this postpartum phase) when I look back on my previous monthly posts, I can see that I’ve made progress. And I know there are SO MANY other women who feel the same way. And if I can see positivity & progress in my own journey, so can you.

Sometimes progress is hard to see when you’re grafting day and in and day out and things aren’t happening as fast as what you’d like. I encourage you to take progress photos and look at all of this from a “big picture” standpoint. How far you have come, rather than how far you have to go.

I know I feel inspired when I see other women work hard for things they want and I hope in a small way I can do the same for you. I’m not where I want to be yet (not even close), but I’m loving sharing the journey in depth with all of you.

Postpartum Feelings

I've been a mother for almost 5 years. To some of you, I'm still a rookie. And let me tell you, a lot of the time I sure do feel like a rookie. I think in our own way we are all newbies trying to find our way not only for our children, but for our new life as parents, caregivers. Because just when you think you've figured it out, they go and change on you again :) 

I can't tell you how many times over the last 4 1/2 years I've come across messages of "love your ____(insert either body, scars, battle wounds, mom pooch, tiger stripes, curves, stretch marks" etc. ) in social media, magazines, tv. It’s everywhere. Don't get me wrong. I love messages of positivity to uplift women whether you're a mom, a teen, or a twenty something post college graduate. But I guess a part of me has fought this message internally. And its always made me feel weird and to be honest, like an outsider when it comes to this topic. I don’t know if this message is realistic, for me anyway.

I don't love my postpartum curves. I don't love my stretch marks. I don't love my loose skin. I don't love my c- section scars. What I do love? MY SONS. My beautiful three boys. (they of course were worth every ounce of pain, sacrifice, skin sagginess, scars, and stretch marks FYI !)

If you asked me if I could have heathy children and do without the loose skin & stretch marks I wouldn't think twice. Absolutely I would take that. And I bet I'm not the only one who would -whether people want to admit it or not. Those battle scars…They’re just human.. and part of the process for some of us.

What I do is thank my pre-pregnancy body for being STRONG, fit and healthy enough to carry my babies…not my stretch marks or loose skin.

And my postpartum body? I might not love every part of it. BUT I RESPECT the HELL out it. My curves, stretch marks, loose skin and scars.

In my opinion, the most important way (and most realistic way) you can love your body is by respecting & appreciating it throughout all the crazy seasons of life us women go through.

Now…on to Month 2!

Post surgery:

This was the best recovery by far from all of my C sections. I think because my incisions opened (superficial layer, not infected or anything) the last 2 times I was really careful. In addition, I had a lot of help at night with my husband bringing baby to me in the middle of the night to nurse (not getting up out of a chair holding baby) which was #husbandgoals. Lastly, the horrible weather we had the first 4 weeks postpartum actually went in my favor because I didn’t go for walks or leave the house. Haha.

I have no issues with my incision and hopefully every day the scar will fade. Although having the scar doesn’t really phase me, to be honest. I think out of all things “postpartum” that is the thing I least care about.

Workouts

I’m getting 3-4 strength training workouts in during the week and trying to get 2-3 days of cardio in. I’m careful with my cardio; I want to be sure my body is able to handle the impact. Because of this, I’m really focusing on weights and getting stronger right now. During pregnancy I lost so much muscle- and gained a lot of extra fat so I’ve got to ease my way into it. In addition, I have about 2 cm of separation still between my abs-which I am doing DR exercises to improve.

I’ve gone on 3-4 runs and my times have already started to lower. I’m soooo far off where I used to be but I’m trying to focus on what I CAN do and not what I used to be able to do. I know I’ve done this twice before; and I can do it again if I want it bad enough.

Nutrition

To be honest, my nutrition has been better this postpartum period than it was with the other two. I’m eating less cereal/empty carbs at night and if I need a snack at night I choose Greek yogurt. During the day I’m pretty structured and disciplined. Breakfast is usually eggs with turkey bacon, eggs on its own, or chicken sausage always paired with oatmeal. Lunch is usually chicken or salmon with salad, and you have all seen my dinners throughout the week in my Monday meal plan.

