I have a feeling that I’ll begin every post this way, but seriously – how has a month after passed since I gave birth to Henry?!   He cannot possibly be four weeks old yet!  He’s growing up too fast.

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You can check out my first post-pregnancy update here – Mind and Body After Baby – Week 1.

 

Mind After Baby – Month 1

 

As I wrote about in the Week 1 update, the first seven days of Henry’s life were pretty difficult.  I lost my appetite, I was functioning on zero sleep, I had a touch of the baby blues, I was exhausted from delivery.  It was rough.  At one point during Week 2, I emailed my buddies Jen and Emily a frantic letter begging them to tell me that it would all be okay – I really did feel like I was falling apart and somehow failing Henry.  They assured me that it was normal to feel like that and it would be okay.  It’s so nice to have fellow moms that you can whine to without fear of judgment.   

 

Since then, things have really turned around!  Sure, I’m still extremely tired due to our nursing schedule, but in Henry’s third week of life, I started to feel more competent and confident about parenting.  I haven’t cried non-happy tears in two weeks, and I credit a lot of it to the Husband’s support, as well as my decision to encapsulate and ingest my placenta.  I really do think it has helped normalize my hormones.

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I’ve learned two big lessons in the last month.  First of all, just because your kiddo doesn’t follow the textbook example of ‘what a baby should do’ doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong (of course, it could mean something is wrong, but not always!).  Henry’s nursing schedule really stressed me out at first because the nurses at the hospital and my breastfeeding books told me he should nurse for longer periods and rest more in between.  “But my baby doesn’t DO that!” I thought frantically.  Guess what?  Babies don’t read the books.  Henry is fine.  He’s gaining weight, he’s healthy and happy, and we’re in the swing of breastfeeding.  I’d glad I sought out an expert opinion (a lactation consultant) and listened to my gut.  The experience helped me realize that all babies really are different, and that’s perfectly okay.  Breastfeeding has gotten a lot easier and a lot more enjoyable.  Henry’s feedings are longer, although they are still spaced closely together.  We’re still stuck on the nipple shield, and I’d like to get off it, but honestly – we’re probably still using it mostly because I am lazy and don’t want to mess up a good thing.

 

I also learned an important marriage lesson:  do things for each other and for the baby without resentment. 

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And don’t keep ‘score’ of who does what and when.  If your husband asks you to toss his laundry in the wash while he holds the baby, and you roll your eyes and huff and puff while doing it, you might as well have not done the laundry at all.  And when you ask him to do something for you, he’ll huff and puff back.  It’s a vicious cycle.  It’s easier said than done, but just live resentment-free.  It’s crazy to say this – because I’m sure a newborn ranks high up there on the stress list – but we’re happier than ever, thanks to this philosophy.

 

Body After Baby – Month 1

 

While my mental state has bounced back by leaps and bounds, I can’t say that my body is doing the same thing.  Although their bodies didn’t look the same right away, many of my friends shed all their baby weight within the first month.  My body did not receive that memo.

 

I’m not crazy about using weight as the sole measure of fitness (it only tells a fraction of the story) but for these purposes, I think the numbers are illuminating.  I don’t own a scale, but thanks to check-ups at the doctor’s, I know that I gained 35 pounds during pregnancy and lost 18 as of one-week post-partum.  In the last three weeks, I’ve dropped another 2.5 pounds, which is a healthy weight loss pace under ‘normal’ conditions; I guess I just thought it would happen faster based on my friends’ experiences.  I guess everyone really is different – babies and mommas included.  Breastfeeding has not been the miracle weight-loss tool that I’ve heard it can be.

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I wrote in the Week 1 update that losing the baby weight wasn’t a priority for me, and it’s still not – my fitness goal is to get back to regular exercise because it’s fun and helps keep me sane.  Breastfeeding experts say that exercise doesn’t interfere with milk supply but cutting calories can, so if moving my body and eating in accordance with my hunger cues encourages weight loss – great!  But if not, the baby weight can continue to stick around.  I’m not wild about continuing to wear maternity clothes but Henry’s food is more important.

 

And – just keepin’ it real – in terms of body image, I wish I could say that I’m 100% accepting of my current state, but I’m probably only 90% accepting.  It’s a month out, but I feel like pregnancy is far behind me (a month with a newborn seems like a full year of regular time), and I’m 10% tired of maternity clothes.  Pants with buttons would be very nice!  I’m not a very patient person, and a lot of the return to fitness is about patience.  I’m working on it.  Perhaps the 10% non-accepting part is a good thing because it’s a pretty powerful motivator. 

