Last month, I began writing about my views on the current trend of "Mommy Makeovers". This is a topic close to me, as a 30-something mother of two surrounded by friends and sisters who are in the same stage of life.
My strong belief is that, while physical appearance is important, the outward is firmly rooted in what comes from within. So you've heard my perspective on this; let's hear from some others on the "frontlines": Moms who continually amaze me with their beauty---spiritual, emotional and, yes, physical. I asked some of my peers to give us one or two "pearls" discovered on each of their post-partum paths. Here is what they had to say:
"I believe that if you exercise during your pregnancy, even if it is only a 10 minute walk everyday, then exercising post pregnancy will be much easier and you can start sooner. Set realistic goals for yourself and know what works for your body. Some women get maximum results from yoga while others (like myself) feel the burn from running. Also be aware of the fact that the majority of women will never get back their pre pregnancy bodies so it is useless to stress yourself out trying."
-JM, retired teacher and mother of 2
"I think the most motivating thing for me after both births was to exercise in order to beat post-partum [depression] and to help pass the time (the solitary days seemed to go on forever.) It didn't matter to me what the weather was like, rain or snow I bundled up the kids and got them out in the stroller. The fresh air was great for both of us. I gradually built up a brisk pace walk and then a jog became a run. The weight dropped off of me easily with both kids as a result of eating smart, nursing and exercising. Although nursing made me more hungry than I have ever been I craved "good for you foods". Even on days when I was exhausted I knew getting outside would leave me feeling invigorated and with a more positive mental outlook on trying hours that would surely lie ahead during the evening hours. It was not about vanity, it was about feeling good mentally and physically. I would not take the kids to a daycare at the gym for fear of germs until they were three months old so a track, a trail, a park or my neighborhood was the "gym" for me."
-LP, Spinning instructor and mother of 2
"My advice is to be patience. Diets did not work for me; I needed to let my body seek its own level and it did on its own. It ALWAYS took me a full year to get back to normal."
-WW, marketing executive and mother of 3
"Make time for yourself a priority - take the kids to school and put the baby down for a nap and forget about the laundry, dishes, email, etc (that will always be there) and exercise. You will feel better doing those things if you have just taken 45 - 60 minutes for you. And variety is a must: change it up and try new ways to be active. Don't feel like it has to be done all at once. 2-3 bouts of exercise throughout the day may be all that will fit in the schedule."