Of course, I have “splurge” meals (like pizza last week saturday, for example) and I usually have a treat or two after going to the grocery shopping (I blame the “hungry me” for buying my fave love crunch granola haha)

For those that have breastfed, you know the struggle is real with nursing hunger…or HANGER. Ha. I literally CANNOT go to bed without eating something because I’ll wake in the night hungry.

I definitely don’t portion out my meals too much, I would say breakfast and lunch I know pretty much the macros I’m eating but dinner and before bed all bets are off. For me, maintaining my supply is most important and if it takes me 3 months longer to achieve what I want, then so be it.

Weight/ body image

My clothes are definitely fitting better but I would say 70% of my closet doesn’t fit, or it doesn’t fit comfortably/ the way I want it to. Which is super frustrating, but it is what it is. I’ve accepted it, respect it and I’m going to keep showing up like a bad penny at the gym getting after it.

I’ve also bought 2 new pairs of jeans because I’m not putting some ridiculous pressure on how fast “i bounce back”. Some of my pants are going to take about 6 MONTHS to fit back into, and thats just reality. You don’t get a medal, a trophy or anything special for fitting into your jeans quicker! I’ll get there and I know from my other two babies it takes time. A lot of time. Like over a year. And it takes sweat. Discipline. And of all things, consistency.

Weight wise the scale hasn’t budged in about 4 weeks. It has. not. budged. a. single. pound.

4 weeks of being intentional about walking (the first 2 weeks. Working out the last 2 weeks, 5 days a week.

4 weeks of intentional, healthy eating.

So, basically, I’m still 15-ish lbs above pre-pregnancy weight.

Frustration is an understatement.

I found with my other two babies I was able to lose a majority of the weight (over a 12 month period-let’s be clear!!) but I coulden’t get as lean/lose the last 3-4 lbs until I stopped nursing. Whether that was hormones, or my hunger, I’m not sure. We will see this time around! Everyone’s body is different and reacts a different way to nursing.

So, if you’re in the same season as me (this awkward postpartum phase), know that taking small victories like FEELING good, fitting into pants better, having more energy, being able to lift a heavier weight, or running faster/longer means far more than the scale anyway.

And as those small victories keep piling up ….you’ll see movement in the scale. Because that’s really how it works.

End of Story.

xo

Alex

The Body: One Month Postpartum

Happy Thursday friends 👫 

Hope you all are having a great week and I’m just here to remind you that there is only one week left in February . YES. Spring, where you at?!! 

Thought I would give you all an update on operation postpartum body! 

First up:

The post birth/ surgery recovery:

I’m FINALLY feeling more like myself. My incision is looking 👌🏼and I’m able to move around at quicker speeds, getting in and out of the car isn’t an issue anymore, and overall I feel like I’m almost there! 

My bleeding was on and off until about 2 weeks postpartum. Which I actually thought was pretty fast considering…BUT. I really, really wanted to get out of the house and go grocery shopping MYSELF so last week Sunday I went to the grocery store with my oldest. It felt SO good to feel like a functioning human again. Unfortunately, I came home and within a couple of hours I was bleeding…bright red blood. It was definitely from the grocery store trip and pushing the cart!! So, lesson learned. Its crazy how much healing your body needs to do postpartum!! After 24 hours though the bleeding stopped and I’ve been fine ever since. It was for sure a reality check to slow down though and a reminder at how much your body went through the last 9-10 months!

I’m definitely feeling confident about pushing myself now, 10 days later, to walk every day without being worried about my incision, bleeding, etc.

Weight /Body Image, etc.

From a weight standpoint... I’ve lost two more pounds in the last 2-3 weeks. So, I’m sitting right at about 20 lbs lost, 16 to go. Ugh. 

I’d be lying if I wasn’t really frustrated about the weight loss.. and how I look. Like really, really frustrated.

