One of the perks of pregnancy is to be able to pile on the weight without feeling guilty about it. That is not to say that one then goes on to pig out senselessly, but it does mean that one does not feel so conscious of one's increasingly more and more noticeable bump straining against one's clothes. And indeed, this is one of the best freedoms I enjoyed as a preggie - big and growing, and in fact, proud of it!
After the delivery, this perspective changes dramatically. Even though it is normal and expected for a new mother to sport a little bump still, I do feel rather conscious of my bump. Where before, I would have been totally comfortable with this little mound sticking out like a kangaroo pouch, I now reject clothes which do not conceal it. Suddenly, the thought of sucking in my breath comes back, and it has been a long time since this idea has even any relevance in my daily life.
So, during my 6th week check-up today, I was much eager to check my weight, although it didn't even figure anywhere in the doctor's checklist. I was given the all-clear; everything was fine except for a reminder to do my pelvic exercises, which irrationally do not seem as important to me now as they did during my pregnancy. I then asked to weigh myself. And...
After the delivery, this perspective changes dramatically. Even though it is normal and expected for a new mother to sport a little bump still, I do feel rather conscious of my bump. Where before, I would have been totally comfortable with this little mound sticking out like a kangaroo pouch, I now reject clothes which do not conceal it. Suddenly, the thought of sucking in my breath comes back, and it has been a long time since this idea has even any relevance in my daily life.
So, during my 6th week check-up today, I was much eager to check my weight, although it didn't even figure anywhere in the doctor's checklist. I was given the all-clear; everything was fine except for a reminder to do my pelvic exercises, which irrationally do not seem as important to me now as they did during my pregnancy. I then asked to weigh myself. And...
I have lost 7kgs! In 6 weeks! Yay! :)
To me, that is simply unbelievable. Unbelievable, because I don't feel a significant drop in weight. For one, I still don't fit in my pre-pregnancy clothes; the only clothes I fit are my maternity ones, including those that I could wear in my 2nd trimester (if that's any sort of consolation). And the annoying thing is that when it comes to pants, one is stuck in that in-between stage - you no longer have the bump to hold up your pants, so it kinda gradually slips as you walk. Yet, you are not thin enough to go back to your skinny jeans...
The other thing that makes the weight loss incredible is I am still round and mumsy. I know I have always thought bigger boobs are nice, but not when they are still accompanied by a noticeable bump that leads anyone who doesn't know any better to think that I am still pregnant...
In fact, I was convinced that I must have gained more kilos recently, going by the rate which I am eating to keep up with Julien's breastfeeding demands.
So, 7kg in 6 weeks really brings a big smile to my face. It is one of those rare times when you appreciate the data. especially when not being able to see the change as an observable fact. I also take great comfort from America's Next Top Model, when I watched Cycle 14 recently and found 2 candidates who each has a one-year old baby and yet sport lean, svelte figures... I mean, they did make it to the modelling competition, didn't they?! :)
And lastly, I am much encouraged by friends who have walked the same path - having babies and now back to their normal, pre-pregnancy figures or even better! I was told that there are 2 things that will make me regain my pre-pregnancy figure:
- Breastfeeding
- Pushimg baby out for a daily walk
That's it?! Apparently. My friends claimed that's how they so successfully shed their pounds. So now, there is an additional incentive to breastfeed and nothing is more effective at moving a woman than vanity (If you didn't know it before, looks are invariably tied to confidence for many a woman.).
Now, the second item - pushing baby out for a daily walk - has not exactly been something at the top of my to-do list till recently. In fact, I have been sorely amiss on the exercise front. I have only started thinking about exercise recently, when my frens and I were discussing flabby arms and jellylike tummies. Interestingly, once you strt searching, you do turn up many interesting options...
There is pilates for mummies. You can bring your babies to this class. So, you get out your mats and you start your lesson. If, at any point, your baby starts to bawl, it's alright, 'cos there are all these other potential timebombs, who may just go off anytime as well, so there is no need to feel embarrassed or panicky. Plus, the instructor, being a mother herself, has set up this class for mummies, because she understands the need for new mothers desperate for some exercise, so she is more than ready to walk over to your little one and rock him in his car seat and soothe him back to sleep while shouting instructions to you lovely mothers getting that stretch out of your bodies on your mats.
There is yoga and baby massage. This means part of the session has you stretching those loins and getting some deep breathing, while the rest of the time, you are walking those hand muscles, giving baby a nice relaxing massage.
There is "Push and Tone". Essentially, this class requires some basic equipment - you, baby and a baby buggy. So, baby is in his buggy and you are pushing him. And around you will be tons of other mothers and buggies and you are all walking briskly with your baby-laden buggies. Your baby gets a view and a sleep-inducing nap, while you get some toned leg and arm muscles.
So, I have many options. Definitely continuing the breastfeeding and pushing Baby for walks. And perhaps pilates... Or if nothing at all catches my fancy, there is always the luxury of personal training right in the comfort of home ... yup, Mr. Wii!
There is pilates for mummies. You can bring your babies to this class. So, you get out your mats and you start your lesson. If, at any point, your baby starts to bawl, it's alright, 'cos there are all these other potential timebombs, who may just go off anytime as well, so there is no need to feel embarrassed or panicky. Plus, the instructor, being a mother herself, has set up this class for mummies, because she understands the need for new mothers desperate for some exercise, so she is more than ready to walk over to your little one and rock him in his car seat and soothe him back to sleep while shouting instructions to you lovely mothers getting that stretch out of your bodies on your mats.
There is yoga and baby massage. This means part of the session has you stretching those loins and getting some deep breathing, while the rest of the time, you are walking those hand muscles, giving baby a nice relaxing massage.
There is "Push and Tone". Essentially, this class requires some basic equipment - you, baby and a baby buggy. So, baby is in his buggy and you are pushing him. And around you will be tons of other mothers and buggies and you are all walking briskly with your baby-laden buggies. Your baby gets a view and a sleep-inducing nap, while you get some toned leg and arm muscles.
So, I have many options. Definitely continuing the breastfeeding and pushing Baby for walks. And perhaps pilates... Or if nothing at all catches my fancy, there is always the luxury of personal training right in the comfort of home ... yup, Mr. Wii!
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