Over 30s Moms - is it really possible to get back the pre-baby body?

[Anonymous]

I look much better now than I did pre-baby. I went through a running phase that took off the weight, and them a yoga phase that made me tight. Diet is actually the first step though. Give yourself some time, but set a goal and a deadline. I started with a 5 k four months out. I had never run mile before, but I worked hard and started. You can do it!

[Anonymous]

Were. You athletic before kids? Did you stay active during your pregnancy? Those are 2 big factors. To answer your question though, yes you can get your body back and then some. Signed 35 yr old to 3 young kids.

[Anonymous]

I got back to my pre-baby body after my first (born when I was 35), with the exception of slightly droopy boobs. It took about a year and a lot of hard work (running with the jogging stroller and hot yoga were key), but I did it.

What helped:

-Being athletic/active for decades pre-baby
-Being active while pregnant
-Having a naturally muscular body type
-Weaning (I held onto the baby weight like crazy until I weaned at 8 months)

I'm six months PP with my second, and hoping I can get back there, too. I'm 37 now, but I also have a new secret weapon: a double jogging stroller.

[Anonymous]

I was 30 when DD1 was born. My body two years later was much, much better than pre-baby body. Much more fit, lower body fat, more muscle mass, my conditioning was better. Lots of strength training. 33 and expecting #2 in a couple weeks and I'm assuming I'll bounce back, though I've been working out this whole pregnancy so I think it'll be easier to get back into my exercise routine than it was after 1.

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on how much weight is gained during pregnancy. It's a lot easier to lose 30 lbs then 60.

[Anonymous]

Tummy tuck and lipo are the only way. Your body muscles and fat deposit was changed due to the baby and pregnancy hormones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Were. You athletic before kids? Did you stay active during your pregnancy? Those are 2 big factors. To answer your question though, yes you can get your body back and then some. Signed 35 yr old to 3 young kids.

I wonder the same thing. I did not realize what having a baby could do to your abdominal muscles. My muscles shifted back together, so I never had the major lose skin problem. I have always been fit and active (pre baby), so I do wonder if that made a difference in my muscles or if it is more genetic, or just good luck.

[Anonymous]

I had DD at 35. At 37 I have a different, but I dare say better body than I did in my early 30s. For the past 9 months I have really committed to a manageable workout program. It took a few months to figure out what "manageable" meant to me work FT, DH travels a lot, I run and use the Nike+ app for strength training). I am only five lbs lighter than my pre baby weight but have gained so much muscle that I look better. My arms and legs have never looked better. My stomach/abs will never be as flat as they once were but that's ok because my overall look has improved (I have a pretty fast metabolism and barely worked out pre baby). My body is now doing things I never thought it was capable of doing (real push-ups! Running 7 miles!) and feeling strong and powerful is way more rewarding than having flat abs.

[Anonymous]

I got down to my high school weight after I had DD#2 and I was 34, which was a big accomplishment, but I didn't look the same as I did in high school! Hips are wider, body is not as lean, perpetually have a little ridge of pudge right below the belly button, etc. I looked pretty good, though, and felt comfortable in a bikini at the pool. I've put on a few lbs since then, but I'm working them back off for the upcoming summer season. For me, though, it is all about diet.

[Anonymous]

I had 3 big babies (9, 10, and almost 11 pounds). My stomach looks a bit like Kate Gosselins (pre-plastic surgery). The rest of me is basically my pre-baby size. It is stretched out skin, I think.

[Anonymous]

Yes, although my hips were a bit wider.

I am 5'3" and got back to prebaby 110 about 4 months after I weened my son.

Never looked the same in 501s, though. But that's ok.

[Anonymous]

Yes. You have to work. Not just show up. To the PP who said you won't get your stomach mudcles back. BS. I have killer abs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a baby at 38 and look exactly the same as I did before getting pregnant--about 7 lbs above my ideal weight, no stretch marks, boobs the same.

Yes it's possible, and probably has a lot to do with genetics, at least in my case.

...and having only one baby.

I find there is a BIG difference when you go through pregnancy more than once. Ballooning and going up and down reeks havoc on the skin.

[Anonymous]

I'm 35 and DS is 15 months. I'm back to previous weight/size 4 but my body doesn't look the same. Hips are wider and small pouch. Plus a c-scar! I haven't worked out but we walk a lot. I'd like to start working out to see if I can tone my stomach. I think the wider hips are probably here to stay. No stretch marks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. You have to work. Not just show up. To the PP who said you won't get your stomach mudcles back. BS. I have killer abs.

What was/is your routine for the abs? Thank you.