I’m trying to be as patient as I can and be as realistic as possible. I just made a human. And let’s be real: I haven’t done much consistently to lose more weight-obviously I’m not cleared to workout and walking has been dependent on the weather. So, why would I lose a ton of weight?!! LOL. (this is the realist in me talking)

But then the other side of me expects to be closer to where I was haha. 98.9% of my clothes don’t fit. And they’re not even close to fitting…so just so y’all know this whole postpartum thang is TOUGH. I’m not one of those people that “bounces” back. Yeah, I might look decent, but I’m SOOOOO far off where I normally am and its definitely been tough on my mind. So on top of not recognizing yourself, there are so many adjustments right now in your body hormonally. Then add in changes to family dynamics, sleep deprivation, crying infants, and its no wonder people have postpartum depression and anxiety!

So, if you’re in this season, like me, HANG IN THERE. You will get your body back, (with probably a lot of hard work though lol) and your life will slowly come back to you, it just takes time. And I know this is such a cliche saying but “it will get better” is all I can say. I know it doesn’t help you when you’re crying trying on clothes for your first day back at work, or for date night (like me tonight)…but just know I’m with you sister! You’re doing a great job. Love on that baby, and every day will get better.

What has uplifting my mood and helped with the baby crying has been walks! The past week I HAVE hit 10,000 steps every day and I’ve consistently gone on a walk the last 4 days so I’m heading in the right direction. I know it will only get easier to be active once the weather gets better, and when I get back into a routine after getting cleared to workout. 

Goals for the next 2 weeks:

I head in for my postpartum check up with my dr in 10 days- the first week of March. I’m trying to be realistic with my goals due to 1. Not sleeping lol 2. The fact that I have 3 kids and lastly, 3. I just had a baby!!! It’s going to take time! So- my goals until then are the following:

1. Walk at least 2 miles a day in the form of intentional exercise. 

2. Spend 10 minutes a day focusing on my Diastasis Recti. If you don’t know what that is, its basically where the rectus abdominis muscles in your abdomen separate during pregnancy, leaving a gap that allows your belly to pooch out. There’s tons of videos online on how to work on closing the gap and thats what I’ll be focusing on over the next 4-6 months along with strengthening my core.

3. Focus in on my diet ; especially eating less sweets/ snacks and adding a protein shake in its place.

I’m so motivated to get to my pre-pregnancy size (or closer to it) because I have so many cute clothes that I bought when I was pregnant that I want to wear! Also, HELLO to the amazing spring clothes lately! Workout clothes is no exception- the stores have been upping their game and I’m loving the spring pieces from Athleta.

Here are some ADORABLE Athleta finds (some on sale!) that are totally on my wish list right now!

Stash Pocket Floral Salutation Tight In Powervita • Athleta • $50.99–71.99
Coaster Luxe Sweatshirt • Athleta • $79
Cozy Karma Longer Hoodie • Athleta • $56.99
Camo Contender 7/8 Tight • Athleta • $89
Nirvana Sherpa Reversible Poncho • Athleta • $69.99
Banner Peak Down Vest • Athleta • $75.99
Essence Semi Fit Tank • Athleta • $24.99
Chakra 7/8 Tight In Powervita • Athleta • $29.97–98
Essence Handkerchief Hem Tee • Athleta • $43.99
Bandha Sweatshirt • Athleta • $63.99

Have a great day! xo

Alex

3 weeks Postpartum Thoughts & My #1 PP Must Have

Happy Thursday everyone!

Hope you all are having a good week and enjoyed the warm up we had at the beginning of the week! It def gave me spring fever 🌸 🌺 ☀️ It also made me totally want to book a getaway ASAP!! 🏝 LOL

Hopping on to give a lil update on 3 weeks postpartum and some of my Postpartum must haves...

3 weeks postpartum

I remember the days going by so slowly postpartum with both of my first two kids, but I feel like this time it’s flying by. Maybe because I have two other guys to look after? I’m not sure but it sure is going by fast. 

