FAQ

Today's Frequently Asked Question: When will I lose the baby weight? I remember googling this before I had my girls, obsessed with returning my disfigured form to it's natural state. On a pregnant woman, a big round belly is beautiful! But not for a woman who isn't pregnant, clearly. I'm sure this goes without saying, but I've struggled with body image most of my life. That's I boat I know I'm sharing with many MANY other women, unfortunately. So I'm gonna give it to you straight.

I have no fucking clue. There, I said it. Every single person is different when it comes to shaking the "baby" weight. If you are really super desperate for answers, take a look at your own mother. Odds are, you'll have your answer there. A lot of that has to do with your own genetics. Some women will yo-yo between weight loss and gain before finally settling somewhere, some will loose it all in the first couple weeks or months (I'm quietly hating you), some wait until after the first year. So really it varies quiet a lot, and if you've recently made this search and come up disappointed...well I'm sorry, but that's just the way it is! 

I know I said I hate those "lucky" ladies who get rid of the weight straight away, but this leads me to another factor in the equation. Some women will lose weight because of other underlying health issues, like PPD. So allow me to echo my words that have come to pass; you don't know the other persons story or how they got to where they are. For that reason, among many others, I urge you to be kind and non-judgmental to your fellow mommas. I've heard of new moms who have dropped all the baby weight and then some, but they're left feeling empty and hollow because there is no proof of the life that once dwelled within the confines of their belly. 

I was only 15lbs away from my pre-pregnancy weight at one point, but it was not healthy. I had stopped eating because I was depressed and just didn't feel hungry, let alone have the energy to find the time to make myself something. The trick after baby is to be kind to yourself and take care. Eat when your hungry, stop when you're not. Get outside and go for a walk with your baby. Drink lots of water, sleep as much as you can, even if it means going to bed at 8 o'clock! Just take care of yourself, and if you do this your body will thank you in good time. 

As far as those stretch marks go, where those suckers like a GD badge of honor! The love inside you grew faster than your exterior was able to keep up with. I call them my tiger stripes, and I feel like a warrior when I think about what I went through to earn those badges. To be perfectly honest, I love my stretch marks. Weird, huh? I'm not too fond of the "twin skin", but what do you do? 

 I'm gonna guess about 12 weeks along. Sorry it's the best "before babies" picture I can find

 D Day! this was taken only moments before heading back to get prepped for my cesarean :-)

And here we are now, that looker on the right side of that crazy looking bride! 

(who happens to be my sister)

When I look at where I was, what I went through and where I am now, it makes me feel a lot better about myself. While it's all easier said than done, and every time someone says this California has another earthquake from the intense eye rolling that follows, but do the very best you can to just love yourself now. Maybe you'll lose the baby weight, maybe you'll lose more, or less. What matters most is that you are healthy, happy and that your baby is here in your arms safe.