Feel crap, please share stories. Baby weight boo

[Abigailsfarty]

Name changed because I feel so embarrassed about this.

Have had pretty much back to back babies (11 months age difference) and have managed to gain 8 stone . So disgusted with myself.

I have joined weight watchers and am very motivated but I feel so down on myself. Don't know how my dh can even bare to look at me, feel ashamed to go out of the house and dreading going back to work after maternity ends.

Before I got pregnant the first time, I lost 6 stone; I'm so disappointed all my hard work has been wasted and I have to do it all again.

AIBU to ask for your success stories / beg for a little bit of sympathy?

[MrsH1989]

Aw Hun, weight is such a big issue and baby weight can be quite upsetting. The thing is, you are aware of it and making the changes. I started slimming world last June to loose some weight and lost 1 stone 4.5 lbs in 17 weeks. I was quite impressed actually because I wasn't that big to begin with. I hit my target of 9 stone and was elated. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get to a class since xmas and it is starting to creep back up!
There is some power in taking control of your weight that I hope will lead to confidence for you. Good luck.

[yorkshapudding]

First of all, be kind to yourself. Two babies 11 months apart is bloody hard work by anyone's standards. Its hardly surprising that taking care of yourself has taken a back seat. Your hard work has not been "wasted", you lost weight before so you know you can do it again! I think that the way you're feeling is perfectly understandable but try not to judge yourself so harshly, berating yourself will just make you want to hide away and comfort eat. I'm sure your DH adores you for the person you are and is proud of you for acknowledging that you have a problem and resolving to do something about it.

It's great that you've joined weight watchers and that you're feeling motivated. If you feel too self conscious for the gym or to go running, there are some great workout videos on YouTube that you can do at home. Or you could think about investing in a running machine or exercise bike, I found mine a godsend as I could use it in the evenings once DD was in bed and being able to use it whilst catching up on favorite TV shows made exercising feel less of a chore. A friend of mine went to a Mum and baby fitness class and found it really supportive. They met up with buggy's in local park and did brisk walking or various aerobic type exercises and was very relaxed so if people needed to stop to feed/change babies etc it wasn't a problem. Might be worth seeing if there's anything like this in your area?

Good luck

[liberatedwine]

Don't beat yourself up - there's nothing to be ashamed about. Millions of women gain weight through pregnancy. Only celebs snap back to a taut, toned size 8 within a few weeks. I had my boys 15 months apart and ended up 5 stone heavier than I'd ever been.

I bought myself some pretty dresses to wear with leggings and boots, so I didn't feel frumpy as well as fat, and I treated myself to a spiralizer. I replaced pasta, noodles and rice with their veggie equivalent, so still ate chilli, bolognese etc but low carb, and I walked everywhere - pushing a double buggy uphill is the best workout!

It took 7 months but it worked.

[Abigailsfarty]

Thanks for encouragement and kind words. Liberated, funny you mention that as I am in the middle of meal planning and have added bolognese with courgetti!
Xx

[NinaSimoneful]

Congratulations on the babies

I know it feels awful but really try to not be too hard on yourself. It's counter productive anyway. I'd suggest taking plenty of time to lose weight slowly, steadily and sustainably. Much better and healthier than losing weight quickly with a temporary diet and not be able to maintain any loss.

You know the saying about how it took 9 months to put on the weight? Well in your case that's 18 months. And two pregnancies close together is going to take a toll on your body so what you need now is extra TLC. Healthy food, fresh air, exercise. Maybe look at it as being as healthy as you can and losing weight will be one of the side effects. Best of luck, it can't be easy with two little ones to work around.

As for my own experience, I was a bit overweight when I conceived my first child. After I had her I lost the baby weight and the extra weight and was a healthy weight when I got pregnant with my second child three years later. I'm now 7 months pregnant with No. 2 and trying to not stress about losing weight after baby comes. I will want to but I'm trying to stay low pressure about it. Which is difficult. Is your partner supportive? Mine was with DC1 but for some reason this time around he's already brought up me losing weight (and not in a nice, supportive or gentle manner). First said it when I was 4 months pregnant!!

I do think it helps if your partner is supportive, and I've experienced both. A lot of women put themselves under enough pressure without it coming from external sources too.

[liberatedwine]

Getting a spiralizer was the best thing I did! Butternut squash and sweet potatoes make excellent noodles too

[OneTiredMama]

Aw don't feel down, I'm struggling with the same thing after having mine. He was born in October and I'm still 4 stone over what I want to be. Joined slimming world which helped me loose 3st before. I walked lots and cut down on chocolate and bread.

You're motivated so you'll get there. Agree with liberated buy yourself some nice things if you can to boost your confidence. Lots of women struggle after having a baby but I'm sure you look fab and you'll get there! You have a goal in sight and you're actively trying. Good luck

[BlondeOnATreadmill]

I can thoroughly recommend My Fitness Pal. I lost 30lb's using this. I put half back on (my own fault though), and am now using it again.

It takes about 2 years to get rid of baby weight (imo). Can you get out with a double buggy and do power walking?

If you can stick to 1200 kcals a day and walk 4 miles, it will literally DROP off you. You'd be done by Christmas. Good luck!