The newborn honeymoon phase is clearly over at this point and it’s GAME ON. I know sooo many people who are like “newborns are so easy”. I think they may be on some sort of drugs or .. they had a super easy baby. I prefer toddler phase SO SO much more. Probably because 99% of night waking is my responsibility ((nursing))so home girl is tired AF. So let’s get to it...

Sammy 

Our big guy loves cuddles, milk, and being warm. Tolerates tummy time better than my other two ever did, and likes the bottle definitely less than the others. Hates to be swaddled (wants his arms free) and is the only one of my kids who actually likes to baby wear! All in all, he’s growing, healthy and we coulden’t be more blessed. truly. ((even with the lack of sleep lol))

SLEEP 

Sleep was actually going okay. At first I was getting 2-3 hour stretches at night. Bedtime is all over the show ((which is normal I guess)) and the last week was pretty rough. There were 2-3 nights where he was up 11 pm-1:30 am and then up every 90 min after- which is brutal considering my other kids are up at 6:30/7 am. Last night I resigned to the fact that I needed to go to bed when my older two hit the sack around 8 pm and that’s what I did. So I was able to get two 3 hour stretches of sleep and then once we hit 2 am he was up every hour or 90 mins. I was so happy he wasn’t up for the happy hour at 11 pm! 

How am I managing it? Some days are better than others. Most days I’m okay... but tbh yesterday I felt completely defeated.

Like...I’m never going to sleep again or get anything done ever again??!!. Before I had Sammy, I was usually up before 6 am to get myself ready, work out, emails, work on stuff for our business, blog, etc. Now that’s clearly not going to happen and it’s driving me crazy. It was my “time” to be productive and going to bed at 8 or 9 pm also means I get ... nothing done at night. Ugh. 

I’m not much of napper but I have forced myself to when I have help. I also remind myself 55 times a night on how fast this will go, and how my little guy is so used to being with me 24-7 and that he needs me. His mama ❤️.

Also, caffeine helps. Lol. A lot. Gimme allll of the spark. 

Breastfeeding

All of the pains of the first couple of weeks have subsided including sore nipples, massive engorgement, super leaky boobs, etc. and we’ve settled into a pretty good routine. 

Sammy only has taken the bottle 2 or 3 times; he’s not a huge fan which is okay for me now anyway because I’m with him so much and not working atm other than doing some things remotely at home and a meeting or two every week that I need to head in to the office for.

He’s gaining weight really well and I’m so grateful for my body and ability to nurse him. I’m definitely going to write up a breastfeeding post to share with y’all including tips, things I wish I would have known, and my favorite nursing friendly clothing!! 

Body

I did a big post on this last week. In the past week, I’ve started to walk a little bit weather permitting. My incision feels better and better and no signs of any issues there.

Also ...true story ....after my first walk my abs were sore! Haha! I don’t force the walking though- if the weather is crappy (like today) I just roll with it!

I’m not going to lie that I don’t feel a little frustrated - I weighed myself yesterday for the first time in a week and I haven’t lost a single ounce. So, I’m still up about 18-30 lbs. 

On top of that I ((stupidly)) tried on a pair of my normal size jeans and couldn’t get them over my thighs. On the same day that I weighed myself #ROOKIEMISTAKE lol.

Literally cried for the first time since having the baby. Not sure why I decided to do both of those things in one day 🤦🏼‍♀️Anyway, I have soooo much work to go to get back where I was and I’m definitely feeling down about that. 

It’s actually FUNNY to me typing that. I mean, I did just birth a 8 lb human 3 weeks ago….I guess patience and grace is an area that I need to work on lol. Also I’m not even walking consistently so I’m not sure why i think my body should be back to the way it is. I guess its just been a reality check and thats been a tough pill for me to swallow about the work and grind I’m gonna have to put in starting at 6 or 7 weeks PP. I’m mentally gearing up for it though and ready for the challenge.

I’m definitely going to do a “body image” post sometime soon because its something I’m really passionate about and I have sooo many thoughts about the “body positivity” movement!

