Let me start here with the obligatory disclaimer. For some reason writing openly about weight loss is controversial. Saying that you want to lose weight is even more so. If this is off-putting or triggering to you in anyway, please feel free to skip over these monthly posts, as I will be tracking my weight, measurements and my thoughts along the way. Everyone’s journey is different and unique. Some women are back in shape a few weeks after having a baby and some never get there. I’m just interested in sharing my unique journey.
When I was pregnant with Hailey I remember worrying a little about what my body would look and feel like after having her. I know women often say that everything is different after having a baby. After she arrived 10 days late I didn’t recognize my body, but it was the least of my concerns as I had my hands full with a newborn. I tracked my journey of weight loss and fitness after having a baby and was surprised and pleased with where I ended up being after months of eating well, exercising and not obsessing.
(picture taken a year postpartum)
In fact, I was back to fitting in my clothes and pretty pleased with where I was at about 4 months postpartum.
I’m so glad that I tracked my journey the first time because it’s nice to see how similarly I felt at one month out then as I do now. Soft. Yes I just had a baby a month ago and there is no body-bashing going on in my head, but I do feel very soft all over (stomach, thighs, arms). I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to being uncomfortable in this body. Doesn’t my face in the second picture just scream uneasy? haha.
Seeing that I felt this way last time is comforting because I know I’ll get to feeling fit again in time and it allows me to chill out and enjoy Kaitlyn being so tiny, despite still wearing maternity shorts.
However, unlike after my first pregnancy, the weight isn’t coming off as quickly. In fact, at one month out after my first pregnancy, I was 5 pounds less than where I sit now. I’m trying not to focus on that since I know weight isn’t the end all/be all and my inches are starting to drop.
OK, enough dancing around it- let’s talk progress.
For frame of reference I am 5’1” tall. Pre-pregnancy I weighed 113 lbs and I gained 30 lbs even with this pregnancy to end up at 143 lbs (same as with my first). When I got home from the hospital I had lost 15 lbs and weighed 128. I took my first set of measurements 1 week postpartum and the second set at 1 month postpartum.
| 1 Week Postpartum | 1 Month Postpartum | Difference | |
| Right bicep | 11” | 11” | —- |
| High Waist | 31.25” | 30” | -1.25” |
| Around Belly Button | 36.5” | 35.75” | -0.75” |
| Hips | 40” | 39” | -1” |
| Right Thigh | 23.25” | 22.5” | -0.75” |
| Weight | 126 lbs | 125 lbs | -1 lb |
Exercise: It’s been pretty much non-existent save carrying around a newborn and a toddler. I’ve taken two walks, just over 2 miles each, and was sore the next day. For sake of not wanting to get injured or prolong recovery, I’m think I’ll wait to do anything more than short walks until I’m cleared for exercise at 6 weeks.
Eating: After a month of eating whatever was around or given to us, this week I’ve really felt a bit back on board the healthy eating train. I’ve been incorporating more produce back into my meals and even cooking some dinners. For more of my meals and baby pics (of course!), follow me on instagram. In the back of mind I’ve considered calorie counting, but honestly, I don’t have the time or energy. Instead, I’m sticking with focusing on whole foods, lots of veggies and protein and eating whenever I’m hungry. I could totally do a better job drinking water though. Note taken.
Mentally: Though I may sound stressed about my current body, I’m actually doing just fine. I love my body and what it’s done and look forward to the challenge of figuring out how to get fit while being a full time mom with two kids. I feel like I’m starting from scratch and am excited to get back to feeling strong.
Do you find tracking your progress (be it weight, running speed, pounds lifted) inspiring or stressful?
Personally, I find it motivating!
Holly @ The Cooper Family says
I feel like I’ve heard this same thing from moms who had their second baby. Sure, things could be better/tighter/whatever, but it’s just not TOP priority right now. I wonder if that has anything to do with 2 littles around? Anyways, I think you look GREAT and I appreciate your honesty (ALWAYS!) P.S. I think you look very relaxed in the 1 month pic 🙂
Jaclyn @ BumpSweat says
I think tracking progress helps a ton. I try to focus more on performance instead of weight. There’s so many factors that affect our weight, and seeing a higher number than you want to see can be discouraging. I really appreciate moms like you sharing their post-baby progress; that’s encouraging for someone about to have their first baby.
