Post pregnancy weight

[nabz]

Hi there! I had my baby 7/02/2012 and am now trying to think about weight loss, I don't know what to do, apart of me thinks it's still early and I'm BF but then I look in the mirror and I'm horrified! It's mainly my belly...after delivery it was soo small and now it looks huge! How did I manage to gain weight! Sorry I'm having a little rant, does any one know of any exercise held in nunhead/east dulwich? I just joined the gym but havnt had a chance to go, I'm worried about the little one getting hungry while I'm away and my hubby thinks it's a good excuse to give her formula which then makes me feel not needed! Ahhh I don't know what to do all I know is I hate my belly pouch :,(

[Pickle]

Hi nabz

My baby was born in Jan, and like you I am determined to get back to my old size! I'm also breastfeeding, and am using a combination of diet and exercise to lose the weight. I go to Weightwatchers (have lost 10lbs so far and ideally want to lose another stone).

My main exercise is walking, which I do with my baby, and it really helps. I've just started jogging again too, once again with the baby in her pram.

If you want something more structured, Liz Stuart runs great powerpramming classes which I went to after I had #2. Once again you take baby with you, so no need to worry about her needing fed as you can do it while you're there.

P x

[Jo'sEnglish]

I went to Jelly Belly pilates classes at Dulwich Therapy rooms. It is great because you can take your baby along too so don't have to worry about leaving them! Pilates is excellent for toning up your stomach too and because it is a pot natal class the exercises are designed for women who have just given birth so you don't have to worry about doing anything you shouldn't.

Breastfeeding also excellent for weight loss! But, it is early days so don't worry too much yet, it does take quite a while for your body to recover.

[Lindsey<3]

Hey, have you ever thought of joining a zumba class :D

There are loads about...the allbrighton center albrighton rd holds one at 7.30pm on wednesday evenings. X

[Grotty]

Hi Nabz,

After 2 kids I was horrified with what I saw in the mirror so I started on weight watchers 6 weeks after having my second - they give you a lot of extra points for breastfeeding so I never feel hungry and baby has steadily and healthily grown along her original centile line so is obviously getting exactly what she needs. I have rather sheepishly done NO exercise but by vaguely sticking to points I have been losing 0-2lbs a week and am now 25lbs lighter. Slow and steady.... (and feels relatively easy)

[nabz]

thanks for the replys!

i just find it soo hard to diet :S i litrally can not give up any kind of food lol! as i type im munching on chocolate biscuits and its past mid night! :O

zumba sounds really good, perhaps an evening class would be helpful i feel like my money going to the gym will be a waste...iv never joined weight watchers before, is it easy to follow?

jelly belly pilates sounds really gd especially if my little girl can attend to! I must admit, im 20 years old and atm am feeling verrrryyy lazy...but the weight must be lost!

[verds]

There's a good zumba class on at 9.30 on a Thurs at Coplestone centre. It's only 45 mins and you can park the baby in there - just 3 quid.

[womanofdulwich]

if you need an incentive read the threads on prolapse.should scare anyone into action.

[Grotty]

Weight watchers is VERY easy especially if you have an iPhone as they have an excellent app which you can log your points each day. I'm a rubbish dieter as like you am unable to give up foods I like but weight watchers is just a food counting diet so you can eat what you want. There are free foods (fruit and veg) so if I've maxed out during the day I just have salad/fruit salad/roast veg for dinner. Not one single day has gone by without me munching something bad be it cake/chocolate/biscuits but still managed to lose weight so I recommend it wholeheartedly!!!

[a.smith]

I am now following 5k NHS program .It takes you gradually to running 30min or 5km in 9 weeks.I am into week 7( continues run for 25 min.I have no problem completing the run,although I had a c-section(but waited 3.5 months to start). Initially when the runs were shorter I run with the pram ,but the last two runs I did on my own.I hate running ,but I know its the best cardio to lose weight and to warm up for other exercise.(planning to add around week 11-12 some interval training free app I have on my phone-I think they are quick and give great results -I just can't spent 2h to go to the gym ,do a class and get back)).I am trying to be sensible with what I eat ,but not following any strict diet as I am aiming for gradual weight loss rather than quick weight loss .I am worried that if I loose weight quickly my skin wouldn't be able to recover(mother's apron etc) and this worries me more than the weight loss-as I know that weight loss is achievable once you work on that.Does anyone now how to improve skin elasticity and help with any advice how to take care and not end up with excessive skin lol.Thanks

[fapl]

I would only embark on running if you are 100% certain your pelvic floor is in tip top condition, which it probably isn't so soon after giving birth. Anything high impact is REALLY BAD for a weak pelvic floor. You can probably adapt a lot of things like Zumba to leave out high impact stuff. There are even some things in pilates and yoga that put stress on your pelvic floor, so best attend classes especially for post natal women or at least speak with your instructor about modifications that need to be made.

