Struggling b/c Can't Exercise Like Before!

[mbschneider]

Hello,
I am the Mom to a beautiful 12 week old. I always worked out very hard prior to having the baby and while pregnant (at least 6 days per week - cardio + weights - probably more than necessary). I am nursing now and it is so hard for me to fit in exercise. I am able to do so @ 4 times per week - I take vigorous walks and sometimes I jog. I also am starting to do some much-needed abdominal work. I feel very depressed by the fact that I can't do much more right now (on the other hand, I really don't want to be a slave to the gym or my exercise program so maybe this is good for me). I am super tired - so I am just keeping my head above water. Any words of wisdom or encouragement? Thank you.

 

[debbydarestobefit]

This is such a special time for you and your baby. Please enjoy it and don't worry so much about the exercise. I think 4x/week is GREAT for a new mom, as it is for anyone with a major life change. Your super tiredness is a clue that your body needs some rest. For goodness sake, you were pregnant, gave birth, and are now breastfeeding and adapting to this new lifestyle --- that's a lot on your body, not to mention the emotional and mental stress (altho positive) of this new addition to your life. Try to relax your thinking a little about the exercise ... you sound like you're doing great and not giving yourself enuf credit. Congratulations on the healthy baby! Deb

 

[star_dust]

Give yourself a rest mama! Deb gave you great advice! It's hard and it may not feel like you will get back to life or body before - it just takes time. I was nursing too (still am!) and found that sleep deprivation (3 hrs a night isn't enough) made it impossible to really exercise until dd was 6 months. She is now 8 mos, sleeping through the night and I am working out 4 times a week.

You are doing so well for a new mom! Just give yourself a break - mentally and physically.

 

[mbschneider]

Thank you so much to Deb and to Star Dust. I really do need some moral support - and I am grateful to you for replying! I am not used to "going easy" on myself but I really do agree that this is quite a time of HUGE life transition and the physical and emotional demands are unlike anything I have ever done before. So....thank you again! Mary Beth

 

[Aquajock]

Words of encouragement:

"Four-Day Split" is still in pre-order status;

"Timesaver" DVD from the Body Blast Series is easily modifiable to a 4-day schedule; and

"Cross Train Express" see above re Timesaver.

Something is always better than nothing, and there is no better time than now to redevelop your workout strategy now that your sweet little one is here. Please consider getting all of the above.

And congratulations!

A-jOCK

 

[delfin]

Having a baby takes a tremendous toll on your body. I also nursed my babies, exlusively in fact, no bottle, so I was getting up every couple hours each night (with my 2nd, every 1 1/2 hours), and was completely sleep deprived. Don't beat yourself up about not exercising as much as you used to. Mothering an infant takes an enormous amount of energy. Don't forget to take care of yourself... and please ask for help when you need it! I wish I had! I've already told my daughters: when you have a baby, make sure you've got some help, so you've got some time for yourself every day. Enjoy these tiring but oh so precious days.

 

[dorothyrd]

Oh goodness, I am Mom to a 14 and 19 year old, and believe me, this time right now.....is very short. There will be plenty of time for you to work out more, and you will get back into it.

I remember for my 19 year old it was around 1 year that I felt buff and back in shape. Once your baby starts sleeping more, starts eating solids and does not need you as much, it truly gets better.

 

[jordan]

I agree with everyone else. Take this special time to bond with your little miracle. Congratulations MOM!

Time passes quickly, so, slow down and cherish every moment,

jordan

 

[jodijodi]

I don't have much new to add, just to echo what everyone else has said. Get what rest you can, and it will get easier in a little while. You'll be feeling better and better as time goes by. Congrats on your new bundle of joy!

 

[mbschneider]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all who replied!!!! I am sure you are right and I need to learn how to relax and enjoy. I will work on this!!! MB

 

[amazondotmom]

I agree with everyone that posted but I have something new to add. I had my 3rd baby two years ago. I nursed my baby until she was 17 months (I thought it would only be a year). Prior to my 3rd child, I too worked out 6 days a week at a very intense level (even when I was pregnant). After my daughter was born I cut way back to 3-4 days a week because I was too tired to workout. I only did the WHFN Fitprimes, old Firms and short Cathe premixes. It has been 5 months since I stopped nursing my daughter and I can say I have my figure back to wear a bikini confidently. If you work at it, you will be back to your old self. Give yourself a break and enjoy your baby, you won't look back and regret your decision!