Help!! - Houston, TX

Do you breast feed? That is the best way to loose weight after childbirth. I didn't excercise AT ALL after my daughter was born and ended up weighing 5 lbs. less than I did before I got pregnant. If breast feeding isn't an option I have no other advice. Sorry, maybe just consume fewer calories each day.

I was having the same problem and am in the same situation as you. I don't exercise, but watch what I eat. Make sure you get your 64 oz of water a day. I tried eating 6 small meals and watching my portion size. It also helps getting your child ready for a healthy life style.

I AM IN THE SAME BOAT!I WORK 10 HR. DAYS AND MY HUSBAND WORKS LATE, AND I HAVE 2 CHILDREN 5 & 8 AND THEY ARE SO BUSY! MORE
BUSY THEN WHEN THEY WERE LITTLE !!! SO ENJOY YOUR CHILD
WHILE THEY ARE SMALL, I HAVE ALSO PURCHASED A TREAD-MILL FOR
MY HOME AND THAT SEEMS TO WORK AFTER I PUT MY CHILDREN TO BED, OR I CAN EITHER GET UP EARLIER AND DO THE TRED-MILL, GOING TO THE GYM AND FIGHTING CROWDS WASN'T WORTH IT! IF YOU LIVE IN A SUBDIVISION, PUT YOUR CHILD IN A STROLLER AND GO FOR A WALK! THAT HELPS TOO, IF YA HAVE THE ENERGY. ....
GOOD LUCK !

D. H.,

In idea, for your "play-time," maybe 2-3 times per week, put your son in a stroller and you and him go outside for a walk. Maybe just a block or two to get started. In addition the cardio workout you'll get the outdoors will be great mentally for both of you. You may also find out other moms are doing it already or may be interested in walking also.

Another idea, get a pilates VHS tape or DVD and play it in your living room for 15-20 minutes the other 3 days in your week. Alternating your walk-days with pilates days.

Eat smart and drink plenty of water.

Be sure to let your OB & Health Care Provider know of your exercise plans/goals.

Feel free to e-mail me if you have questions at ____@____.com luck D..

D. P., LMT, CPT
Massage Therapist
Personal Trainer
Fitness Instructor
Birth Doula

You can try eating more frequent smaller meals through out the day instead of 3 days larger ones, it can help speed your metabolism. That is if you can find the time.

That's an easy one D....eat backwards (not literally of course)...turn your diet around...eat dinner for breakfast....light lunch...and breakfast for dinner....sounds crazy but is really works!

Luv Kathy

You have to figure out where you could squeeze it in. Wake up about 30 minutes earlier in the morning and do some of the exercises suggested on this site or watch Denise Austin starting at 6am. Or, you record her shows (or any other) and exercise before bed after you put your son down. That's what I do. When I stick to it, I see a difference. I need your motivation! I like the idea of eating my meals backwards. I'm going to have to try that!

There are several ways that you can sneak excercies into your day. Try parking on the far side of the parking lot at work or anytime you run errands. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. In the evening put your son in the stroller and take a walk around the block. The fresh air and new sights and sounds are good for him and the excercise is good for you. You can also do different excercises holding our baby. Lay on your back on the floor and lay your son on his tummy on your chest, using both hands lift him up in the air and back to your chest. Hold your son and do some squats or lunges (start with both feet together, take one step forward, bending your knee to the ground, bring your feet back together and do it on the other side).Your son will love it because he thinks it a game and gets to spend time with you and you'll get the excercise your looking for.

I've always heard of eating small portioned meals 6 to 8 times per day, drink plenty of water; even the smallest of exercises helps a lot: holding in the stomach while walking, stretching throughout the day, etc.

Hi, congrats on the beatiful baby boy. I used videos after my kids were born. I reccomend anyting by Denise Austin (I have the one with 3 levels 10-15 min each)and there is also alot of Pilates videos (I have with 5 differnt segments also 10-15 min each)on the market now. The good thing about these is that they are relitvely short and you will feel and see a difference if you consistently work out at least 3 times a week. And except for a mat and there isnt any equipment (3-5 lb dumbells are handy though).

Good luck, it sounds like you have a lot to take care of, but its important to take care of yourself as well.

K.

I would suggest maybe while at work using a strict diet and for lunch maybe going walking. When you are off, you can put your son in a stroller and push while walking, that is exercise in itself. Also, before going to get in the shower or laying down to bed...do a cpl of sit-up, push up, etc. Hope this helps.

~M.

Hi, D.; you could find some mothers (like me) that are in the same boat and you could help each other out. I do receive child support, however my ex is a kid and only sees our daughter every once in a great while. I work two jobs to pay the debt from our divorce. I ordered two exercise videos that are still laying on top of the vcr. But I can tell you, being pregnant and gaining over 50 pounds, I was only able to start seeing my body go somewhat back to normal (if that's such a thing) within the last six months, and she's over two years old. So give it time. Some things just won't go back, but they're not supposed to. Your body tells a story. But I know what you mean. Plus I simply can't afford new clothes. E-mail me and we could maybe get together with the babies and walk, etc. ____@____.com

p.s. A couple of things I used to do was that I'd wear ankle weights around the office and one of those waist cincher things that make you sweat. They do work.

Dear D.,

Believe it or not, but all that chasing around your son and play time does tend to burn energy and eventually calories. I would honestly take it slowly, but walking really helps. Then gradually move in to running. Take the stroller out with your son. It's great for bonding and working out. I have two kids, one is 19 mths old and my little boy just turned 8 mths old. We normally go to the park to walk or around the block in our neighborhood, just me and my babies. It may take a while depending on how good of shape your in to feel "the burn". I was never really any good at getting into shape. So about every night I was out of breath if I walked too far and my legs were killing me. But taking a hot bath gets rid of those aches and helps you sleep better. But like I said, it helps with the bonding as well. Congrats on the baby, they're great!

Charice

well i am a stay at home mom, but my days are pretty busy! i have a 2 1/2 yr old and a 6 mo old, 2 dogs and 2 cats and my hubby works a 2nd job on top of the army so i know all about being busy!
anyway i've started a workout i kinda just made up. i try to do it at least 5 times a week and have been doing it about 3 wks now and have already noticed a difference. i do about 120 crunches (give or take) in different positions, 20 leg lifts on each side, 20 squats, 20 lunges on each side, 20 push-ups, 20 back lifts, 20 kick-backs on each side (where you are on your hands and knees and kick back behind you) and then 20 leg lifts in that same position, but to the side. all in all it takes maybe 30-45 minutes. you can feel the difference almost immediately. if you want more details on the exercises message me and i'll try to explain better. i also take walks 2-5 times a week. another thing you can try is whenever you think about it, tighten your abdomen like you are trying to squeeze into tight jeans. sounds simple but it works!

I think that right now is a vitual stage of your life because this is setting the stage for you and your son's future. I do believe your time is being used wisely. However, you can always do some crunches in your bed when the baby is sleeping or go running pushing the baby in the stroller.It is not only good for the baby because it seems like a joy ride for the baby and you can even get a workout at the same time. Maybe in the morning or at night in a lite area or parking lot. I am a experienced single mother too. I have the same experience.