My 2nd was born 23 Jan so I am in a similar position of wanting to lose the weight, but I know if I don't take the right care of myself now I will be incontinent or have prolapse later in life (might end up with either anyway, I know I am at really high risk having had an episiotomy and forceps delivery with my first baby). I am going to try swimming and I have ordered an exercise DVD to do at home, it hasn't arrived yet so I can't personally recommend it yet hab-it

There is also another one called pfilates.

You might think it is not that relevant to you, but if you want more kids take it seriously, I didn't realise how important this stuff was after my 1st, and only after my 2nd which was very straightforward I am realising how weak things are. If you are having any problems speak with your gp as they can refer you to physio. I didn't know this until a friend told me when I joked about taking shares out in Depend as I think I might be needing it a lot when I am older.

Also, there will still be a lot of the hormone relaxin in your system while breastfeeding so another reason to take care of yourself and exercise right. Good luck with the weight loss, I think I am going to need it too!

(also DO NOT STRAIN ON THE TOILET one of the worst things you can do for your pelvic floor, I don't get why they don't tell us this stuff when so many pregnant women end up constipated, go to your doc for lactulose if you have a problem with that, plus eat loads of fibre and drink loads of water)

[supergolden88]

womanofdulwich I am not sure what you mean by your post. If you need an incentive to lose weight you should read the post about prolapse? Sorry it's late and I am tired and having started the thread on prolapse I am confused. I feel that losing weight and exercising (both of which I did but about 9 months after the baby) did contribute to my prolapse. The consultant at Kings said that exercise alone did not cause it and that some people are just more prone to it than others - bur in my case running certainly did not help. As fapl mentions you need to tread very carefully about exercise if you are post partum and have a weak pelvic floor. You need to strengthen your core first before embarking on anything high impact.

I have the hab-it DVD and can highly recommend it. It's probably good about easing into exercise post partum but it is very specialised about pelvic floor rehabilitation so on it's own won't give you a washboard tummy! Sorry if this is getting off topic and try not to worry. If I managed to get my flat tummy back at nearly 40, I imagine you can do it at 20!

[supergolden88]

nabz - if you search for SE15 Tea Groups on Facebook and join the group there's a couple of posts for new mum yoga and pilates classes which sound ideal for getting back into shape gently post baby. Ivydale children's centre also sometimes offer free aerobics classes (but imagine those fill up quickly)

there's also tons of other information and get togethers etc. worth taking a look

[Saffron]

a.smith Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Does

> anyone now how to improve skin elasticity and help

> with any advice how to take care and not end up

> with excessive skin lol.Thanks

Not smoking is absolutely the best thing you can do for your skin. So if you're not a smoker, you've already won half the battle!

If you gained a lot of weight gain, you're right to try to lose it slowly. A healthy diet is also very important. Your body needs protein, vitmains and minerals to "recompose" itself.

I haven't tried this yet, but it looks promising: Dermaroller http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=0&oq=dermaroll&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADSA_enGB470GB470&q=dermaroller&gs_upl=0l0l0l1261531lllllllllll0&aqi=g4&pbx=1

Supposed to help reduce stretch marks and tighten skin.

I agree with others, re the importance of early core stability, and also the role of peripartum hormones. I don't think separated midline is even considered a medical issue until 6-12 months postpartum, just to give you some idea of the time scale on which your ligaments and muscles are working. You could end up doing more harm than benefit to your body by undertaking the wrong exercises too early.

Also, nabz, if breastfeeding is going well, there's absolutely no reason to give formula while you exercise, as sooo many postpartum exercise classes will allow you to bring your baby. Introducing even one bottle of formula too early will cause profound changes to your baby's gut metabolism. If your partner is set on having some "daddy time" with your new baby while you attend a class, it would be best if you were able to express milk. Try renting a double electric hospital grade pump for a few weeks.