Brothers 

The boys have adjusted really well ((so far)) actually. Max is definitely more interested in his baby brother and is pretty helpful!! but Seb loves him as well. Managing all three at one time on my own is a bit of a circus. I resort to a little more TV time than I would normally especially because I have to nurse so much ... and baby wearing 🤷🏼‍♀️when I have to. Newborns DO sleep a lot which helps, and my boys are in school (Seb twice a week, Max 4 times) so the mornings are easier. Early afternoons are okay because both older boys nap so its pretty much the 3-6 pm time slot and I mostly have help for now.

Tuesday night I was on my own with all three boys for bedtime. Luckily the baby napped the hour leading into their bedtime so all was good 🙌🏼I’m looking forward to a month or so from now where I can start to have a routine for the baby (or at least a ball park scheduled bedtime) and it will give us a little more structure. 

Postpartum Must- haves

I thought I’d share a few things that have been crucial to the bane of my existence for the past 3 weeks! These are great for postpartum…but also just COZY and COMFY wear for those on the lookout!!

-My #1 PP Item- The belly bandit. I wear this thing 24-7. Helps me keep my core stable, gives me support, and helps with reducing size of my tummy post baby. Cannot recommend this enough!!!

-Barefoot dreams cardigan. Wearing a sweater at times can be cumbersome when you nurse 10 times a day lol! these are soo warm and easy to wear.

-Another barefoot cardi

-Barefoot socks….wore around house or out and about with boots!

-I wear these C-panties day and night to help protect my incision! A must for C Section mamas.

-Cannot live without my boppy for breastfeeding.

-I wear joggers around the house alllll day. Love these joggers from Loft. Honestly they are like a soft blanket!

-My Dylan joggers from Anthro are on mega sale. Great if you’re pregnant, not pregnant or PP. Come in tons of colors!

-When I actually have to look presentable I wear the Align legging from lulu (high waisted and suck it all in) or the Zella legging!!

-Can’t say enough about these Wit and Wisdom jeans. Elastic on jeans? yesssssss.

-BP t shirts- easy to nurse in and great for layering. ( i sized up for PP life) I have these in solid and striped. Wearin them all day everyday. Also. $10. Add to cart.

-The january tee is an easy postpartum option made by Free People!

Have a great day

xo alex

Week 2 Postpartum: The Body & Fitness

Happy Friday friends!

Wow..what a crazy SNOWY week we have all had. Hope yall are all thawing out :)

2 week postpartum thoughts

The last two weeks have pretty much gone by in the blink of an eye. Its funny how you go from one kid ((which you think is completely overwhelming)) to two kids ((a total adjustment and was even harder for me to adapt)) to THREE which …is just a complete circus ha! Probably hasn’t helped that its been zero degrees out, there’s been no school, and there has been 2 feet of snow! Can we say #CABINFEVER ?!!!

Tuesday was the first day that I had all 3 kids on my own for an extended period of time (like..6 hours)). …lets just say there is NO down time…and it is completely exhausting. haha. That also could be because I haven’t slept for longer than a 2.5-3 hr stretch in 3 weeks!!

It could have gone better…but it also could have gone worse. But with all that said.. I definitely feel like I’m adjusting to life with three better than life with two I don’t want to completely call it.. cause it’s still early days… but that’s the way it’s feeling anyways! I think once you hav mastered having two kids on your own, you’re used to playing zonal-so whats another one in the mix? LOL. I also think I’m more laid back about schedules, etc now that I’ve had to play zonal being on my own a lot for bedtime, etc. with 2.

Sammy is doing well and seems to have woken from his “newborn sleepiness”…which in a way is good, but in some ways bad. ha. I swear the amount of times he falls asleep on me and I set him down only to hear cries 2 minutes later….unfortunately with 2 other kids that need meals, attention, etc. its impossible for me to hold him nonstop. Luckily I saved one of my baby wraps so I strapped him in yesterday successfully and as I feel better and better after the c-section will be using it more and more…because I’m gonna need all the hands I can get.

