When You Don't Lose the Baby Weight--Ever

by Catherine Ipcizade | More from this Blogger

So pregnancy is finally over. Your baby has been born, and now your body will be back to "normal," right? I wish. Contrary to popular belief, not all moms lose the weight they gained during pregnancy, during the first six weeks, or six months even. Some, like me, still carry it around nearly six YEARS later.

So what do you do? Beat yourself up emotionally? Let me tell you, from one overweight mom to another, that doesn't do a doggone bit of good. It's counterproductive. Not to mention the fact that feeling badly about yourself affects not only your own self-esteem, but your marriage as well. It can also affect your children if they feel your insecurities.

Being a mom is not easy. If you're home with your kids or if you work outside the home, you're a busy person now. Your time is often not your own, and making time for exercise after a looooooong day is a heck of a lot easier said than done.

Instead of crash dieting to lose baby weight, try reducing your portions. Add in eight glasses of water and skip the mid-morning soda. Finally, make a conscious effort to exercise when you can. Whether it's a walk with your baby in the stroller, dancing in the living room, or even jumping rope with the kids, try to do something nearly every day that gets your heart rate up.

Until the time your body agrees with your mind and becomes the vision of loveliness you hope for, be good to yourself. You are beautiful now, not 20 pounds from now. Your weight does not define you, so don't allow it to rule your life. There are so many things to be concerned about in this life. Just try to be healthy, give yourself a break, and trust that the rest will come, slowly, and with time.

Learn more about Catherine Ipcizade

Cathy Ipcizade is 30 years old and currently resides in Southern California. Prior to coming to California she grew up in Arizona.

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