And, btw everyone, if you weren't already aware, running may be good for cardio :) , but it also gives you saggy boobs :( (yes, even if you wear a sports bra)! Just something to consider. xx

[nabz]

i dont think i could start running yet! especially about the saggy boobs :S can berly run for the bus lol. i might try that fb group and see, im walking quite alot now so hopefully that should help. I tore after delivery so perhaps i should take it easy for now. and i agree i dont really want to give her formula while excersising, so bringing her along would be best. also iv found my bodys just changed completly after having her, i never had hips before and al of a suddun i do! with a bit of love handles lol which i never ever had before! but deffo need to flatten the belly

[Saffron]

Ouch, poor you! Yes, do be gentle on youself. Walking is fantastic exercise. All I did to lose my baby weight was to cut sugar out of my drinks for a while and to walk absolutely everywhere, no car. I know I'm also lucky that my metabolism is good, and Hubbie and I enjoy fresh cooking. From my own experience and that of friends, if you are patient and diligent everything does eventually go (mostly) back into place with a little help from diet and exercise. xx

[Pickle]

... although as someone who has been running for exercise for around 15 years (including a marathon and many half marathons) and breastfed 3 children I don't have saggy boobs, so it's not always the case!

Chances are diet alone as well as a bit of walking will snap your body back into shape - you have the benefit of youth!

[Saffron]

Ah, the blessing of good genes! (Me too :) , but not all my girl friends :( )

But this makes interesting reading...

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02640414.2010.521944

And this...

http://journals.lww.com/annalsplasticsurgery/Abstract/2010/05000/Breast_Ptosis__Causes_and_Cure.16.aspx

Interesting that smoking was correlated with ptosis (sag), but breastfeeding, pregnancy weight gain, and lack of regular upper body exercise were not. (Well, thank goodness for that!) xx

[christine47]

There are two excellent classes at PUSH studios where you can bring your little one along. Wednesday 11-11.45 Zumba (You can leave out the high impact stuff) and Thursday 10.45-11.30 post natal Pilates. It's a really friendly place too just behind William Rose butchers on Lordship Lane.

[midivydale]

A low gi eating plan will help you whilst keeping bloodsugar stable and you will feel full for longer. Work on your core muscles ( livingroom floor with baby as weight does the job nicely). Then agree with walking. I am walking for hours each day as i have a poorly baby so its the only way he will sleep. Also i do squats etc while holding hi

And we do tummy time together. Only a few seconds mind as thats all we both can manage for now.

Good luck and go easy on yourself. Build from inside out ie core pelvic first etc.

C xx

[nabz]

I did yoga at the push studios so will deffo look out for that! is there a website for them? how do i book? at the moment iv been just concentrating on walking and a couple of sit ups, iv lost all weight except for that darn belly! but perhaps it will be harder as before i was pregnant my belly wasnt the flattest :/ thanks again for all the messages! sometimes i feel like im the only one who feels like this! and the only one who doesnt seem to be slimming down after birth! i need to cut the chocolate out i think...but atm its like a pregnant craving! and before giving birth i hated chocolate lol.

[Saffron]

Nooooo! Keep the choc!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17511011

:)

[christine47]

I think you need to book in for their classes. Website is: www.pushstudios.co.uk

I've been a few times and really enjoyed them. Good luck with it!

[lolaB]

Hello

I was a little saddened by your post, you are only 9 weeks post partum so I think you should be a little kinder on yourself and your body. I agree with previous replies and would concentrate on pelvic floor balance and strength before embarking on high impact activities. Its also worth looking at your general diet as many foods can make you bloat, sugars (in all forms, fruits, fruit juice and honey etc can have the same effects as the pure white deadly stuff). Take probiotics which can really help if bloating is making your abdomen appear bigger, they improve gut flora and aid digestion/absorption of nutrients, Its not usual for this to be a little sluggish after having a baby. Most importantly if you are still breast feeding give yourself a little more time, the weight will come off if you don?t starve yourself. If you would like more help, book why don?t you book in at the osteopathic centre for children in Wandsworth, I?ve been working there as a volunteer since 2009, we also treat expectant and post natal mothers as well as children offering healthcare advice and treatment for a wide variety of complaints. All the osteopaths volunteer, its a charity and we take donations, so its assessable for all. So if you need help with your PF exercise come along sometime, you will also get support and advice from other women in the same situation. Alternatively contact me personally I?m always happy to offer free advice.

Sandie

Registered Osteopath & Pilates Practitioner