Today marks exactly 40 weeks since Hunter was born. He's now been on the outside for the exact same amount of time he was on the inside. *Based on when I ovulated he was born at exactly 40 weeks, even though I went past my estimated due date*
After having Hunter one of the things I heard from numerous people in regards to losing the baby weight was that I should give myself at least the same amount of time to lose it that it took to gain it. Meaning that by today my body should be back to where it was pre-pregnancy. Granted for many women it can take much shorter or much longer to lose the weight but I think giving yourself at least 9 months is a good guide.
So where am I physically now?
When I was pregnant I gained 37 pounds. I went from 105 pounds to 142 pounds and on a 5 foot tall petite frame it was a lot. I am now back down to 105 pounds and have been for several months now. But it wasn't as easy or as quick as I had hoped and despite being back at the same weight my body certainly does not look the same.
When I left the hospital after 5 days I think I had only lost like 5 pounds which was amazing given that I had an almost 8 pound baby. I still looked a good 8 months pregnant and a week later on my first trip out of the house (other than the hospital) was asked when I was due. I was VERY swollen after the C-section. I was not one of those women that looks all pretty and skinny post delivery. I looked ROUGH. The weight did not fall off me like those freak-of-nature celebrities who look skinny again after only two weeks. That is NOT normal. You must remember those chicks have personal trainers, nutritionists, personal chefs, nannies and oh yes tummy tucks (you know it's true). Real women don't have those luxuries. A lot of them work full time and are sleep deprived and don't have time to work out for an hour everyday or have perfectly balanced meals cooked everynight for them. It's hard.
The weight came off, but it came off slowly. I admit I didn't/don't exercise much other than carrying around my 23lb gigantic baby and our stroller walks on the weekends. I just don't have time. Not unless I want to wake up at 5am. I lost weight due in large part to breastfeeding. But breastfeeding is a double edge sword. Yes it burns calories but for me at least, in the beginning, it made me FAMISHED! Seriously, everytime I nursed I was tearing the kitchen apart for something...anything to eat, even at 2am. So I was consuming as many calories as I was burning. Once that settled down I finally started to lose weight after about a month I started to notice a real difference and finally after about 6-7 months I was back to "normal". I did also have to eat better to help lose the weight.
But as I said, even though I'm back to where I was weight wise, my body ain't the same. Here are some of the changes:
1. My boobs are bigger. Not a LOT bigger (unfortunately). This is due to the fact that I'm still breastfeeding so who knows what the final bra size outcome will be once I stop.
2. My nipples. Without getting graphic, let's just say they don't look the same. Breastfeeding has taken it's toll.
3. My once cute, little innie belly button is not so little or cute anymore. It went back inside but is now all stretched out and wrinkled and ugly (in my opinion).
4. My ass is flatter. It used to be cute and perky. Not so much anymore (though my hubby still loves it so that's all that matters).
5. My hips are wider which makes my pants fit differently.
6. I am currently sporting hideous and annoying "baby bangs" that are due to the regrowth that is finally happening now that I've finished the post partum hair loss. That was fun as well.
7. Scarring- I now have a wonderful C-section scar on my lower belly. This really doesn't bother me. You can't see it when I'm wearing a bathing suit and it's a constant reminder of my child and what my body went through to get him here. And my V-hole stayed in tack so that's a bonus I guess.
8. My belly. Yes my poor, formerly flat (though never a six pack) belly, is now very far from flat. Despite losing all the weight I still have quite a pooch, especially at the end of the day and could easily pass for a couple months pregnant. I do crunches several times a week but nothing seems to help. I blame the C-section. I'm sure if I went to the gym or did that damn 30 Day Shred/Torture DVD it would help but I don't have the time or energy. So I wear flowy shirts.
So there you have it. My very long and winded breakdown of where my body is now 40 weeks out. For the most part I am damn proud of how I look post-baby, despite the few nagging flaws that only I really notice or care about.
Ultimately the most important thing (which should go without saying) is that my body was able to grow this amazing little human that I love with every fiber of my being and regardless of what I look like now that's all that really matter.
Time for photos. This is the fun part (note the sarcasm).
This was at only 5 weeks pregnant before I had gained any weight or really looked any different.
One week before Hunter was born. I still can't believe I was ever that big.
The day we brought Hunter home from the hospital, one week after he was born. You can see I'm still very swollen and puffy.
A week and a half after Hunter was born. Still looking pretty pregnant and having to wear maternity pants.
40 weeks after Hunter was born. Still a bit of a pooch but not too bad. Also, you can see my awesome baby bangs that are growing in.
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