 

On a brighter note, I started to exercise again yesterday (I went for a walk/run), and I was really impressed with how normal my body felt. A few friends have commented that their organs felt all out of place, as if they could feel everything moving around when they ran. I had none of that – everything felt really good. That is a HUGE blessing, I know, and I’m really excited that my body seems to have bounced back so quickly in some key ways.  When it comes down to it, I’ll take feeling normal over my normal weight any day of the week. So – once again – everyone is different (apparently, that is the theme of this post!). I think it’s great to talk with friends and read blog posts and forum entries. Sharing our experiences and ups and downs is very important. But more and more, I am discovering you must just wait and see how it is for YOU. Your baby may eat differently than other babies; your body may look and feel differently than your friends’. It’s silly to expect you can or cannot do something just because others could or could not. Just like there is no one type of pregnancy, there’s no one way to recover.

 

In conclusion, I’ll say this:  It is SCARY how much I love my baby.  I love the HECK out of the Henry.  He is so much fun, sweet, and cute.  Even when he cries, I think he’s adorable.  I know not everyone loves the newborn stage, but I am obsessed with newborn Henry and wish he could stay little forever! 

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Over the past month, I really feel like I’ve become a mom, and it’s one of the best feeling in the entire world.  Henry is well worth all the mental struggles and physical challenges. 

{ 126 comments }

 

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat July 10, 2012, 8:12 am

    Hehe I love Henry too and he’s not even mine! 😉 I love your outlook on motherhood Caitlin. I imagine I’d be pretty freaked out in the first few weeks too, especially since right now I don’t have to look after anyone but myself. I think you’ve got such a positive attitude about your body returning to its normal size and I know it will happen. You are a huge inspiration to me, and I’m sure I can speak for many of your other readers too. Keep it up! 🙂

    • Alex @ Brain, Body, Because July 10, 2012, 8:48 am

      I have to chime in here as well. Your work and words have inspired me and helped me learn to love myself. Your body just did -and continues to do- absolutely amazing things 🙂

  • Meghan @ CarmanClan July 10, 2012, 8:15 am

    Henry is so adorable! Breastfeeding was not the magic weight loss for me, I gained 50 lbs and at my 6 week appointment had lost 30 (my son was 9lbs at birth). I finally started to drop more weight after 3 months, its like my body held onto it to figure out what he needed. As for running, the first few weeks were rough, I ended up with the worst stomach cramps, maybe because my organs had to shift back.

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) July 10, 2012, 8:16 am

    I am going on two months w/ the nipple shield. Ugh. It is our lifesaver in terms of making breastfeeding work, but I really do hate the thing! My lactation consultant recommended trying to wean Clara off the shield once she hits 10 pounds. Which brand do you use? Love these updates! You have such a lovely perspective.

    • Morgan July 10, 2012, 11:43 am

      Maybe this tip will help y’all (or maybe you have tried this)- try nursing on one side with the shield and switch to the other side without the shield-sometimes the baby will latch on their own.

      My sister used a shield for about 2months and magically one day while she was taking a bath with her son, he latched!

      Also, I’ve heard once they stop using the shield time at the breast decreases.

      • CaitlinHTP July 10, 2012, 7:33 pm

        I have a Medela shield.

  • Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy July 10, 2012, 8:17 am

    What a nice post! That’s great that you feel like yourself when you’re exercising!

  • Ashley July 10, 2012, 8:17 am

    You’ve got the right attitude about your body…it will get back to looking “normal”, and it does take time. AND that baby is so worth it.

    I always joked…It takes you 9 months to gain the lbs, so give yourself at least 9 to get rid of them! 🙂

  • Janae @ Bring-Joy July 10, 2012, 8:18 am

    Caitlin, I’m here to say (after having had 4 babies myself), the first 2 months after having a baby are not to be messed with! You have to be up for anything. It sounds like you have the right mix of reality & an optimistic attitude about the many things that are coming your way.

    As far as weight loss goes, I never lost anything the first month. I started really losing steadily (about 1.25-1.75, but who’s counting) from about week 6 post-partum on. This can be attributed to cutting back on calories deliberately & breast feeding (I exercised as well, but I think I would have lost just as much weight with the first two alone). Breastfeeding does help with the weight loss. You’re burning somewhere in the range of 400-800 extra calories a day just making milk (nice, huh?). I found that just paying extra attention to my diet helped the weight come off without too much pain :).

    I also love how you point out how important it is to give & compromise with a spouse & not keep “points” as to who has done what. Many people never “get” this lesson–you’re way ahead of the game.

    You’re doing a great job & Henry looks like he’s thriving!

  • Molly @ RDexposed July 10, 2012, 8:22 am

    “Babies don’t read the books.” This could easily become a classic one liner!

    • Amber K July 10, 2012, 2:36 pm

      Exactly what I was thinking!