I did a broad recap last week of how things were going after one week postpartum last week. This week I’m touching on where I’m at physically— thoughts after having baby 3, on my body, and fitness.

Mindset on going into Baby 3 Pregnancy:

To be honest, I was pretty scared about what my body was going to be like after this pregnancy. It took SUCH a beating from Seb and took the longest time to recover. My stomach needed so long to get it’s elasticity back and I had some stretch marks from him and the skin is CLEARLY not the same lol. I had thoughts of…wow look how rough and how long it took me to get back after baby 2…whats it going to be like after baby 3!! And I’m 2 years older..I was NOT optimistic!

I definitely felt like I got really soft at the end of pregnancy 2 and stopped lifting around 29/30 weeks. Mostly because I just felt so uncomfortable, it was SO HOT (hottest August in history) and I was feeling better running! I think the lack of lifting really hurt me in my recovery postpartum baby 2. I was so soft and WEAK postpartum. I know you can plan to lose a lot of muscle tone naturally through pregnancy, but it was crazy what I lost. So much so that I had a hip injury (torn labrum!…and hot damn that was painful!) due to weak core and glutes that sidelined me for a good 8 weeks. I did not want that to happen again!!

SO…My mindset with pregnancy 3 was to lift as long as I could, even if it was just body weight or lighter weights. I knew it would help me immensely, so ultimately that was my goal . I achieved that my lifting until about 37 weeks 2-3 times per week, and actually stopped running around 33 weeks. Sam was delivered at 38 +5 so I really only took a week off of lifting before I had him.

I have NO DOUBT that one of the reasons why my body has responded the way it has the last 2 weeks is because of the lifting I continued with 💪🏼!

Keep in mind I am a disciplined person and being active is just part of who I AM!! I watch what I eat (but I also splurge, esp when preggo!!) so those are all important factors that helped me!

You can look in my “fitness” section and “nutrition “ section for more details on my workouts and eating habits during pregnancy 3. I gained 34 lbs with baby 3- less than pregnancy 2 and I know I have less body fat this time around to work off.

NO FILTER…just me, some stretch marks, C section scar, some awesome cellulite, and huge nursing boobs. #2WEEKSPOSTPARTUM

Initial Thoughts 2 weeks out

Real talk: My stomach is a bit of a hot mess right now- wrinkly loose skin, stretch marks (mostly the ones from the second pregnancy)…fresh C- section scar. It’s not pretty.

In saying that, I am actually satisfied with where I’m at (I say that with a grain of salt because I’m such a type A and nothing is ever good enough haha) especially because I have photos to look back on from postpartum baby 2.

December 25, 2016- 3.5 months PP with Baby 2 vs Today (2/1/19) 2.5 WEEKS PP with Baby 3!!

And as you can see, I feel like I’m honestly at the same point at 2 weeks postpartum pregnancy 3 as I was at 3 1/2 MONTHS postpartum with pregnancy 2…if not in better shape!!

Progress photos are always good even if you don’t share them with anyone! It’s a good reminder of how far you’ve come and puts things in real perspective.

Staying positive about my body is my main goal as I work through the fourth trimester!

Weight Loss

I currently have lost about 1/2 of the baby weight. So basically I have about 17 or 18 lbs to go. Which is a lot, and I have a long way to go. But I’m just rolling with it and my main priority is healing completely from the C-Section and making sure my milk supply stays strong! I’ve definitely been sweating a TON at night losing a lot of the fluids that I was retaining during pregnancy so every day I notice the scale go down a pound or two. I know it will take time and I’m trying to not even think about it and just love on my baby!

Current Plan: Nutrition/Workouts

Current plan…is NO PLAN! Total recovery from the c section and no setbacks (my incision opened on a superficial level with both boys) and eating allll of the food to try and maintain my supply :) I honestly haven’t even gone for a single walk. I will probably try to start incorporating walking next week when the weather breaks and by that point I’ll be 3 weeks PP.

I’m excited for 6 weeks when I’m cleared to run and lift and share my journey back from baby 3 with y’all! For now…I’m just trying to rest and remind myself that I have tons of time to get leaner and just enjoy my time with the baby for now.

