2 month P-D-B (Post Delivery Body)
It’s still crazy to believe it’s been 2 months already… everyone says that time flies, and it really does.
I was thinking that by my 2 month post-delivery body update, I’d be able to show you all a swimsuit pic with things 100% back to normal, but not quite there yet 😉
Here’s what my body looks like 2 months after delivery:
And here are the “before” pics- I was 4 weeks pregnant, but I’ll count it as a before 😉
I gained 34 lbs while I was pregnant,
and was about 5 lbs above my usual weight when we conceived.
Even though I’m not back to where I was pre-pregnancy, I feel good. The delivery itself helped me drop most of the weight (I lost 24 lbs in 4 days) and can attribute the rest of the weight loss to eating well and breastfeeding. I’m not back in a full fitness routine, and when I workout, I still take it pretty easy. It’s more of unwinding time, so I’m not sure that it’s had a huge effect on how I’ve recovered. Binding also helped.
You may think I’m crazy, but for the past 8 weeks during the day (I take them off in the early evening), I’ve been wearing a Belly Bandit and Hip Shrinker. I didn’t know if they’d be a scam, but figured it was worth a whirl. The Belly Bandit helps the uterus contract more quickly and the hip shrinker takes advantage of the relaxin in the body to encourage hips to go back into place. My hips are more narrow than they were, and I truly believe that the Belly Bandit helped my waist come back a little. If anything, it helped me remember how to keep my core engaged –I was used to letting everything hang out for 9 months. Binding is actually very common and something that many women would do after childbirth back in the day. While I was still pregnant, I asked my nana what she thought about binding and she said “everyone used to do that after childbirth.” She made it seem like no big deal, so I went for it and was glad I did.
Here are some of the misconceptions I had about bouncing back post delivery:
Diet changes: Pre-pregnancy, I thought that losing weight after a baby would be fairly simple- I’d just do what I originally did to lose weight back in the day: watch my portion sizes and choose healthy options. While I was pregnant, I learned that it isn’t the case when you’re breastfeeding- your body isn’t your own and still belongs to the baby, so I was prepared to get in extra calories and healthy fats to help build and maintain my milk supply. To me, nothing is worth decreasing milk supply –especially when you only have one working boob- so I often eat more than I did while I was pregnant.
Breastfeeding: Many people will say that breastfeeding helped the pounds melt off, but others will tell you that they can’t lose the last 5-10 el bees until they finish breastfeeding. I can definitely see how breastfeeding makes the body store excess fat. While most of my clothes fit, I still feel smushier, and even though I’m close to my pre-preg weight –haven’t weighed myself in a few weeks and we don’t own a scale- my muscle density is much lower.
Fitness: Taking care of a newborn is a workout in itself (!) but I’ve been really excited to be able to make it back to the gym. I definitely wasn’t able to jump back into my old routine- I’ve had to take it easy and am building my endurance back up. Once a week nana will come over so I can go to training at work for an hour, and at night, Tom will stay home with snoozing Livi so I can get a little workout in. I’m still not into a routine (some weeks I’ll do two workouts, others I’ll get in four or five) and most of the time I make it to the gym, I’ll use it as unwinding time. I’ll be back to my high energy ways soon enough, and most days are very snuggly and lazy over here.
Some post-birth souvenirs:
-The stretch marks on my belly, which I mentioned in the last post. They’re there, I don’t know if they’ll go away, and I’m proud of them. I look down at them and they remind me that I was able to carry and deliver a healthy baby, which makes my heart soar.
-Linea nigra: the dark line still runs down my stomach and is even darker now. I just tell myself it looks like a shadow from crazy ab definition 😉
-I’m sufficiently lopsided. Will it go back to normal when I’m done breastfeeding? Or do I need to invest in a chicken cutlet for my bra? Haha
Before we considered having children, I always wondered if I’d be anxious about losing the baby weight, especially since I lost a significant amount of weight in the past and had been in maintenance mode for so long. When the time came, I was thrilled with everything I gained during pregnancy –it meant Livi was growing- and after the birth, getting my body back was so low on the priority list- enjoying and getting to know my baby was #1. I figured that by eating well and working out throughout my pregnancy, my body would do what it needed to do, and I was right.