  • Tara July 10, 2012, 8:23 am

    You have such a great attitude and are doing wonderful! I gained more than I wanted during pregnancy and it came off waaayyy slower than I ever anticipated. However, it’s all worth it!

    I loved the newborn stage, but one thing I have discovered after two years is that I love every stage! Every milestone, new word, and basically everything he does makes me such a proud mama! Now he’s a walking, talking toddler and even though he’s learned words like NO and MINE and can have an impressive meltdown on occassion, I am still loving this stage and seeing how he is becoming his own little person. Mama-hood is totally an awesome adventure and I love every minute! 🙂

  • Claire @ Live and Love to Eat July 10, 2012, 8:24 am

    You sound like you have such a realistic and positive approach to all of your challenges – and of course I’m sure they’re all worth it!

  • Tamika Davis July 10, 2012, 8:30 am

    I feel like you’re my virtual pregnancy mentor. I’ve followed HTP for several years but this is the first time a post has brought about (happy) tears. It’s refreshing to hear someone not sugarcoat the journey to motherhood. Your honesty as you detail the ups and downs of being a first time mom reinforces that not knowing it all/feeling out of control is normal. Thank you, CB!

  • Lauri July 10, 2012, 8:30 am

    I think expecting to lose all the weight in the first month isn’t realistic at all. It’s great that some of your friends were able to, but that certainly isn’t the norm. Be patient and the weight will come off…

    I wish more moms wanred me about those first few weeks and the tears. I remember emailing a friend in the week after I had my son and saying I was crying all the time and she replied that she cried for 2 weeks straight after her first. I was thinking “Why didn’t you tell me?!?!?” So it’s all normal and everyone goes through it!! Glad yuo’re feeling better.

  • Marie July 10, 2012, 8:32 am

    Caitlyn, thank you for your honesty about the first month of being home with a baby and being a new Mom. It is hard, and there are tears, yet at the same time it is so joyful…and I think it is so helpful for other women to hear that!

    When I was a brand new Mama I would read many blogs of other new moms and they would be writing about all of their adventures out with their babies, how much sleep they were getting, etc., and it made me feel awful! Many days my big success of the day was taking a shower! For the first month or two I didn’t go anywhere with my son except for walks around the neighborhood.

    It is just so helpful to hear the honest truth from other women. Thank you.

  • Carolina John July 10, 2012, 8:37 am

    I’ve never heard of anyone losing all of the baby weight in the first month. It took Kelley closer to 5 months to lose the baby weight, and after the second one she went on weight watchers to lose the rest of what she needed to as well. I do think you had an elevated expectation there.

    Still you look great! And Henry is growing very well. Those first few months are so difficult. hang in there.

  • Jessica July 10, 2012, 8:38 am

    Henry is just adorable! It makes me miss those early weeks so much…
    And I can’t believe anyone would expect to lose all their pregnancy weight in a month! That’s crazy!!! It took your body over nine months to gain that weight, you can’t expect to lose it all in only 4 weeks. And for a lot of women, your body will hold on to some extra weight while they nurse – it’s your body’s natural defense against famine, to make sure it has the reverses needed to feed your baby in an emergency. So you may have the case where your body will hold on to those last 10-15 pounds until you wean. That means your body is doing something right!
    That’s amazing that you are already back to running. A lot of women aren’t even cleared to drive or go back to work at 4 weeks out!

    • Caitlin July 10, 2012, 8:40 am

      They told me not to drive for a week 🙂 but that was due to sleep deprivation. LOL

      • Jessica July 10, 2012, 9:31 am

        That’s interesting about the sleep deprivation – it that’s the case, I shouldn’t be driving now at 6 months postpartum, ha! The nurse at the hospital told me that I could experience serious damage to uterus, cause bleeding, etc. if I took on the full impact of the airbag so soon after delivering, and I shouldn’t even sit in the front seat until at least 2 weeks postpartum (which was interesting to me, I had never heard that before).

  • Heather July 10, 2012, 8:43 am

    Seriously, don’t stress about the nursing schedule. Mine is 6 months & still nurses every 2 hrs. That’s just the way he is and it’s normal, even though it seems like every other baby can go longer. You adjust- I promise I don’t feel like I’m nursing all the time!

  • Robyn July 10, 2012, 8:47 am

    Hi Caitlin,
    I’m on day 12 of having a newborn and I can’t tell you how great it is to read this post. You’re totally right, Henry is normal! Our little guy is a short spaced feeder who likes to feed as regularly as possible. I sometimes stress that there’s no way I’m producing enough milk – but the diapers tell the full story 🙂 Thanks again for your honesty. I know all us new mommas really appreciate it. And keep up the good work…I love hearing all the things you are going through. Even just the smallest similarity makes me feel like things aren’t as crazy as they seem!

