Weight, Baby.

This is a bit of an awkward topic for a blog post, but I do recall that a few weeks ago I talked about breastfeeding and used the word nipple, so I think I've already gotten that ball rolling.  :)  Once again, this is just my personal story of a personal issue, but hopefully some will find it encouraging!  

So...let's talk about baby weight. 

I hesitate to talk about this, because since my story has a happy ending I don't want to sound like I'm tooting my own horn or something.  I think a lot of women have unrealistic expectations about how quickly they will lose baby weight or get back into shape, and since my journey was definitely a journey over time, I wanted to share my story.  My story that does not involve a c-section/tummy tuck combo a'la Hollywood.  ;)  

I gained about 38 pounds when I was pregnant with Riggins.  (But I was super swollen at that last weigh-in so I like to think it was more like 35! ;)  Before I got pregnant, I had not been working out at all.  Sure, I was active.  Jonathan and I took lots of walks around our neighborhood and I walked all over campus for my job, but I wasn't actually exercising.  That was definitely a disadvantage because once you get pregnant you are advised against starting any kind of new, intense exercise routine.  So I kept taking lots of long walks throughout my pregnancy, but that was about it.  (TIP: If you are thinking about starting a family soon, get in a good workout groove so that you can continue it throughout your pregnancy!)

After Riggins was born, one of my biggest surprises was the awkwardness of my post-baby body, and the challenges of dressing it.  My maternity clothes were too big, my pre-baby clothes were too small, and things were just different.  My chest was bigger, my hips were fuller, my arms were softer.  Add in the challenges of finding nursing-friendly clothes with easy access, and every wardrobe change had me near tears.  I soon realized that I would need to invest in some inexpensive clothing to get me through the awkward period, and Old Navy pulled through with a small rotation of tops and dresses.  (TIP: Set aside a bit of cash to shop after the baby is born.  Having a few items that you feel cute in can do wonders for your mood after having a baby.)

Even after my six-week check-up, I didn't do very much to loose the baby weight. I maintained a healthy diet and took frequent long walks, and little by little I slowly began to slim down.  Still, things weren't as they used to be, and I began to get comfortable with the idea of a different post-baby body.  Around September, I finally gave in and bought some new jeans in a bigger size.  

Then, at six months post-baby, something just clicked in my metabolism and those last few pounds came off.  I was back to my pre-baby weight.  But the pre-baby body was a different story.  That's when I realized that pre-baby weight (a number) and pre-baby body (a shape) are two totally different things.  Everything was a bit softer, some things were a bit bigger, my hips were wider.  But I was thankful to be where I was, and to have gotten out there without any major amounts of sweat and with a normal, healthy diet.

In January, a Groupon was issued in the Memphis area for Jazzercise classes.  After hearing about Jazzercise from some fellow bloggers, I looked up the locations and found that one meets in my neighborhood.  My friend Emily and I bought the Groupon, fully expecting to join a bunch of senior citizens in leotards and legwarmers dancing to The BeeGees.  

Much to our surprise, it turned out to be an awesome workout.  Our instructor is in incredible shape and is a great motivator.  I've realized that group classes are the best fit for my personality; I guess I have enough of an ego that I need other people around me to keep me from wimping out!  While the instructor gives a full range of intensity options for each move, I committed early on to doing everything that she said would make a move harder or more effective.  If Jodi says to squat lower, jump higher, or squeeze tighter, I do it!  I even progressed from 5 lb. to 8 lb. free weights after she challenged me to do it, and I am able to do push-ups for the first time in my life!  The best part is that Jazzercise is FUN!  The first 40 minutes are dance-based aerobics that really get you sweating, and the last 20 minutes are toning exercises involving free weights and mats.  The music selections always get me smiling and are a great release for this former dancer!  

Within a month of attending class 3-4 times a week, I was seeing obvious results.  After our Groupons ran out, Emily and I both got official memberships.  Despite our tight budget, Jonathan and I both saw that the physical and emotional results of my attendance were worth the monthly fee.  Even after Jonathan's schedule change and kept him from watching Riggins during class, Jodi allowed me to bring Riggins in his Jumparoo.  He has a blast jumping to the music, and all the ladies just love him!

Now, after over 7 months of Jazzercising, and 15 months post-baby, I weigh 5 pounds less than I did when I got pregnant.  Most importantly, I feel toned, strong, and in the best shape of my life (although some things are still different, of course!).  My husband, friends, and family members have noticed the difference, and I love that they aren't saying "You look skinny!" like they did when I lost too much weight before my wedding, but "You're in great shape!" or "Look at those muscles!"  I even got a random compliment from someone at Wal-Mart the other day!  

The moral of this story?  In a nutshell... 

Give yourself grace when it comes to getting back in shape after baby.  It took 9 months to put it on, and it's going to take some time to get it off (I don't care how fast Heidi Klum lost it!).  Know that while you might lose the weight, some things will just be different, but it's all worth it.  Getting into shape will probably require an investment of time (for you and your spouse), energy, and maybe even a little money.  Find something that gets you excited enough to stick with it!  Find a buddy to keep you accountable!  And when you feel ready, don't be afraid to push yourself to new fitness levels.

So that's my story.  What's your perspective on the baby weight journey?