Today is my six week postpartum appointment with my obstetrician. When my son was born, I gave myself a goal to be at a certain weight by the time this appointment rolled around. Yesterday, I stepped on the scale and found out that I met my goal! I am 13 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight!
Since I have met this goal, I'm ready to set another: by New Year's Day, I want to be within five pounds of my pre-pregnancy weight. I think this is very realistic because I should be able to pump up the exercise after my doctor clears me. All I've done up to this point is walk.
I believe my body has returned to its pre-pregnancy shape due to several factors:
1. I was healthy when I got pregnant. I wanted to be in great shape when my husband and I were trying to conceive. For some reason, I just felt that the entire process would be easier. And in my case, it was. We conceived within two months of trying to have a baby.
2. I kept up a walking routine. Both my doctor and my mom constantly encouraged me to keep walking while I was pregnant. And it seems that some research indicates walking throughout pregnancy not only helps you feel better during the pregnancy, but also aids in an easier delivery.
3. I am nursing. Obviously, the nutritional benefits for my baby were enough to encourage me to nurse. But I have to admit, rather selfishly, that when I read that nursing burns up to 500 calories a day, I was sold! I thought it would be the easiest exercise program ever! Ha! It really is hard work, not to mention, my son likes to eat A LOT! But now that we've both gotten the hang of it, I wouldn't do anything differently. It's convenient and cheap and nourishing to my baby.
4. I believe that my body will, in time, return to its healthiest weight. It's easy to get stressed that my body is not the same as it was a year ago, but then I remind myself that it just did this amazing job of carrying a baby full-term! Anyone who has carried a baby should be commended! You are a rock star! Isn't it amazing that your body can handle so much? What an innovative Creator we have! And in time, if well cared for, a body can look as good as it did before pregnancy. I have many friends who are proof of this!
I'm not seeking to brag or toot my own horn in all of this. I just wanted to share what has worked so far for me.
All I can say is that every extra pound and new stretch mark was worth it when I snuggle my precious son. I would do it again in a second!
This is my first pregnancy picture at eight weeks. I was still at my pre-pregnancy weight. Hoping to get back to this by January 2014!
No comments:
Post a Comment