  • Lena July 10, 2012, 8:47 am

    I loved how you wrote ”I love the HECK out of Henry!”. I’m not a mom myself, but when I became an aunt last year (his name is Jim Henry 🙂 ), I couldn’t even find words for how much I loved this little guy the second I saw him.

  • Marie July 10, 2012, 8:47 am

    I love your blog even more now with the motherhood/baby posts. Henry seriously gets cuter every time! It is amazing how you change after having a baby! You look great; I’m glad you have such a positive outlook on that front. I remember feeling inadequate quite frequently that first year with mind, wondering how other moms did it. You are amazing!

  • Stacie @ Snaps and Bits July 10, 2012, 8:48 am

    Everyone’s post-baby weight loss is different. I gained 50 pounds with both kids. My body just needed to do that, I was not actually eating a whole lot more. In both cases, I dropped 40 of the 50 pounds during the first two months (I credit the nursing). BUT, I did not lose the last 10 pounds either time until I stopped nursing. I guess I needed the extra padding to be a good milk producer. So I say just keep your great attitude, stay healthy, and it will come off when your body is ready.

  • Ashley @ The North Carolina Cowgirl July 10, 2012, 8:51 am

    Love Love Love this post! It took me a few years to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and I was constantly wondering why my body didn’t bounce back like others I’ve seen. I’m so glad that you kept saying everyone “really is different” because that is so true. It’s hard to remember that when you’re the one dealing with the feelings of being “odd”. Thanks so much for sharing this post. I think it will really help other new mothers who are experiencing the same thing.

  • Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots July 10, 2012, 8:58 am

    Henry is soo precious, I spy some red hairs popping out!

  • M.C. July 10, 2012, 8:58 am

    I can hardly stand the adorable-ness!! I love the pics… my fave is the one in the blue shirt….I’m pretty sure he is thinking…”Whuzzzz-uppppp?” in that one!! 🙂

  • Kelly July 10, 2012, 8:59 am

    Good for you! It is refreshing to see a new blogger mom not focusing soley on her body.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) July 10, 2012, 8:59 am

    Watching you go through this journey has been very interesting Caitlin. I was 23 when I had my first son (he is now almost 14 and about to enter high school). Reading the things that you’re learning and going through sometimes made me feel naive about my whole experience. I feel like there are some things I would change, but then again, I think being a bit naive kept me somewhat sane. I nursed around the clock and, at the time, that’s exactly what they told us we would do. I still can’t believe, looking back, that we created these two amazing human beings and we were so young. You definitely do find a groove and you find what works for your family. I credit my husband for my sanity because we were a team. I think that’s the only way to make a growing family…a happy family. Looks like you three are doing a great job! Henry is adorable too!

  • Earthy Nicole July 10, 2012, 9:01 am

    I really loved the newborn stage as well but as much as I miss it, it seems like every day gets better, if you can believe that! My little girl is 3 now and I’m more in love with her each day! xx

  • Alissa July 10, 2012, 9:01 am

    I have been reading and truly enjoying your blog for a long time now (since See Bride Run days!) and am just finally now de-lurking. I finally feel the need because I just wanted to throw out some more mommy support. I have a 10 month old and for the first six weeks, my baby boy would nurse every hour during the day and every two at night. I was so exhausted and felt so nervous that something was wrong with my supply. I didn’t know how I would possibly finish my dissertation in the time frame I wanted. However, I kept doing what made my baby happy, and you are absolutely right-every baby is different. At six weeks, he started spacing to every three hours during the day, and by 3 months was waking only once at night (though he still did that until 9 months! 😉 ) and i happy to say i graduated on time this May. Also I too found that despite exercise and eating pretty well, my weight came off slowly until 6 months when solids became a larger part of my son’s diet. All this to say, I totally totally relate. It was hard for me to not compare my sons schedule to other moms and I never met anyone whose son was as frequent of a nurser at the beginning, so I just wanted to offer some support and that he may well space his feedings before you know it. Hell, I have to remind him to nurse more often than not, now. 🙂 You are doing great, hang in there Mama!

  • Melissa July 10, 2012, 9:04 am

    Henry is amazing, and you’re doing so great! I felt about how you do after the first few months post-baby. Now 9 months out, and the saying “9 months up, 9 months down” was totally true for me. I have now lost all my baby weight without really doing anything different from what I would normally do. I generally eat a healthy diet and have scaled back on exercise. I no longer do classes at the gym and rarely run anymore, my exercise consists mostly of stroller/dog walks. My only “complaint” is that my stomach is bigger than it used to be and so pants still don’t fit right, but I don’t do the ab work I used to do so it’s not a big secret as to why this is. Health and exercise are really important to me, but I was surprised to find that being thin or in amazingly great shape just aren’t priorities like they used to be.

