Transformation Tuesday: 8 Days Postpartum

January 17, 2017

I thought I knew what unconditional love was, but it wasn’t until 1 p.m. on January 9, 2017, that I truly learned its meaning. It has been eight days since Baby rUnladylike joined the world – eight of the greatest days of my life.

Like any new mom, the past week has been a time of transformation – emotionally, mentally and of course, physically. runladylike.com has always been a place to share the real and raw experiences related to running, fitness, body image and the collective journey to health. So, naturally, I’ll be sharing with you the road to my running comeback and running after pregnancy, including how my physical strength and endurance will {hopefully} return in the coming months.

I have no idea how much I weigh today, nor do I care. I gained a total of 29 pounds during pregnancy. After delivery, I looked about 25 weeks pregnant, but with each passing day, I can see my body adjusting and transforming back to it’s happy place. I think being incredibly active during my pregnancy has proven to be extremely helpful, both from the standpoint of delivery and postpartum recovery. I’ve been breastfeeding eight times per day and my doctor recommended taking a daily walk of no more than a half of a mile very slowly with the stroller. It has felt good to get out in the fresh air and walk a bit.

Here’s what my transformation looks like so far.

I always imagined I would be the type of person jonesing to run as soon as I possibly could after having my baby, but I feel the complete opposite. I’m likely going to wait five to six weeks before I start running after pregnancy. While I feel good considering what my body has gone through, my long-term goal is to be healthy, strong and injury-free, for both myself and my family. Running will always be there for us when we’re ready, and it will be waiting for me when that time comes. My doctor says I can begin doing more easy walking, the elliptical and some light weight training three weeks postpartum if I’m feeling well, and then they will assess my ability to run and cycle (dear God the thought of cycling makes me cringe!) around six weeks postpartum. While I’m excited to get back to running, I’m simply enjoying the moments and this special time. I’ll also be selecting my fall goal race in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more on that!

In the meantime, you can find me walking slow half miles each day …

Thanks for all of your well wishes, kind and supportive thoughts and encouragement. I’m looking forward to seeing where the weeks ahead take me.

If you have returned to running after pregnancy, tell me about your experience.

Comments

Ashley

I am so thankful to follow your journey as i’m in the midst of mine! Note to self, stay super active as long as possible. 🙂

Heatherfeather

Following! I’m currently 8 weeks postpartum and still not back to running. I’m a cycling teacher, and despite my new gel seat, haven’t been brave enough to test it! For now, swimming, weights, and incline treadmill walks have kept me sane! I have found little to no information about fitness after baby for active mamas. Good luck and enjoy every second! It’s a blessing.

Bridget

Heather – you should check out the Fitnessista’s (a fitness blogger) Post Baby Bod series. She has some great workout and eating tips for women who are new moms, including for those who were active before and during their pregnancies.

Fairytales and Fitness

What a beautiful baby! Good for you for waiting a while before running. Your body has already been through so much!

Sandra Laflamme

Hugs to you and your sweet peanut! It sounds like everything is going very well!

Tori

Swimming eased me into running after my first baby. I am now 3.5 month postpartum with twins, nursing both. Much slower recovery after twins, but a little better every day.

Leanne

You look amazing and baby runladylike is simply adorable!
The idea of cycling at 6 weeks pp makes me cringe, too and my baby is 12!

Congratulations, again! ❤

Natalie

Jes, you look beautiful and baby Bella is absolutely precious! You are so smart to enjoy this special time with your family. Running will always, always be there – but nursing your baby, rocking, holding her, gazing at her while she is sleeping… those moments can never be replaced. Take it all in – babies are truly little miracles. I remember signing up for a marathon when my son was 8 months old. I thought about all the grand plans of training and easily balancing one baby… ha! I know some people do it beautifully, but I needed more time. So, I gave up that race and it worked out fine. You will come back and run whatever you choose and you’ll be fantastic – just enjoy every moment of this sweet baby. xoxo

Allie

The best part about this is how much you change once that baby arrives!!! I don’t think any new mom can realize how significant this is without actually going through it. I’m SO SO happy to see how content you are to just spend your days with your daughter. You’re going to be a great mom!!! Of course, I already knew that part 🙂 xoxoxoxo

Melissa

Your baby is beautiful!! Enjoy these moments. They go by so quickly. You truly can’t grasp that until they are gone.

Carolina John

Congratulations Jes! She is so adorable. Enjoy the new mom parts, they don’t last as long as you might want.

Laura @ This Runner's Recipes

You look amazing and baby Bella is beyond precious! Running will always be there, but I can’t even imagine how incredibly meaningful those first few days with your sweet girl are. So happy for all three of you! xoxo