After Liv was born, I said I didn’t have a plan to get back in shape. This didn’t mean I was going to throw my healthy lifestyle to the wayside, but rather keep up with my healthy eats and fitness to the best of my ability and let my body go back into place. I figured that going back to work would be the last little boost I needed and I’d soak up my maternity leave with Livi instead of at the gym.
The entire process of being pregnant and having a baby gave me a different outlook on my body. I used to be really hard on myself, and look back on pictures and think I should have given myself a break. So for now, I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing: eating well, working out when I get the chance, and loving on my baby <3
More:
-How my workouts changed in the first, second and third trimesters
–Changing eats and third trimester eats
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I think you should turn your ‘family’ posts into a book on being a fit mama /military wife / working woman. These posts are just so full of practical advice, as well as personal insights, all relevant to someone that wants to be healthy while also living a real life. Pitch THAT idea to publishers. Or, self publish. It would sell like crazy.
Ps. you look great. 😀
WoW!!!! You look great 🙂 I am 37 weeks and would like to invest in some “binding”. Would you mind sharing some info about what you used ( brand, size, etc..)
Thanks so much 🙂
I used the Belly Bandit too! Loved it. I wore it every night and several times during the day. I was back in my jeans 5 days after birth and 5 lbs under my pre-preg weight by 3 months (she’s almost 6mo and I’m still nursing). I’m sure I also lost a lot of muscle mass so I’m working on that. But it’s hard to say if that’s the reason my weight dropped so quickly or if it’s post partum thyroid issues.
I wish pre-pregancy I could look like you post-pregnancy 🙂
In Brazil everyone wears a girdle after having babies — the hospital sends you home with one, since it helps your belly get back to normal quicker, so once we have kids, I’m definitely doing the same!
Wow, you look amazing for it only being 2 months after! I wish my body would have recovered that fast. I got stretch marks real bad on my stomach too. It was just a few years ago (my son was 6) when I went to the beach that I noticed mine had finally faded enough that they weren’t very noticeable when I wore a swim suit. Of course, as you tan they seem to fade even more. 🙂
You look incredible! Took me the whole year to lose the weight. Now she is 15 months and I’m about 5 lbs under my normal weight. Breastfeeding worked in that way for me, I’m still chowing down trying to keep up! 🙂
I am so proud of you! You look absolutely beautiful and to be honest, it has nothing to do with your body and more to do with your smile, you are an inspiration!
I am thinking about ordering Brook Burke’s Belly Wrap for this pregnancy. I didn’t wear anything post birth the first time, but I think I want to give it a try this time. Any thoughts on this one ?http://www.babooshbaby.com/servlet/the-Tauts–dsh–Belly-Wraps/Categories
It took me two years to be back to my pre baby weight ( now I am actually smaller than I was when I got pregnant , he’s three now) and that was with diet and exercise. For the first year I felt just OFF when I would go to run or any sort of exercise other than walking. So that’s what we did. Lots of walks. lol. So excited for you guys and the sweet new addition. 🙂
Gina you look amazing!!! 😀 This just goes to show that you don’t need crazy crash diets and detoxes to drop the weight after having a baby. It always annoys me when I hear about celebrities trying to lose the weight that way after giving birth. 😛
Wow it’s been two months already?? But honestly you look amazing!! You can be so proud of yourself!
You look amazing! Your perspective throughout this process is inspiring.
Just wanted to tell you how much I love the nickname Livi.
You look great! I can only imagine how hard it must be to get a workout in, and when you have time to yourself you must just want a nap or some girly time. I think so many of us are guilty of being hard on ourselves- I know that I am for sure. Your attitude about everything is wonderful and that makes all the difference- you’ll get where you need to be when it’s right for your body.
You look gorgeous! Little Liv is fortunate to have a mama who is modeling such healthy living for her!
You look incredible!! Such an inspiration 🙂
Love your outlook, and re. the Belly Bandit, I don’t think you’re crazy at all. Women have been binding for years. I loved the support it gave my belly and back after childbirth and will definitely be doing it again.
Breastfeeding kept the weight on me, and I wasn’t able to lose until we weaned, but so worth it.
You look great Gina!