  • Cindy July 10, 2012, 9:09 am

    You look great for a month out. Seriously, just surviving the first 6-8 weeks is challenge enough!! Hang in there and you’ll start to feel like yourself again. It was probably month 3 or 4 where the weight came off more for me. And at 6 months out I’m back at my pre-preg weight, but not the body shape…still gotta work on that!

  • Elle July 10, 2012, 9:18 am

    Once again such an inspiring post – THANK YOU!!
    And honestly, you look great. Kudos kudos kudos to you. Oh and Henry is starting to look more like you!! LOL I guess this sounds weird -at least to me, because all my friends’ babies seem to always look more like their mums- but so far he looked like your husband’s spitting image in the pictures you post (and the red hair!!), but particularly in the one with the white onesie…your photcopy!!

  • Amanda K. July 10, 2012, 9:23 am

    You’re just ONE MONTH in! It’s frustrating to have friends who bounce back crazy quickly, but ONE MONTH! You’ve got time.
    My experience was similar to yours – I was active through my pregnancy, gained 35-40 lbs, started running and exercising asap, and then was frustrated that I didn’t bounce back quicker.

    You’ll get there. Give yourself time. This is all still very new. When you’re like me and have an 11-month old, you’ll look back and say, “wow. I can’t believe I had such high expectations so quickly.”

    And for the nursing/weight loss thing — I didn’t see a serious bump from nursing until my son was about 6 months. I figure, by then, he was eating more and it was more of a strain on my body.

    Enjoy this stage 🙂

  • greenbean July 10, 2012, 9:26 am

    thanks for being so honest

  • Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction July 10, 2012, 9:27 am

    Great post! I think that sometimes everyone compares themselves to everyone else’s experiences but their own. As long as you and the baby are happy that’s all that matters! 🙂

  • Lindsey July 10, 2012, 9:31 am

    I have to say you have some really great, thoughtful posts. I love reading them and it reminds me of the important things in life, for now and in the future. You look great and I know Henry is more than lucky to have you as his Mommy!

  • Katie @ Soulshine and Sassafras July 10, 2012, 9:36 am

    I’m really glad you’re doing these posts, and I’m so glad you’re feeling better. I’m becoming increasingly interested in eating my own placenta someday! I also really appreciate your attitude on weight loss vs Henry’s food. I love that you’re being real about your body image. Just a reminder though, you really do look fantastic. I think sometimes we in the healthy living community forget that those of us in the community are in better shape than the rest of society. I think it can make us a little harder on ourselves than we need to be at times ( at least, it can for me) because we are comparing ourselves to some pretty killer bodies. You may not be back at your pre-baby body yet, but your pre-baby body was in much better shape than most women. I think you look FANTASTIC right now, and in extremely good shape, 1 month postpartum or otherwise. I know comparing yourself to other bodies isn’t your style, and it isn’t mine either, but I also know sometimes it’s really hard not to. So yeah – just a reminder, you’re a total hottie 🙂

  • colleen July 10, 2012, 9:45 am

    Definitely. Every recovery is so different. I quickly bounced back after my first, but took longer with my second and am I still trying to loose the weight from my third. Breastfeeding all three was so different also.

  • Stephanie @ Food and Fitness 4 Real July 10, 2012, 10:00 am

    So glad you are being honest in your posts about your feelings a few weeks after the baby, your experience with breastfeeding and you body image. I remember the hardest part for me was wanting to look “normal” again, meaning I wanted to get out of maternity clothes and not look 3 months pregnant anymore. It does happen gradually with time but you are right to focus on exercising for your health (and mental health).
    As for the marriage side of a newborn, I remember lots of screaming those first few months. The baby screamed (a LOT) so we had to scream at each other to be heard over the baby. I had to remind myself we were not screaming because we were mad, we just had to scream so our spouse could hear what we were saying! The screaming, lack of sleep and nursing took its toll but with patience and lots of love – our marriage survived!

  • Megan @ the road to skinny July 10, 2012, 10:08 am

    I’m in the same group as you – breastfeeding hasn’t helped me loose any of the 50 (!) lbs I gained during pregnancy. I’ve lost about 25 so far but thats it. I need to adopt the same mindset as you once I start exercising next week hopefully.

  • Marissa C July 10, 2012, 10:13 am

    Ugh…the nipple shield. HATED that thing. We were finally able to ditch it around 6 weeks. Took a lot of hard work and tears (on both of our parts!), though.

    Is he having latching issues?

    • CaitlinHTP July 10, 2012, 7:35 pm

      I have flat nips. Who knew?! LOL

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape July 10, 2012, 10:24 am

    Great post! I love your honesty in it!