How did you guys feel with subsequent pregnancies? Worse? Better? Was the road back easier or harder?

Have a great day xo

Alex

Week 1 Postpartum & 10 Hacks to surviving the first week PP

My outfit: Free People top | Zella Legging | New Balance sneaks

Hey friends!!

Happy Hump day…although for me right now it seems like groundhog day lol. Allll of the days meld together and I don’t even have a day or night haha #postpartumlife

We welcomed Samson Alexander on January 16, 2019 💙💙we are so over the moon and BLESSED beyond belief

Wanted to give you an update and a few postpartum hacks for every new mama! Below is a few items I have been LIVING in this week cause just give me all the comfiessss.

Barefoot dreams socks- so comfy while the weather has been so cold ||| Barefoot Dreams Cardigan ||| Barefoot Dreams Cardigan || Graphic Tees | Loft Sweats literally the softest things I’ve had on my body!! || Ugg slippers ||

Update:

Birth

Everything went smooth during the surgery. We were scheduled for a 7:30 am, but it went a few minutes late. My spinal worked great and I was actually the most calm I’d been during any of the 3 of my C Sections. I did have some pain when they were taking Sammy out but other than that I felt fine. He had some problems breathing so the first 24 hours was pretty stressful but we got through it! I had a rough 24 hours post surgery, nauseous and throwing up (this didn’t happen with my other two kids)…honestly I felt HORRIBLE. I could hardly open my eyes I feel like…and combine that with trying to nurse your baby, etc. made for a tough day. More about the birth later….

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is going really well other than the fact that I feel like my boobs are the size of Texas and that someone is stabbing me with a knife in the nipple the first 30 seconds after latching… LOL. Its actually not funny though. Its so weird how I’ve nursed for over 2 years total with my other boys and my nipples are so sore still? Like why? It should be one of those things where it hurts the first time and then the next couple times you’ve paid your dues and you’re good- no pain. haha. Actually the whole child birth thing should be like that…who’s with me??!

Its always so crazy “learning” how to breastfeed again. I say “learning” because every baby is different and I feel like you almost forget how to breastfeed a newborn after a couple years. Older babies and toddlers are so different because they have the head control and know how to latch on their own so easily.

Breastfeeding a newborn is tough because you literally have to hold their head in place, and help them latch on and it can almost feel like you need an 7 arms to try and work through those first few feeds. Luckily Sammy caught on after the first day and has been doing great ever since. I definitely think the worst part of the first few days of breastfeeding is getting to know your baby and helping them learn how to eat…but also the engorgement ((and painful nipples!!).

I noticed for sure that the engorgement process got worse each time with each kid. With my second I was in a ton of pain and could hardly sleep when my milk came in…and with baby Samson even more so. I’ve finally JUST come through it and I’m so happy lol. They were rock hard and so sore for 4 days straight. Luckily, they gave me a hand pump at the hospital which helped a little, and this time around I was able to use my pump at home and that helped relieve a little bit. For some reason NOTHING would come out when I tried to express milk with Seb and I just had to keep nursing, and icing and it finally just worked itself out. I have about 30 ounces of milk already in my fridge ((um yes total oversupply over here lol) so I’m off to a good start. Its hard because I don’t want to pump too much; but at the same time I need relief!!
Sammy has already hit his birth weight 6 days after birth and I am so grateful for that! Our bodies really are amazing.

Home

The transition home was pretty seamless, mostly because my older two were still with their grandparents (Thank god!!) .

I stayed an extra day in the hospital- I’m so glad I did. I always get anxious when I get home and can’t take care of things myself. The first night home with Max is one my husband and I will legit never forget LOL. I don’t think we slept more than an hour. he honestly didn’t sleep AT ALL his first night home (haha this should have been foreshadowing for his first 8 months) and all he did was cry.

