Postpartum weight loss

[Sarah]

I'm looking forward to shedding not just the weight I've put on in pregnancy (15 lbs), but also some of the excess I was carrying before I fell pregnant. I want to be a healthy, sexy, confident mum! I think it's important to note that for me, sexy doesn't imply any sort of shape or weight, but rather a feeling that I'll have when I get to the right weight for me. I've spent about 11 years hating my body, and I'm through with that. I want my daughters to have a better image of themselves than I did/do. Do any of you have any experiences in this area that you'd care to share?

[Ivy]

Hi Sarah,

I think the first step is to love yourself the way you are now. We're not defined by our bodies alone. With that said though, I think we've all had those times when we look in the mirror and only see the flaws (I'm in this period right now too).

With a new baby, it's tough to always fit in a workout (heck, I'm still having trouble and my baby just turned one). To help boost weight loss, start with lifestyle changes (more water, less soda, more veggies, etc).

Why don't we start a challenge on here to help you (and myself and anyone else who wants to lose a few pounds and get healthier)?

[Sarah]

I think that's a great idea! I'm still not postnatal - I've got about 2 weeks to go. I'm hoping it's sooner, because I had a false start last Sunday, but I think a challenge is a terrific idea. Some of the things my husband is going to do for me/us is to buy me a gym membership, as well as buy bicycles for us with toddler seats/baby trailer on the back, so we can go out together riding as a family. Plus, we're buying a new pram, a double so we can all go out walking as well. He's promised to get me out of the house for at least 30 minutes each day, no matter what I try and dish up as an excuse! I am married to the best guy! I might be a little bit biased though. :-)

[Leah]

I'm trying to lose my baby weight right now too - I have about 10 pounds to go, and I'd like to lose at least 5 more since I had been working on losing my "happy marriage weight" before I got pregnant. I'm currently about 30 pounds heavier than I was in college, but I was really thin then so I'm not trying to lose all of it.
I've been getting together with a moms group locally & we do stroller walks together, which is fun & helps me get some exercise that doesn't even feel like work. I'm also cooking at home more instead of getting takeout (the first month postpartum I was too tired/stressed/busy to cook, but it's getting a little easier now).
Also, I'm certified as a group fitness instructor, and now that I've recovered from the birth, I'm going to be teaching a class or two each week - love that - I get a workout, childcare is provided at the gym, and I make a little bit of extra cash.
Anyway - I love the idea of a challenge & I'd be happy to help with workout suggestions. :)

[Carina]

Hi Girls!

I just found this group for postpartum weight loss and wanted to know if you all are still challenging each other; if so can I join in? I just had my 4th baby in mid-April and need to lose the last 15lbs of my 35lb pregnancy weight gain. I have never enjoyed working out, so I have been focusing on my diet, but I think I may have to learn to enjoy exercising! (My metabolism at 39 is not what it was at 29!) ;)