Melissa says
Thanks for sharing this journey! As a working mom I’m always interested in seeing how other moms fit in fitness and sneak healthy habits into their day. You are doing great!
Kelli says
I personally find it motivating I have to track my eats if I don’t It will quickly creep on especially since the kids are home for the summer and my workouts are sporadic! Love the updates
John J. says
Thoughtfully and respectfully shared – as well as motivating. You look and sound great!
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
You look great! As you know I can totally relate to how different it is with #2. Even though I gained 12 lbs (!!!) less with Bryn I had the SAME amount of weight lose after leaving the hospital as I did with Em. Riddle me that? HA.
Jen says
You look great and I bet 10lbs is in your boobs! Weight loss was slower in the beginning for me this time too, but it picked up around 6/7 weeks.
Maria says
“Those people” who like to tell us to appreciate the here and now before babies (including our bodies because they “will never return to their original state”) often mean while, but sometimes, I want to give them the evil eye and say “you don’t know me”. 🙂 You are proof that you can have a healthy recovery after a baby without losing your mind!
Halsy says
Thanks for sharing and you have a great perspective! Weight loss has been the only thing easy for me the second time around. At 5 weeks postpartum I weigh what I weighed before I had first child. I started this pregnancy about 4 lbs heavier than before due to Breastfeeding my first I think I kept a few lbs. I got pregnant about 1.5 months after ending Breastfeeding. Also I started my first pregnancy about 4 lbs higher than normal weight. So I would still like to loose 4-5 lbs. Hopefully once I’m allowed to start exercising this will happen. But if not, oh well I can focus on it more in a year or so when done Breastfeeding. I was thinking a great topic you could write about it how you get out and about with two kids so much. I feel it’s a bit overwhelming/intimidating for me and most. Any tips, the logistics etc.
Verna says
I love these posts! Everyone’s journey is so different! I gain a lot with my pregnancies. It’s just how my body does it. I do the best I can, depending on how bad my morning sickness is. It’s hard gaining so much, 60, 50, and 70lbs, but I refuse to worry about it during pregnancy. My first two pregnancies the weight came off rather easily, within 3 months. My 3rd was a lot more challenging. My 3rd baby will be 1 year in about 3 weeks and I’m just now hovering close to my pre-pregnancy weight. I recently re-read a book I had about watching portion sizes and focusing on your body’s hunger and fullness cues and it’s REALLY helped a lot. I’ve lost almost 5lbs in a little over a week. I still have a good 10-15lbs that I’d like to loose once I get to my pre-pregnancy weight but overall I’m pretty pleased with how things have been improving. I have 3 kids, I exercise when I can but aim for at least 4 times a week. I cook the majority of our meals and snacks so I feel pretty good about my food choices. Sorry this got so long! 😉
Marjorie says
You look great! And you ARE going to bounce back, even if it is slower this time around. I know this because you have such healthy habits. If you just continue those, you are going to be just fine!
The point you make against tracking versus going intuitively is so interesting to me! And it is one that I have spent a lot of time and energy trying to analyze. In my opinion, you need both.
The metrics can help (1) inform your decisions so that you make progress and (2) see progress, even when you feel like you are not making any.
BUT! Keeping in a positive mindset and avoiding negative emotions (self loathing, deprivation, frustration, emotional eating, etc.) is just as (if not MORE) important. It is something I am still learning as I go, and basically my entire blog and YouTube channel is devoted to this: living healthy (and losing weight) in a way that results in enjoyment, peace and contentment.
For the record, I think you are doing a GREAT job of keeping a level head and the proper perspective! I look forward to reading more of your post-baby journey. XO
Paulina says
I agree that some of the weight is in the boobies! I tend to get stressed out if I track my progress too closely. I step on the scale a few times a week, but right now I don’t have time to exercise, which is really frustrating. At four months postpartum, I am back to my normal weight but I am still soft. I used to exercise on my lunchbreaks but now I use that time to eat and pump milk for my baby.
