Hello beauties, it’s finally time to share all the details about how I got in shape after pregnancy. If you’ve been following my blog, you know I’m a mom of two boys and a baby girl. There are some things I was doing through and after all my pregnancies that helped me get back in shape quicker.
I’m really tired of people telling me that it’s all genetics. If you are one of those people, I can tell you that I work very hard to have and maintain my body. Just because I have sweets here and there doesn’t mean I always eat them. On the other side, I don’t starve myself to maintain my weight.
All of my kids were born naturally. I was similar weight during all my pregnancies. Going on the scale was never my priority and still isn’t. The only time I knew my weight was during doctor’s appointments. Please don’t get obsessed with the numbers on the scale because they will affect your mood for sure.
During all my pregnancies, I felt good except for the last one. For more pregnancy details, read my post “How to Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy.”
I was fit before each one but definitely was in better shape after each pregnancy. I’m not sure if the reason was that I was more discipline or busy with my work and kids. Like many other fit moms, I didn’t work out during my pregnancies. I’m always afraid not to overdo something, and my priority is always my baby’s safety.
I believe every woman has concerns if her body will ever look like before she has kids, and I was in the same position. The reason is you never know what kind of pregnancy you will have and if you will experience some crazy cravings. You definitely can’t control this, or it’s extremely hard. I’ve had many conversations with many moms, and all of them that had cravings said they could never control them, so they ate many of the things they were craving.
So getting back to the point that the whole post is about how I got in shape after pregnancy? There is one significant thing, and I’m 100% sure that was the reason I got back in shape so quickly. I used a postpartum belt after all my pregnancies. The last pregnancy, I got this one HERE; it’s very inexpensive and adjustable. I purchased it in the middle of my last pregnancy and used one of the belts (which comes with three different belts) during the last couple of months of my pregnancy to support my back.
I’m sharing some images from when I used it and images of what my belly looked through days and weeks. There is nothing else I used or did besides the belt. After I had a green light from my OBGYN that I could begin exercising, I started doing some biking, squats, situps, and other workouts, but everything was very light and in moderation. Even though I didn’t start working out, my belly was very small, and nobody could tell I had a baby six weeks ago.
I have some suggestions about using the belt. Don’t do it too tight so you can’t breathe; make sure it is comfortable. I didn’t wear all three pieces simultaneously (see the image above) because it was so uncomfortable. I used 1 or 2 of them at once. My belt came with a guide and suggestions, but at the end of the day, do what is comfortable for you.
During the 1st month postpartum (with all three pregnancies), I wore the belts pretty much 24/7 and always covered my hips because they get a bit wider through the pregnancy, which helps them go back (I believe). I proudly wear the same size pants when I didn’t have kids, so I think this is an important step.
After the 1st month, I started taking breaks, there wasn’t a schedule, but I needed a break sometimes. If you use this or any other belt, I’m sure that you will see a big difference after each day. If it worked for me three times (my kids were born when I was 25 years old and 30, and my last pregnancy was 35), it would work for you.
I hope this post inspires you because many people had told me I would never have the body I had before I had kids. I proved them wrong, and I know I will never be 100% like before I had kids, but well, I will take that 90% close to what I was any day.
Cheers to all you mommies out there, and know you can do anything you want. Surround yourself with people that support and motivate you to reach your goals.
I plan to share some easy workout videos and posts I do regularly. Don’t give up; keep working toward your goals because nobody else will.