Going into my pregnancy, I expected some weight gain. I expected swelling and drastic body change. I expected it, but I was definitely not ready for it. I was always on the petite side. I am 5’2 and I averaged anywhere between 120-125 pounds.  

Like a lot of moms, new moms, first time moms, I ate- everything and anything. I had this idea in my head that I was eating for two, literally. 

The day I went in to the hospital to deliver my mini, I stepped on the scale, and stepped off of it quicker than ever. It said I was 174 pounds. Can you believe it? I couldn’t. I gained 52 pounds during my pregnancy. 52 pounds. Let that sink in.

At that time, I of course didn’t care. I wanted a healthy and happy baby, and the weight gain was just a perk that came with it, I guess.

The day we came home from the hospital, I stepped on the scale once again, and it showed I was 163. For some odd reason, I had this idea in my head, that once the baby comes out, once the swelling goes down, and all fluids leave my body, that I would be back to my old weight, that I would look like my old self. Again, first time mom, so I had no idea what to expect, what reality actually looked like. 

I think the worst part of the entire weight gain process, was not being able to fit into all my old clothes. And let me tell you, I had a lot of clothes. Shopping was a hobby, so everything I collected over the years, couldn’t even go past my knees, or over my head.  It was the worst feeling, mentally. I struggled so much, just looking at my closet and having to buy clothes that I was not comfortable in, to be able to fit.

The same day that my gynecologist cleared me for working out post C-section was the same day I called around for prices on a personal trainer. I found one in my neighborhood and I dedicated at least 3-4 times a week to see her for an hour. I was with the trainer for 4 months, and then I joined the gym to continue working out on my own, using the methods that she has taught me over the last couple of months. 

I think it’s extremely hard to find time for ourselves, especially as new moms, and do something, such as working out, that will benefit us. But I found the time. Every night, after I nursed my daughter, put her to bed, I would run to the gym, work out, and feel like a completely different person.

You have to find the time. For the gym, for shopping, for massages, for girlfriend coffee dates, for a walk, for some silence, whatever- just find the time. Find an hour in the day, a couple times a week to do something for yourself. It will not only make you feel or look better, it will make you a better mom. I think that if we take good care of ourselves, we have more energy and will to do more things for our children.