Ila's Postpartum Update: 8 Weeks

Hello lovely ladies!
So this week I have a lot to share, including where I am at health-wise, baby-wise and family-wise. To say that the last two months have been a whirlwind would be an understatement. I CANNOT even believe V is going to be 8 weeks and that Lincoln is turning TWO. Whhhhhaaatt. I am so very much enjoying this stage of MY life, my babies' lives and me and my hubby's lives together that it is hard to see the days passing by so quickly. Now I understand what my parents meant when they said that time starts to fly by the older you get, *especially* when you throw kids into the mix.
Anyways, enough about me being depressed about time lol. Let's get talking about my health.

​Postpartum Health + Weight Loss

Exercise: So I went to my OB at 6 weeks as I had shared in my prior post and she had cleared me to start working out. Awesome, I thought, but I hoped that I really could start working out. I say this because with my first, Lincoln, it literally took me until a year postpartum to really start feeling healthy to workout. Ah. I don't say this to scare you, but to share my experience with my first, that was seriously night and day from my experience with my second. With Lincoln (my first), I gained 60 lbs and had an easy, yet tough delivery. My delivery was easy because for a "first delivery", my labor was only about 10 hours (from the time my water broke to delivering Linc). However, labor and delivery was difficult because 1. I tore A LOT, and 2. my body was not used to labor being that it was my first child. Therefore, it took me a lot longer to recover. I bled more, I couldn't walk for weeks after delivery due to stitches healing and joints or whatever just being completely all out of whack. So yes, with my first baby, it took me close to a year for it to feel "right" to workout (despite the 6 week checkup mark that OB's give - more on this later).
Fast forward to my second pregnancy, which was completely different. I only gained 30 lbs, ate healthy and worked out regularly. Add in the fact that this wasn't my first rodeo; my body knew how to handle pregnancy (not only that, but I knew what to expect), and my body also knew how to handle labor and delivery. I can't reiterate enough that the second delivery (for me) was so so so so much easier. From start to finish my L+D was about 4 to 5 hours (I forget), I was way less anxious and my body recovered at lightening speed. I was able to walk out of the hospital, which I wasn't able to with my first, and days later, I was able to walk comfortably without feeling nauseous. 
Anyways, because my second delivery was so much easier than my first, I thought, hey, I can probably start working out earlier. Thus, around 4 weeks, I went for a light jog to see how it would go and to progress my postpartum weight loss journey. Bad idea. I felt super top heavy, super bottom heavy, basically like I didn't have a core to support my body, which is key during running. After my light ten minute (if that) jog, my body felt achey, especially in my pelvic region. Did I ever stop to think, hey, maybe I don't have a core because I just birthed a 9 pound baby less than month ago and my abs are separated? Nope. Stubborn ol' me, it wasn't until I talked to Erica Ziel, founder of Knocked Up Fitness in this Q+A here, that I realized that running this soon postpartum without working to repair and strengthen my core that I had lost during pregnancy was a big no-no postpartum and could set me up for long-term problems. 
If you have any interest in working out quickly postpartum or maybe you feel like your body has a LONG way to go before recovery and/or working out, I highly highly suggest that you watch our Q+A. In this video recorded interview, Erica takes me through the reasons why you MUST strengthen and repair your core postpartum before jumping into a high intensity workout routine. She told me that yes, OB's clear you for working out after your 6 week appointment, but after extensive interviews with OB's, she said that this "clearance" has nothing to do with the repairing of your core, which if you know anything about working out is KEY in almost ALL workouts that we do. Think about running, think about yoga, think about pilates, think about spinning - pretty much every exercise stems from holding and having a strong core. Being postpartum, unless we work to repair that core, it may not come back the way it is supposed to - which is probably why in my case it took over a year with my first baby to start feeling okay to work out again - in spite of the "6 week" mark.
In conclusion, I am postponing my favorite workouts - running and high intensity cardio - and am really motivated to start and finish her online classes to rebuild and strengthen my core FIRST. The membership includes a checklist of easy-to-follow exercises in 6 different phases that help to rebuild our cores as postpartum mamas.  Until then, I will continue to get out with kids and walk walk walk, to watch my diet and to hydrate - which brings me to....