  • Anna W. July 10, 2012, 10:25 am

    Yes! I love that you are posting these – as a Psychologist and new mom I really appreciate your thoughtful honesty. Just to make you feel a little better about the 10% you’re still coming to terms with (which I applaud, I am maybe 90% frustrated and 10% at peace and I am a therapist for goodness sake)…I have an 11 month old son. I was active, fit and healthy pre-pregnancy and took a class (I do the Lithe Method) the DAY I delivered him. I had a C-Section (ugh) and was back working out the day I got my 6 weeks clearance. I eat clean, have BF’ed him exclusively (until he started solids) and continue to workout (even when totally exhausted) for my own sanity about 5x per week. For me, making a committment to that is a priority – others need sleep, social time – I need exercise away from the baby. Anyway, for me BF was not the “magical” tool for weight loss, in fact I didn’t really lose any more weight from my “leaving the hospital weight” until about month 5 of my son’s life. Then it really wouldn’t budge again until I started weaning recently. I gained 27lbs during pregnancy, lost 18 at the hospital, 5 over the course of 5 months and now have about 3-5 more to go. On the flip side I have a cousin who is teeny tiny skinny now (not her norm) with a baby younger than mine (she is also older than I am) does no exercise, eats not clean food and said “oh it is the breastfeeding” that got her so thin. So, really – I think it is so wonderful that you’ll keep doing what you’re doing for Henry and for you despite the # on the scale. I kept telling myself that I would rather nurture a healthy baby than fit into my jeans and I wore a LOT of leggings over the past months. I think you look great, beautiful – and the belly swelling will really go down drastically in the next few weeks. I do have a hunch you’ll actually rebound shortly. For me what is “different” and hasn’t rebounded at all is that I am still wider in the hips/thighs and carry more fat in my arms and my boobs are huge (the last two I think are due to milk storage). My stomach is still saggy a bit but I think this is due to C-Section and genes – my mom was the same way despite being 6 inches taller – we both have very similar core areas. You may be interested in this post, about the “bounce back” myth: http://www.fithiphealthy.com/fithiphealthy/2012/07/me-on-monday-change.html

  • Liz July 10, 2012, 10:25 am

    I’m not pregant & don’t have any children, but I love these update posts (especially how honest you are in your blogs!).

    I can definitely see both you & Kristien in Henry! I love the pic of him on his tummy 🙂

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} July 10, 2012, 10:26 am

    You’re a wise woman. The advice about doing things for each other without resentment or keeping score is the BEST advice. It is not easy, especially when you’re tired, but so important for a healthy marriage.

    Glad to hear things are going well for you. 🙂

  • Mary Helen July 10, 2012, 10:31 am

    Hi! Just wanted to say that I didn’t lose all of my pregnancy weight until I stopped breastfeeding. I think sometimes our body keeps that extra to help produce milk…remember this weight loss is a marathon, not a 5k and one day you’ll try on your pre-preg jeans and woohoo! it looks like you and Henry are doing just fine

  • Anna W. July 10, 2012, 10:32 am

    Incidentally, Henry is SO cute and you have so much wisdom I wish I had when Elliot was Henry’s age (i.e. like huffing through the laundry). I really promise you it only gets better. Last night I watched Elliot take a sip of milk out of a straw sippy cup (like reach for it himself and drink) at dinner and I started crying. Blame the weaning hormones or maybe that I am so overly obsessed with my son. Either way…you’re doing it all right. As my husband (pediatrician) says as long as I am loving and keeping him safe, I am doing my job fully. Everything else is a learning journey!

  • Courtney July 10, 2012, 10:34 am

    Great post 🙂 and Henry is definitely a redhead – his wispy hair is so cute! 😀

  • April July 10, 2012, 10:45 am

    Ahhh, girl this HIT home for me: I also learned an important marriage lesson: do things for each other and for the baby without resentment. It’s easier said than done, but just live resentment-free.
    I wish i would have learned this quicker, as it is what caused so much frustration in the beginning for me and the hubs.
    You look absolutley beautiful darlin’:) thanks for keeping it real, i absolutley love your blog!

  • Natalie July 10, 2012, 10:46 am

    Honestly, Caitlin, you look amazing in every single post-baby picture you have put up. You might not be back to your pre-baby weight, but you look so happy and healthy I wouldn’t know unless I had read through your blog posts. (As a new reader, I confess, I totally creeped a bunch of your old blog posts)

    Also, if I had a baby as adorable as your baby, I would be obsessed too. Right now I am all over my lil’ nephew who is the cutest person I know, and it is freaking my boyfriend right out to think that I will be even more crazy about our kids when we have them. =) Henry has already changed so much… I wish you both so much happiness!!

