Post Pregnancy Work Out Progess Report and Tips

Sorry it has been a while. My husband went back to work on the 6th. With Christmas and a new baby, I don't have much time for anything else.

Any how, I want to summarize where I am at (currently 9 weeks post baby as of tomorrow) and give some advice after going through this process.

Apparel - All my pre pregnancy work out clothes fit me (some a little tighter than others), so I didn't have to buy anything new. I thought I would need something to keep my tummy in place, but I didn't. When I ran it felt like running on the heaviest day of my period. Now I only feel that way when I get to mile three, just shows my body is adjusting back. If you want to invest money in post pregnancy work out gear get some good sports bras. A nursing sports bra isn't necessary, but would be convenient. I just wear my pre pregnancy bras with a nursing pad in them to be on the safe side. They are REALLY tight and I am showing a little more cleavage than I would like, but they keep my boobs in place. It is not worth it to me to invest in new ones just for a couple month. I am going to need to replace all my sports bras soon any way.

Diet - If you read my blog regularly you probably know that I don't diet. I just try to eat as healthy as I can as often as possible, eating treats in moderation. I haven't put myself on a diet after pregnancy either (all the Halloween candy and holiday food is making it really hard!!!). I admit I have eaten desert almost every night (usually ice cream). I figure if I am working out almost every day and nursing, I can have a treat. I try to eat healthy the rest of the time though, eating as little processed food as possible, knowing grabbing an apple or some whole almonds is going to give me a lot more energy than those 100 cal packs with chocolate covered pretzels.

At 7 weeks pp, I had 9 pounds left to lose of the 25 I gained during pregnancy. I figure 3 of that is on my thighs, four of is around my belly, and the remaining 2 is in my boobs. I was surprised I hadn't lost more, but I am sure I am gaining back the muscle mass I lost from not working out as hard during pregnancy. (You should see my biceps now ;) ).

Exercise - Patients is key here. It is all coming back, but slowly. I can now run three miles no problem, even with the running stroller. My pace is down to the ten minute mile area, but I have had miles in the nine minute range with even spurts in the eight minute pace. When I started I though it would be forever for me to get fast again. With race season approaching I need to start working on distance and throw in some speed training during the week. Thirty Day Shred is going well. It has made a huge difference in my strength and endurance. I can notice the enhancements it has made to my running and the reduction in aches and pains in carrying around Hailey all day long.

In summary, I cannot stress enough to get in the best shape of your life before you get pregnant and stay as active as you can through out. It will make the process so much easier. I have had moms comment on how surprised they were with how early I went back to exercising (two and a half weeks). I felt fine at that point. I really think being in top shape helped. I haven't run a full marathon yet, but it has to be easier than having a baby. Treat having a baby like you are training for a marathon that never ends. It will make life so much easier in the long run.

Launching Operation Four Pack Abs

At two weeks and two days after Hailey was born, I got permission to start working out from my doctor. She wants me to do more core work than running and I agree with her. My abs and lower back feel weak. That does not mean I did not take the opportunity the first day to go running though ;).

I ran two miles and it felt sooo incredibly good. It was a lot easier than I expected too. I ran almost the entire thing, although it did take me 30 minutes. Since then I have gone on five total runs, with an average pace of 12:30. Slow yes, but I will take it. The farthest I have run is three miles.

My current work out plan is to take 30 minutes when I have it and either go for a short run or do 30 minutes of strength training. As soon as I feel a little stronger I am going to start 30 Day Shred. At this time, I do not feel like I can make it through one of the work outs. I have gone on two runs with the jogging stroller. Hailey likes it so far, in fact some times she starts to cry when I slow down. It gives me a lot of incentive to go fast and keep running.

Hailey and I on our second family run

Operation four pack abs? It is a goal. We will see if I get there. Working out again feels so good. I feel so much better after a work out then I do a nap. H goes back to work in a couple weeks. Hopefully I can continue to get my daily work out in. Running outside will be a lot harder. I have to go to the trail to run with Hailey and I don't want to take her out in the rain or winter cold.

One Week Post Pardum

Over the past week I have had a chance to reflect on things. I have some more good stories. A lot of pregnancy books focus so much on during the pregnancy they forget to talk about what happens after. Plus this gives me a chance to share the final results of my pregnancy experience.

Where cool socks to deliver
Although, you might be want to be willing to toss them afterwards, depending on what happens. I wore knee high Seattle Seahawks socks during my labor and delivery process. They are my favorite socks.  I was going to post a link to them, but they are no longer available. They are really cushy and keep my feet warm. I got a TON of complements on them. It seems like every nurse and doctor that came in the room commented on them. Fortunately the survived the labor and delivery process to live another day.

Utilize the nurses
This is something H and I were really bad at. We really should have used them more. There were a couple of times H was sleeping and I needed help moving around with the baby. I would have gotten more sleep if I had called a nurse. Oh well.

Hospital food sucks
They brought me meals every day and it really was inedible. I wish we had packed more snacks. I wasn't ready for how hungry I would be. I ate what I would call double meals for the first three days. For breakfast I would have a scone and a ham and egg sandwich. For lunch I would have a meal plus a protien shake and for dinner I would eat dinner plus a snack about an hour later. I also keep granola bars by our nursing glider. Now I only eat maybe one in the middle of the night when I am feeding Hailey.

Weight gain and loss
My pregnancy ended with a weight gain of 25 pounds. I was up to 27, but lost two the last week I was pregnant. As of a week and a half post pardum, I lost 13 of those pounds. I never had to wear maternity pants after giving birth. I can wear all my old shirts now too. I still wear two of my GAP maternity shirts for two reasons, they are really comfy and they are really long. I highly recommend them as a gift for anyone expecting. I bought two other tanks from Old Navy and I didn't like them nearly as much. I am actually pretty happy with my body after delivery. My hips are a little wider right now (but shrinking) and I still have a little belly, but I would say I would feel confident in a bikini. I also have no stretch marks!! I am so happy and feel so lucky.
Getting energy back
Each day I have more and more energy. I feel more like myself. I am trying to take an afternoon nap, but it does not always happen. I am the worst napper. I have been taking some walks with Hailey when we have nice weather. The walks take a lot out of me, but it is nice to get outside. Each day we can go a little farther. (I also LOVE our Bob Stroller, I will post a review for it when I can start running again. Even for walks it is worth every penny.)

Night sweats
Since I am still shedding my water weight, I sweat really easily. The first day I was home and took a nap I woke up and had H bring my a towel because my neck was drenched in sweat. It felt like I had a fever, but I did not. It was weird to see muscle definition in my calves again. I had no idea how swollen I actually was. I figured I had just lost muscle tone because I was not working out as hard. It is nice to easily get my wedding ring on and off again.

Finally, since it is Halloween, I will share a picture of Hailey in her costume.