Water: Okay, Erica talked to me about hydration too. So did Cate! Erica said that hydration is important for obvious reasons - especially while breastfeeding - but above anything else and when you are interested in weight loss, it is important to keep yourself hydrated so that you stay "regular", if you know what I mean. She said that if you aren't going at least once a day, then you aren't going enough and you need to reassess and start by drinking more water! Cate also told me that her nutritionist recommended that she drink water after every breastfeeding session - this will serve as a good reminder to drink water!
After reading a little bit on Kelly Mom, the best breastfeeding website might I add, it is noted that there is no "one level" of water intake that all moms need to follow while breastfeeding. She writes, “Given the extreme variability in water needs that are not solely based on differences in metabolism, but also in environmental conditions and activity, there is not a single level of water intake that would ensure adequate hydration and optimal health for half of all apparently healthy persons in all environmental conditions… the AI [Adequate Intake] does not represent a requirement; it is an amount that should meet the needs of almost everyone in the specific life stage group under the conditions described.” She continues to say that, thus, there is no prescribed level that a mom must follow when intaking fluids (water) and that you should not force fluid intake, but rather you should attend to the natural needs of your body. However, breastfeeding moms tended to consume 13 cups of water as opposed to 9 cups of water for non-pregnant/non-lactating women. Based on this, I try to carry around a full water bottle at all times and drink when I am thirsty, reminding myself after each nursing session. You can check more out on diet and fluid intake from Kelly Mom here.

Diet: Alright, this is another category that I learned some awesome takeaways from Erica about. Again, check out our Q+A session here - SO much good info. Even though I eat healthy, I am kind of the queen of carbohydrates. Even at my skinniest weight when I got married, I was able to get away with eating pasta and bread, just in moderation. Now that I am trying to lose weight slowly, I thought, why do I need to give up carbs? I love carbs and my body is okay with carbs.. but then I consider the fact that refined carbohydrates are not giving me substantial calories and are not providing a nutrient dense diet that is good for both my baby and me. Erica Ziel pointed out that when she meets new postpartum mamas, she often skips over baby's health and points to the health of mama, asking if SHE is doing and feeling okay. She says that babies strip moms of nutrients, leaving them with sparse nutrition. This is why it is imperative A) that you are getting nutrient dense calories and B) enough calories. As such, giving up something like refined carbohydrates makes a lot of sense to me because it is likely adding no nutritional value to my diet. If I am craving it, sure, I will have a piece of toast, but as of late I really don't feel the need to consume carbohydrates, thus I think it is important that I focus on other food groups.
Additionally, after Cate saw a nutritionist and was tested for ingredients that her body was sensitive to that **may** cause a colicky baby, this list included GLUTEN. As such, I have further amor to encourage me to try and cut carbs out. As my final point about refined carbs, I also want to point out that I now, more than trying to lose weight, am trying to follow a diet that will give me the most sustained energy throughout the day. Having a newborn baby can be exhausting - ya feel me? And to add to this exhaustion foods that may not make me feel great or worse - feel more tired - would be insanity! This is why I also think it is a good idea to cut out refined carbohydrates - especially in the beginning of the day. Sometimes, having a piece of toast or even heavy oatmeal can weigh me down in the morning, making me feel tired. Who wants to feel even more tired as an already sleep-deprived mama? Not me. I think getting rid of those extra carbs is okay.
Aside from carbs, Erica pointed out that it is imperative to include lots of healthy fat in your diet. She says this is suppppeerr important for multiple reasons. First, she says that eating fat can help keep you "regular" and I had just pointed out that staying regular is key to feeling good and to losing weight. Don't ask me HOW fat helps keep you regular, but because Erica said it and I find this comment interesting, I will take her word for it. She also pointed out that eating healthy fats will help keep that mommy fog at bay. Erica brought up a study done in which people consumed roughly 2 tablespoons of coconut oil a day that seemed to be linked with helping alzheimer's. She also brought up a study done about fish oil intake (but only fish oil with the EPA higher than DHA) that helped to reduce depression. True or not, I have heard the same thing over the years - so I figure, why not eat more coconut oil and take a fish oil supplement? I have been adding coconut oil to my bullet proof coffee and my smoothie in the morning. I also cook with it like crazy!
Aside from carbs and fat, I do need to tighten up my diet. My baby and I need nutrient dense foods and I MUST commit myself to providing this. Not only will I feel better, but it will bring peace of mind knowing that my little one is getting the best nutrients possible. :)

