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:
Walk at least 2 miles a day in the form of intentional exercise.
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.
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!
Have a great day! xo
Alex