I didn’t read all the comments so I may have missed if someone mentioned this already, but you can scrub off that linea nigra with a luffa or even a wash cloth, it’s just dead skin! Scrub hard (ouch!) and it will come off right away… or just scrub gently and it will be off with your next few showers.
I haven’t had trouble with the baby weight due to nursing my pants off, I am in awful shape though I hate to admit. 🙁 I really need to find time to workout. The only thing getting a work out right now is my arms from lifting my 15 pounder and her carseat! Any advice about something I can do to start off slow? You look awesome! 🙂
I honestly don’t see much a of a difference before and after pics. You look amazing girl and you have such a great outlook on getting back into “pre-baby shape.” 🙂
I just wanted to thank you for the book recommendation, I downloaded “Beyond the Sling” on my kindle last night and had to force myself to put it down and go to bed. Loving it so far! Between that and your story, I am very motivated to try for natural birth if I have another baby. Thank you! 🙂
You look fantastic!! Tough to tell the difference between pre and post baby 🙂
You look so great and I love your attitude. Maternity leave is seriously the best thing ever so just keep soaking that up while you can. 🙂
You look amazing!!! You have such a positive and inspiring attitude, I love it 🙂
You look great! And I actually can’t even tell much of a difference in the pre-baby and post-baby. Regardless, I think your outlook is the best I’ve seen yet. I can relate to looking back on old pictures and realizing how hard you were on yourself. Been there, done that! You should be proud of recognizing that and doing what is best for you and Olivia.
And thank you for being so honest. I have often dreaded or feared that I would get stretch marks after pregnancy (someday), but hearing your perspective on it really eased my anxiety. Keep up the healthy efforts! You’re a great example to many
Skinny mini!!! I agree with the above I don’t see much difference in the before and after pics!!!
I had the darnest time losing after the initial. Once Ella stares solids its been dropping off. I’m only a poind away from my pre pregnancy weight, which wasn’t even my goal I said id be happy a little heavier. You know what though I now feel like I’m in better shape than I was ever! And I feel I look better too having pushed out a kid. Never thought I would say that if you asked me 6 months ago!
I used a cheap version of the belly band and it helped keep thing pulled in but it took a loooong time for my hips to go back. Next time I’ll def invest more for he belly band!
Love your attitude about it all. You seriously look amazing I’m a little jealous how quick you bounced back 😉
Gina, can you recommend what hip shrinker you used?
here ya go: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11459618&CAWELAID=844690980
You look great! You have such an amazing attitude!
Hi Gina, I’m so impressed with the sense of calmness and balance you’re giving off here! It sounds like you are doing a great job of trying to stay healthy but keeping your priorities firmly in order. I can only hope to do half just a good job staying sane if I ever have a baby! I imagine not every day is picture perfect, but overall it sound like you are doing great.
Gina,
I have been reading your blog for about 6 months now, and I want to thank you for being such an amazing resource for eating, fitness, and pre/post-pregnancy. I know when I try and get pregnant in a few years, I will be looking back on this blog for all of your insights.
You’re a great inspiration by staying so fit during your pregnancy!
OMG you look absolutely AMAZING!!!! You should be so, so proud of yourself!! I can’t believe it’s already been 2 months since little Livi was born!
Yes! I am so glad to hear you did binding! I have the Shrinx Hips and a belly binder (can’t think of the brand at the moment) and they are packed and READY to go in my hospital bag (any day now… 39 weeks!). I am all about taking care of myself AND our baby after she is born. I just know that, by getting my body back in shape, I will be a better and happier momma. 🙂
Love these family posts so much! You look amazing! You looked amazing pregnant and was still toned everywhere and you look amazing now. I was ordered to stop all activity early in my second trimester and on bedrest for almost 10 weeks towards the end so it was a long, tough road to get my body back but all I worried about during pregnancy was that our twins would be big, healthy, didn’t require NICU, and that their lungs would be developed enough before we had them. Everything turned out well even though they were only a total of 9lbs total, about 4.5 lbs each.