Supplements: I talked about fish oil. Erica said that there is really no limit to taking fish oil - well not really - but basically, she pointed out that you can take a ton of fish oil and it really isn't bad for you - even more than the prescribed amount on the back of the bottle (please don't take my word for it and check with your doctor beforehand). I had also worked with a nutritionist RD, who had told me the same thing. She had encouraged me to take two fish oil capsules after each meal, thus, that is what I have been following since I spoke with Erica. In addition to fish oil, I am still taking my prenatal vitamins and vitamin D. I JUST started taking a vegan B12 supplement that I received from the Global Healing Center. My first morning taking it was today - so I will let you know how that impacts my energy levels and such. Again, talk with a doctor before practicing anything new, and please do NOT take my word for medical advice - this is simply what I do and what works for me.

Weight: So it is really hard to weigh myself every morning simply because I cannot get an accurate reading. This is also when my boobs are the most full of milk. I have often noticed that I ironically weigh less in the evenings than I do in the mornings for this reason. All in all, the scale has proven to be a disappoint (duh), but mostly because I cannot get an accurate reading. Some days it says I have 13 pounds to lose and other days it says I have 16 pounds to lose. I believe that I probably have somewhere close to 13 pounds to lose and I am more than happy that I am at this point already. This is where I was at over 8 months postpartum with my first, so that is more than an accomplishment in and of itself. I am trying hard not to beat myself up over my weight loss at this point, but I will honestly say that no matter how much weight you have to lose it is still a struggle. It is hard not being able to wear the majority of clothes that are hanging nicely in my closet. Since I have been pregnant and postpartum with two babies now for almost three years, it feels like forever since I have had my body back. With Lincoln, my first, I had just gotten back to my normal weight when I found out that I was pregnant with our second. I got to enjoy my body for about a month or two before the morning sickness starting kicking in. I then started gaining weight slowly with my second pregnancy. My point is that it is kind of hard not having your figure for three years. Yes, it is all for the love and as a result of two beautiful children, but I won't be bashful in saying that I hope and yearn to have my body back soon! That said, I won't go to extreme measures or cut calories while breastfeeding at the expense of my baby to lose weight. I believe that the weight will come off when it is supposed to and if I do hold on to that extra ten pounds while breastfeeding (hormones will win every time), then that is just the way the cookie crumbles :)

​How V Is DOing

Little man is doing awesome. He is nursing and sleeping like a champ. He has been eating around the clock initially, but has since started to stabilize. I nurse on demand, so maybe that is why it seemed like it was 24/7. That said, he rarely cries. I think he has cried maybe 5 times since birth - knock on wood - once because we were in the car and he was overly tired, a few other times after I failed to rescue him from waking up from a nap and once or twice when I yelled to Linc (it hurt his poor little ears). All in all, he is a GREAT baby. I think it REALLY helps that I am a second time mom.. more on this later. My biggest advice to new mamas is when in doubt, nurse your baby, which I believe is why he never cries - that and the fact that I follow the 90 Minute Baby Sleep Program (more on this later) - so he is never overly tired or crying from fatigue. Simply, my opinion!
In terms of sleep, V has been sleeping about 7 to 8 hours straight through the night and has since about 5 to 6 weeks or so. I attribute this to him being a big baby, one week late, nursing on demand, and allowing him ample sleep during the day (and following the 90 Minute Baby Sleep Program). I will say that I have spoiled myself (kind of but not) in letting him go to bed at around 7:30pm, which means he wakes up once during the night to feed. Last night, I put him to bed at 9pm since that was what our schedule and his body naturally did and he slept all the way until 5am. Let me tell you, I felt like a new woman. My mom and others had encouraged me to put him down later at night as to let me get a full night's rest, but I had resisted because I found it so nice to have those quiet hours past 7:30pm of me-time in the evening (with no babies and just me and the hubs). I don't know which is better - the "me" time in the later evenings or getting to sleep through the entire night - probably the latter at this point. We will likely try putting V down at 9pm again tonight.
V's disposition is so sweet. He really is a happy boy - he will have a sweet personality like his older brother, but may not be as gregarious and outgoing. I don't think this is a bad thing at all! In fact, I say this in a good way - because two Type A little boys might be tough ;) He seems a little more laid back than Linc :) oh yes, a second child for sure. Not only is he a sweet smiley boy, but he is so darn cute. His eyes are mesmerizing - I can't wait to see how he grows into himself with his looks and more importantly, into his heart and personality.

