How would you (physically) prepare for another baby?
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Anonymous
| I had a baby a year and a half ago (c section) and this whole experience has knocked me down and I'm just now getting back up again. I had a relatively easy pregnancy but the birth was not great (induced because baby wasn't coming but I didn't progress at all for days even after they broke my water so I ended up having a c section), and the postpartum period and breastfeeding were much harder than I expected, even with lots of help. Although not dcum "skinny" I was in great shape about 5 years ago (lots of weightlifting, solidcore 3 times a week, ate relatively healthily most of the time but probably indulged more than I should). I finally stopped breastfeeding and I'm now at my highest weight ever (185 and I'm 5'1"), hardly exercise, have been subsisting on takeout and pretty unhealthy homemade casseroles etc. I'm finally out of the postpartum funk enough that I have a little more time for myself. While I don't know if I want to have another baby because of my experience last time, I do know I would be miserable pregnant and postpartum at this weight and fitness level. I don't want to feel "ready" for a second and then not be physically ready. What would you do to get in the best shape physically for a second pregnancy. Any particular routines, movements, or even medical or laboratory tests you would recommend? I think I would just have a c section the second time since I've already had one. |
Anonymous
| Lose weight. Slowly and healthily. |
Anonymous
| Learn to cook. |
Anonymous
| Check out @getmomstrong on insta. She knows her stuff. |
Anonymous
Didn’t realize insta was still a thing. |
Anonymous
Weird, but … |
Anonymous
There are risks associated with VBACs |
Anonymous
| You're overthinking this. Have a nice planned c-section the 2nd time around. You won't care about lots of things with your 2nd. |
Anonymous
| Im prepping by going on mounjaro and strengthening my core and glutes. Hoping to be at a low weight when I get pregnant |
Anonymous
|
1) Keep up with the prenatal vitamins. Unless you're having kids like 4+ years apart, I think just stay on 'em until you're totally done.
2) Core muscles. This is crucial. Some good options: MommaStrong (recommended by my midwives) and Trifecta Pilates on YouTube (recommended by my physical therapist). Ideally 3x+ per week. 3) How's your pelvic floor? If you've got any ongoing issues there (like peeing when you sneeze or discomfort during sex) get that addressed. There's a lot you can do! See a pelvic PT. 4) Get enough sleep. This is mission critical. Get that baby sleeping through the night if she isn't already and get a solid 8 hours every night. No excuses here. 5) Make sure you're getting enough nutrients. The first way to overhaul your diet is by adding what you need. Do you get enough fruits and veggies? Protein? Healthy fats? Hydration? Adding in a daily green smoothie with tons of greens, plus avocado and other fruit, is a game changer. 5) I think weight is important, but I also think it should be last. Get through items 1-4 first. Once you've got a good exercise routine going, your pelvic floor is good, you're in a good sleep routine, you're getting the nutrients you need, THEN you'll probably need to cut some calories to start (slowly) dropping pounds. When I was coming off a tough postpartum period, I slowly lost weight as I got to a good place with sleeping, exercise and nutrients, but it was like a pound a month (though over a year, that added up!). To up that to more like a pound every week or two, I did have to watch my calories. But that's HARD and you're already doing a lot. Focus on the restorative stuff first. And the core work is massively more important than your weight. |
Anonymous
| OP, the first thing you should do is to get your diet under control. Take out and cream of mushroom casseroles are not what your body needs. You can keep things REALLY simple - eat some sort of protein, veg, fruit, and fiber-containing food for each meal. Example breakfast: oatmeal with egg whites or yogurt stirred in, top w/ fruit. Lunch: tuna or salmon from a can, salad greens, avocado, black beans, fruit. Dinner: roast chicken, green beans, sweet potato. Snack can be berries w/ cottage cheese or an apple with some cheddar cheese. These are just examples, but you really need to take the time to properly stock your fridge and pantry with foods that are high in nutrition. None of these meals are labor or time intensive, but they do require just a bit of planning (having the ingredients on hand to quickly assemble). |