My dark line (forgot the name and didn’t want to scroll back up…haha) faded after awhile. I did not know about binding. It sounds interesting and I would have definitely tried it. I recently heard about scar away for scars, burns, etc. People used it years after surgery and still ha results (Amazon). I heard about it for c-section scars. Not sure if you care since you didn’t mind the stretch marks anyway but figured I’d throw it out there. 😉
You are such an inspiration. I’m 22 weeks pregnant and am having a hard time with the weight gain (I’m at like 14 lbs from my start weight) and freaking out about my post delivery body. You really help remind me that this is all happening for my little baby who is growing and thriving (my little martial arts man). Thank you for sharing this experience and being so positive!!! You look AMAZING!! I’d love to know what you used for binding (and how you knew to size it)!
congratulations and thank you so much for reading 🙂
i used the bamboo belly bandit and hip shrinxx- just based the size off my pre-preg size
I used a belly bandit after I had my twin boys via c section in November. It made me feel more supported because my uterus was still shrinking but the babies weren’t in there anymore so instead of having a hard belly I had a very mushy jiggly belly for several weeks post partum. I tried to use the hip shrinker, but it was annoying to have to take off both items each time I needed to use the bathroom and since I was drinking tons of water and tea I felt like I was spending a lot of time taking off and putting the bandit and shrinker on. Glad to hear the hip shrinker worked though and now I wish I had just stuck with it! I fit back into most of my pre pregnancy pants but I feel like my hips are wider than they were.
I appreciate this post. I want to have some of my friends read it as thu are already freaking out over gaining weight and they aren’t even pregnant yet. It’s a very healthy attitude you have and I wish more women had it rather than beating themselves up about the extra weight.
Hi Gina! First off, you look FAB for popping out a baby 2 months ago!! I am dying to get more deets on the belly bandit and hip shrinker since this is the first testimonial I have read. Do you wear them both at once? Is it comfortable? Can you sit down with them on? And does it need to be removed for certain tasks, like using the bathroom? I feel like that would get a bit annoying. Also, they look a bit bulky – can you wear them in public under clothes without people noticing? Sorry for all the q’s, I’m truly intrigued! And as always, thanks for your honest candor!!
thanks girl!
the belly bandit was more comfortable than the hip shrinker, which had to be taken off to go to the bathroom. that’s one of the reasons why i didn’t use it as diligently as i could have. it’s pretty hard to tell if you’re wearing either of them under clothes, and since i didn’t leave the house very much for a while, it was no big deal 😉
You look amazing so soon after baby! I hope I’m the same!
You are adorable and your attitude towards your postpartum body is so refreshing. I think you look awesome!
thank you, jessica! 🙂
you look amazing!!!
Never heard of the belly bandit or that hip shrinker before. I’m 12 weeks pp now, so don’t think it will work. Like you, I lost most of my baby weight right away. I only have a few pounds to go. However my hips are for sure bigger as my pants can’t get over them! Grrr! I am trying to keep my core engaged and I can feel my abs slowly returning.
Stretch marks…blah. I had none until AFTER I delivered 🙁
Such an honest and informative post. Thank you for sharing!!
Well I think you look fabulous!!
Keep doing what you’re doing mama!
You look incredible! How is that even possible??
Hey! I don’t know if you’ll see this comment cause this is an old posting.. but what type of Hip shrinker did you use? How are these products different from using an ace bandage? I know I’m going to do binding after I give birth, I’m deciding what sort of investment I want to make. My hips are my main concern but I wouldn’t mind adding compression to my tummy too. I can’t decide if I should buy post partum specfic items, try some of the shapewear I already own, try wrapping myself with an ace bandage, etc. You can email me if that’s easier 🙂
Thanks!
Hi Gina,
First of all just wanted to tell you how much I love your blog and how down to earth you seem.
I have been following your blog for 2 years now (maybe longer!). Couple of weeks ago I started reading again from the point when you got pregnant, as this is very interesting subject to me now:-) I am just over 20 weeks pregnant with our first baby (also a girl like yours:-).
There are so many questions I would like to ask, but I will try not to bombard you with all of them all at once.
I wanted to ask you which size belly bandit did you purchase? (I hope I am not being rude). And did you have to buy few sizes? (I read that within they first 10 days most women switched to a size smaller). Did you use Original belly bandit or bamboo?
I would really appreciate your response.
Thanks
Aina (London, England)
That is amazing that your body did that in just 2 months! Wow! Did you wear the Belly Bandit and Hip Shrinker while working out?
no, i just wore them around the house.