​How Linc is Doing

My little sweet, energized, full of life, gregarious, outgoing little boy. He is SO much fun at this stage - really stepping into his own. I love getting to witness and experience new parts of his personality, including his ability to fit in with other groups of kids and his ability to enjoy life. He is SO outgoing; he often walks up to other children and says, "Hey kiddos, how's it going? Good?" Seriously, melts my heart. His vocabulary and communication skills are off the hook, the little parrot! I will say as a proud parent that I believe he is ahead in this department.
Aside from the wonders and joys of having a two-year old, we have indefinitely reached the "terrible" two's department over here, although I hate using the term. I believe every stage of your child's development is both fun and a learning experience all the same. Linc has simply gotten to an age in which he needs to put forth his opinion about things, namely the things he isn't happy about and more specifically, pouting about not getting his way. But can you blame the little guy? Why can't he play with daddy's autographed baseballs? He can play with all of the OTHER baseballs. Why can't he have a cookie? He could have a cookie the other night and why not for breakfast? Oh, the joys of teaching your child the ways of the world through such innocent eyes. I hate breaking his heart, and I strive to find the balance between discipline, frustration, love and enjoyment. Oh, such a process.
I love getting to see him interact with V. He is so sweet (most of the time), and doesn't seem to show much jealousy. He loves giving V kisses, he loves helping mama with V's diapers and even combing his hair at night. I often hear Linc asking if V is sleeping and if we can wake him up, or if mama can read V a book too. He really is a courteous older brother and I think they will have an amazing relationship.


All in all, V, Linc, mama and daddy are doing great! Having two children is seriously the best. Ryan and I feel beyond BLESSED (hate overusing that word but it is what it is!). Yes, there are some more planning logistics involved and sometimes it is a little harder to get out of the house. Further, I admit that giving both kids equal attention without hurting someone's feelings or leaving someone out does cross my mind frequently....
BUT even more than that is the pure pure pure joy that comes along with having two kids. I get to see my boys in a NEW light that I didn't see before. It makes my heart swell when I see the two of them interacting; I hear that this only intensifies as they grow. I have also gotten to enjoy the newborn phase so so much more because I am know a second time mama. The littles things that used to bring me so much anxiety with Lincoln, I now get to enjoy with Vance because I know that they will pass and/or that everything is going to be okay. On the flip side, having Vance has also allowed me to enjoy Linc more than I ever could have. I appreciate him in a new light and our relationship has grown from him being my baby to him being my oldest, and mommy's little helper at that. I have seen him mature (not diminish back to a baby-like state, which some people warned me about). In fact, everything that "people" warned me about having two kids has been the opposite, quite frankly. Instead, I have been able to experience a new rhythm of life that feels so right.
Anyways, I encourage all you mamas out there to hug and embrace the stage that you are at with your kiddos because God only knows how quickly the months fly by before our little ones are outgrowing us. Find the joy in the present moment and give yourself a pat on the back! I mean, look what you created? God's little miracles!

xx,
ILA