    ~Nat

  • Megan@ The Running Doc July 10, 2012, 10:47 am

    I think you look great for being one month post-birth! And those pictures of Henry are just too cute. 🙂

  • Kendra @ My Full-Thyme Life July 10, 2012, 10:48 am

    I love how much you shared in this post. You are right, every mom and baby are different. Also, please give yourself a break on that 10%. I know you are entitled to feel the way you do about your body buy can I just say… You look amazing! There are so many women out there, myself included, that would have killed to look as good as you do after 1 month postpartum. Despite your healthy body it is so clear in your photos how happy and content you are. That is so beautiful! Thank you for always being such a postitive example for how body image and mental health should be discussed and for sharing your struggles with us. It is refreshing. Henry is one lucky dude to have you for a mom!

    I also appreciate what you said about your marriage. It is something that can be easier said than done but it is very important for both parties to make that effort. Resentment is such an ugly thing when it comes to relationships. That was such a great point! LOVED this post, Caitlin!

  • Laura @ The Bright Side July 10, 2012, 10:48 am

    Thank you for posting such honest thoughts on being a new mother. I am far (I think) from being a mom or wife, but with colleagues I have who are in the baby boat I definitely tell them that it will all be okay as if I know what it’s like. These reassurances comes from reading your blog. When they start looking at me like I’m crazy and probably thinking, “what does she know?!” I tell them about your blog!

    As for Henry, I swear he gets cuter every day. I’m keeping my ginger fingers crossed 😉
    Oh, and I’m OBSESSED with this picture of Henry
    http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/4.jpg

    Absolutely precious!

  • Amanda July 10, 2012, 10:48 am

    Since I got pregnant back to back I’ve essentially been in maternity clothes since Dec 2010. My youngest is 4.5 months old and I still haven’t lost all the pregnancy weight, though ironically its the weight from my first pregnancy not the second.

    I keep seeing people mentioning being told not to drive. What is up with that? I was never told that, but then all my care has been sub-par through the military/government so it wouldn’t surprise me that they’d leave out something important.

  • Coco July 10, 2012, 10:49 am

    Awesome post! You look amazing and Henry is beautiful!

  • Tricia July 10, 2012, 10:59 am

    As someone who is not yet pregnant but who shares a lot of your lifestyle choices and philosophies, it has been so nice to read about your journey. I love how honest and realistic you are in these posts. And Henry is so cute!!

  • Melissa July 10, 2012, 11:10 am

    I have followed your blog for a long time, even after I stopped stalking other fitness blogs because your approach to health and fitness is so down to earth and authentic. Your new mom experience has only magnified that. Thank you so much for sharing; my daughter is 4 now, and I am still trying to lose “baby weight/now I work from home and eat too many potato chips weight”; that being said I think your voice is so important for new moms to hear. There are so many unrealistic expectations when you are a new mom, and it is refreshing to read your posts every day. Thanks for sharing!

    • CaitlinHTP July 10, 2012, 7:36 pm

      Thank you sweetie, I really appreciate it.

  • Sara July 10, 2012, 11:10 am

    I think you’re right where you are meant to be in your recovery. I talk to my husband often about how impressed I am with how well you are doing. It really is an inspiration for how vital a healthy, balanced lifestyle is for so many things. I will say it’s also nice to know that breastfeeding wasn’t a magic weight loss for them too. It feels like some big myth spread around to encourage women to breastfeed, instead of emphasizing the benefits for your baby now and in the long term.

    I am glad you are enjoying Henry at this phase. I am sure you will enjoy him at every stage. I still ask my son every day if he could please stop growing. And he’s nearly 10.

  • NLee July 10, 2012, 11:13 am

    hey Caitlin,
    i have never once commented on a blog post before! But i really wanted to thank you for that post. My darling is 2 months old now and i would read all these blogs after she was born. it really frustrated and upset me that so many other new moms were having such an easy time and that i wasn’t! they would talk about how lucky they were that their baby slept all the time, how they took their babies out all the time, etc, etc. and the weight loss!!! pissed me off even more. “didn’t even try and was back to pre-pregnancy weight in the first week!!!” and so forth. my husband told me these blogs were going to drive me crazy and they did. i thought something was wrong with me and my baby. it took me a while but i’m in a much better place now! so thank you so much for that post. made me feel that bloggers are REAL people.

  • Amy July 10, 2012, 11:14 am

    It’s only been a month — give the weight some time to come off. Losing it all in the first 4 weeks is REALLY unusual. Like you, I gained 35, and lost about 20 during the first month or so. After that the weight loss slowed down a lot and I realized I was going to have to put effort into it! So I’m being more mindful about my food choices (limiting desserts and alcohol especially). I exercise almost every day (running and yoga), and sure enough I have lost 7 pounds in the last 5 weeks. (My baby is 3 months old now.)