I enjoy reading about your progress though, and especially your posts on healthy eating because I do have time to eat sensibly 🙂
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } says
I love watching your progress! I find it so ironic that people will be all “yay go you!” if you want to lose 50 pounds because you are overweight. But if you want to lose the same weight after a baby your like some horrible person for some reason. Don’t get it.
Nicole says
Thank you for sharing your post-baby weight loss journey. My baby is currently two weeks old, so I can totally relate. While getting back in shape is definitely in the back of my mind, right now I’m mostly just worried about savoring these newborn moments and have to trust my body will get there over time. You look great!
Ashley says
You look great, Brit! You are so good with your eating and consistently active that I have no doubt you’ll be back and kicking in no time. I appreciate your openness and honesty – I find it’s really helpful and supportive to other mama’s out there.
Katie Harding says
First of all, you look GREAT, secondly, thanks for being brave enough to share this! I am getting ready to have my third in just a few months and could definitely use some motivation to get back on track so I will be following your progress closely!
Heather says
I really wish I had thought of taking actual measurements. My progress is still kind of slow (7 months out-eek), but I’m slowly trying to find my groove. I used to be too obsessed with my weight when I was younger, so now I don’t pay too much attention to the scale, and really just focus on toning soft areas. It’s always encouraging and helpful to see what other mamas do to lose the weight and tone up, so I’m hoping posts like these will help serve as extra motivation!
Lindsay@Fuel My Family says
It didn’t come off as fast with my second either. I kept 3-5 lbs until she was like 8 months then for some reason it fell off over night. But after that I was in the best shape of my life. Lowest (still healthy) weight and a 6 pack (if I strained really hard but that counts right 🙂 )which I never had before! And I seem to have lost weight with number 3 much easier. Who knows why! I think you’re right, don’t stress and eat healthy whole foods. You have to eat so might as well make it healthier. Healthy Eating is easier than finding time to exercise post partum!
Kathleen Ojo @ My Ojos says
Thanks for sharing! I found it very helpful to keep track of my progress after having a baby. I didn’t do measurements, I just went by the scale and how my pre-baby clothes fit. I got back into running pretty quick after my daughter was born, for the sake of my sanity, and found that the 40lbs I gained came off in about 4 months (I am still technically 15lbs overweight, but eh, it’s a work in progress!). My body is still very much changed after having a baby, but I love it, stretched out skin and all. I mean, how can you think/speak ill of your body after it has done performed the amazing task of making and birthing a human being??
Lauren B. says
When I’m seeing progress, it’s inspiring, but when I’m not, it’s stressful!
Thank you for sharing – I will be here reading and cheering you on!!
Heathers Looking Glass says
You look great! Thanks for your honesty. I’m nervous about getting back to my old self after I have baby!
Tricia says
Thanks for not being afraid to admit to some body disatisfaction. It seems to have become taboo to do anything other than praise our bodies. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not about dwelling on what we don’t like about ourselves, but it’s just being honest with yourself to admit what you don’t like and see how you can change it.
Ali says
I, surprisingly for me, never really tracked postpartum body stuff. I weighed myself I guess, but I didn’t do measurements. Not particular reason other than I was probably in such a fog I forgot. I’ve mentioned before that naturally I just lost most of my weight between 3-6 months postpartum.
Laura @ FitMamaLove says
The weight also didn’t come off as easily for me with my second as with my first. Unlike you, though, I was stressed and really bummed about it. To be fair, I had gained a lot more weight with my second (a girl), but I was still bummed about actually having to put work into losing weight. With my first (boy) I didn’t even have to try. The weight came off without me even trying.
It sounds like you have a great mindset about it. It’s great that you’re listening to your body about the exercise. For us active folks, it’s so hard to wait for clearance to start exercising again, but we have to be good to our bodies which sometimes means resting.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
You look amazing! I never really formally tracked my progress, but I can say now that it definitely took me a full 9 months to feel like I was back to “normal”. All of my clothes FINALLY fit again and I feel more like “me”.
Daphne says
I love that you are so open and honest about your personal experience. So inspiring for moms like me to read. Thanks for sharing!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
You look fantastic and I agree…tracking how you are doing after having a baby (or really any time you have more than a few lbs to lose is super interesting). Sharing it on the internet helps hold you accountable a little to. haha 🙂
Lindsay says
You look fantastic! I’ve finally lost all my baby weight from #1 (6 months postpartum) and now I’m working on firming everything back up and gaining my stamina back. Checking in from Katie’s link up!
Sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
I am so thankful for you sharing as I hit my last month before our twins arrive I am beginning to think about how I will look/feel after they arrive…it is all so ‘new’ to me as a first time mom and I enjoy your perspective. I plan to have a goal pair of jeans and use those and a goal top (both from when I was at a healthy weight pre pregnancy) as my gauge in progress.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
For one month, you look amazing!! I’ve heard too that getting back to normal can be a bit slower with the 2nd, so I’m preparing myself for that. But I know you (and I) will get there in time. I really like the way you put this together. I’m debating doing a similar body after baby series but hesitate for the reasons you listed… but you’ve done it really well, with such a healthy honesty and optimism.
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut says
I think it would be helpful to keep track of measurements, but yeah..you’re always gonna get flack from moms who think they know best! Everyone is different and it’s not like you are flaunting it or calling yourself fat or anything ridiculous. Do you thing!
Lee says
Alexander is 5 months old and I still haven’t lost the pregnancy weight. It’s hard!
CJ says
It’s sad that you have to put a disclaimer because it’s your body and we should all be able to say what we like about our own bodies but your comments are so balanced and also generous – how many people are honest about their feelings about their bodies with others and that secrecy can keep women from supporting each other during a difficult process. Very grateful to you for sharing; it’s also a great way of motivating yourself and others to find time to focus on oneself (non-obsessively) to live healthily and actively while accepting the realm of the feasible. Also have to say you look amazing and even if you don’t feel back to yourself yet, you look a knock-out …
Jessica N says
Looking good, girl! I definitely plan on tracking my progress post-pregnancy!!!
sarah (the SHU box) says
so funny as I’ve had such a similar experience! at this point (4 months), i’m not that far above prepreg weight (like 5-7 lbs-ish) but they seem to be sticking around more stubbornly than they did with round 1, even though i don’t feel like i’m doing anything differently! as you know trying too hard to curb my intake did mess with supply so i’m not going to stress too much . . .and maybe the breastfeeding will work its magic slowly over the next few months 🙂 (or not, whatever!)
Jamie says
I’m in the process of shedding some weight, and I find that tracking the progress is key for me. If I don’t know exactly what I am putting in my body, I freak out a little. But congrats on your new baby and good luck with the future weight loss efforts!
char eats greens says
I just love you in general (you know that!), and I think you’re amazing!! It still is SO crazy how different two pregnancies can be, and how the body reacts to them. I guess it being the second time around, naturally it would take longer to return to “normal”? (Even though you look super amazingly fantastic to me!).
The only reason I paid attention to my weight after having Nia is because at 1 month postpartum, I had really, really, REALLY bad food poisoning, so a month after having her, I actually was below my pre-pregnancy weight. I wouldn’t wish getting to that weight on the route I did to anyone though! It was horrible! I am interested to see how my body would react if we have a second child! Keep up what you’re doing because I think you have the best attitude and perspective!
Christina says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog and your candidness about all things surrounding pregnancy, fitness, weight, and the like. I think a lot of us fit mommies worry that talking about it might make it appear as though we are consumed by our appearance when that just isn’t true–I think it’s normal to be concerned about our “body after baby” and your blog is so refreshing to read. I am a first time mommy–still pregnant and ready to pop. I’m only 4’11 and generally weigh somewhere between 105 and 110 pounds (rather similar to you but you’ve got a few inches on me). I should end my pregnancy somewhere around the same weight as you as well–so, just reading your progress from your prior pregnancy and even this one is extremely encouraging. I look at you and think, “wow, she looks fantastic and she didn’t kill herself doing it.”
I’m nervous that I’ll expect myself to do things that are unrealistic once I’m taking care of a newborn–75 minute workouts every day just won’t happen and that’s perfectly fine. Logically I know these things and I’m fine with it (LOGICALLY) because my baby girl is already my world; however, I fear that emotionally I might not REALLY accept it for a while and feel bad about myself. I’m trying to preemptively ward off those thoughts and unrealistic expectations.
I’m blabbing but I guess I just wanted to say thank you and I look forward to more updates!