Seb didn’t sleep great on his first night home, but did ok. Sammy, the same. We were just grateful to settle him in and have some quiet time before the others came home! The boys just got home sunday so we are just trying to transition into 2 kids to 3!! It definitely is a lot louder with them home haha.

My biggest challenge is going to be getting rest and recovery but still carving out time for my two older boys. Also, our oldest is up super early ((like 6 am…ouch)) so there won’t be any sleeping in if I’ve been up all night with the baby. I think I’m going t o be permanantly exhausted the next year…but I guess you have done it twice so you kind of know what to expect. I also feel like right now I’m sleeping better than I was when I was pregnant ha! I had the worst insomnia and was so uncomfortable.

Recovery/Body

After the first initial few days, I am definitely feeling a lot better. I am still trying to sit/lay as much as I can to minimize movement with my incision and am avoiding stairs where I can. I haven’t really needed much pain medication since I came home which is great. Its a slow process but I keep reminding myself that every day I will feel 5% better. I came home from the hospital only dropping 8 pounds (like WHAT lol!!??Thats it?>)

I know from experience a lot of that is fluid retention(let the night sweats begin lol) so I’m trying to not read into it and give it time. My stomach is ((slowly)) going down and I know thats just a process!! I didn’t weigh myself the last 2 days (its been like a circus around here lol) but 5 days PP I was down 13 pounds/out of 35 total gained.

I wanted to share some advice/few of my Postpartum Hacks for surviving the first week postpartum cause it can be rough, yall!

1. Stool softener.: Ok peeps, if this your first kid this is a must have. Just thinking about going #2 PP is enough to make you cringe regardless of how that baby came out. This is my third time around so I knew to ask for it but they did not readily give it to me this time around (not sure why I had to ask) but it helps SOOOO much. Plz take it!

2. Nipple Cream: another must have for any breastfeeding mom. This has been a savior for me…it keeps your nipples hydrated when they get so irritated in the initial phases of breastfeeding.

3. Hospital Stay: I always recommend to people to stay in the hospital as long as you can. Yeah, I know there’s always people coming in your room checking on you, taking your vitals, etc. but BELIEVE me. Stay there as long as you can. Everything is at your finger tips. The second you get home you are instantly more active and have to be more mobile. I stayed in the hospital the full 3 1/2 days this time around and it was 100% better than the previous 2 deliveries.

4. Preparation is key: I can’t stress prep work enough!! Washing babies clothes, blankets, having a nursing station set up, baby items all set up, having items you need for postpartum life readily accessible (like clothes you’ll be wearing). I tried to get as much food prep in as I could too! As the female…you know where everything is so having it set up before hand so your hubby/SO doesn’t have to search for it is super important!

5. Ice Packs will be your BFF: Ice packs for everywhereeeeee. Down there, and for your boobs. Trust me. The best ones are the small kiddie ones from like the dollar store.

6. Belly Bandit: Get a belly bandit. I can’t say enough about this product and giving you support after you have baby…also it helps (I think) shrink the area and keeps your core “all together” and flattens it. Your core went through soooo much so its important to help it those first few weeks/2 months.

7. Rotate activity with rest: This is one I have a hard time with because when I’m home I just want to go, go, go regardless of how little sleep I get! I try to get 20-30 mins of activity (if baby is sleeping) and then the same ratio in rest time-ie. napping, sitting, reading, checking emails..just resting.

8. Take a shower everyday: Before I had my first, I heard these horror stories about people not showering for days so I always made it a priority for myself to shower every day. no matter what. It always made me feel more put together even if my life was a shit show! And my first was horrible - cried all the time-and I had zero help (as in was on my own with him about 8-10 hours per day every day) but I always showered. Self care people.

9. Take items from your hospital room: Use the products at the hospital as a resource and bring them home with you to make your transition home easier. Pads, granny panties, diapers, vaseline…bring it home!!

10. This is a season: Remember that honestly this is a season. things are going to be crazy, chaotic, frustrating, overwhelming…just remember that babies don’t keep. and that this too shall pass…!!!

Haven’t e a great wednesday loves!

xo

Alex