    But like you, i think the more important thing is getting back into shape, which hopefully won’t be too hard for you. I also didn’t have that organs-shifting-around feeling when I resumed running, and FOR ME it’s been pretty easy to get back into things. It’s amazing how much better I feel knowing that I’m getting back into good shape — it goes a long way toward helping me to be more comfortable in my post-baby body.

    But really, give it time. This is not a time to get down on yourself for being bigger than you want to be (though I understand the temptation). Just do the work, and the weight loss will follow at its own pace. And DO NOT compare yourself to anyone else!!!!

    • Amy July 10, 2012, 11:17 am

      Oh and my milk supply has not been affected my my weight loss efforts at all, so try not to worry about that. 🙂

  • Sarah July 10, 2012, 11:15 am

    Great post. This is my first time ever commenting on any blog, but this post hit home. I delivered twins 5 weeks ago and I can related to almost everything you are feeling. It is hard not to compare yourself to others, but like you said everyone is unique and it is best not to focus on others. I totally agree about avoiding resentment. I am going to try to incorporate your advice and avoid this feeling to make everyone happier.

    • CaitlinHTP July 10, 2012, 7:37 pm

      Congrats on your twins!!!!!!!

  • Heather (Cake and Green Beans) July 10, 2012, 11:32 am

    I hear ya on the slow post-pregnancy weight loss. I totally expected to lose a ton of weight right away, but nope! I am almost two months out now, and it is still coming off very slowly. But like you said, that is the healthy way to lose pounds under normal circumstances, so I’m not too worried. I’ve heard that the prime time for the weight coming off (if you’re breastfeeding) is 3-6 months. Here’s hoping! You look amazing 🙂

  • Melanie July 10, 2012, 11:47 am

    I agree with a poster above that dropping so much weight in the first month seems very unusual (according to what I experienced and observing my friends too- some of whom were extremely active). I had a very tough time in the beginning with breastfeeding and didn’t feel like we had it “down” until about 10 weeks. I went back to the gym when my daughter was about 6 months old (but was running, walking and doing moderate weights before then). For me, the whole “breastfeeding makes the weight fall off” didn’t really show until around 10, 11 and 12 months! You look awesome- and you’re right, feeling normal and going back to activities that make you happy and feel good are the most important thing. You will be back in your old clothes eventually and until then, you can feel AMAZING about all that you are doing to sustain Henry! Great job!

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed July 10, 2012, 11:59 am

    He definitely looks like a mini version of the Husband. So cute! I’m loving your outlook (as per usual) on everything and I’m sure you’ll have no problem getting back to your old self when the time is right 😀

  • Lara July 10, 2012, 12:02 pm

    I really enjoyed this post, Caitlin. Way to keep it real and keep your priorities straight. I know I’ll come back and read it in about, oh, two months 🙂

  • Kristen July 10, 2012, 12:09 pm

    Doesn’t anyone respect the “NINE MONTHS TO PUT IT ON, NINE MONTHS TO TAKE IT OFF” adage?! That is what I had always heard said and I honored and respected it. This basically means, if it took nine months to put that weight on your body during pregnancy, then it should be fair to expect it to take nine months to take it off. With both my kids I was back to pre-preggo weight by the time they were 5 months and I was darn proud of myself for that, because in my head I wasn’t expecting to be there until the magic nine months mark. Heck, the truth is, some of my friends are trying trying to finally lose their baby weight now that their kids are entering kindergarten! That said, I totally appreciate and relate to your honesty, especially in regards to wearing the maternity clothes. That’s why I will once again recommend that you GO BUY YOURSELF SOME CUTE IN BETWEEN CLOTHES! Seriously. Go to Old Navy or Target and buy a few items to jazz up what you have and you will be shocked at how much better you will feel about your wardrobe AND your body. : )

    • Kate July 10, 2012, 5:14 pm

      I second this! Buy the in-between clothes or you’ll make yourself crazy!

      I gained 45 lbs with my first and breastfeeding wasn’t the miracle cure for losing it afterward…it wasn’t until he was 16 mos that I was actually back to my pre-preg weight, but I felt I was too busy to really put the time into the exercise that I needed to for him! With my second I gained 24 lbs and he is now 10 mos old, and I have just now gotten back to pre-preg weight.

      In your childbearing years, especially, there is something to be said for having an in-between wardrobe that covers the sizes between maternity and “normal.” Before kids, I always got rid of any clothes that were too big or too little or rarely worn. Now I hang onto everything 🙂

      Hang in there, glad you are able to get your exercise on…it is the best feeling ever to go sweat it out *all by yourself* again!

      • CaitlinHTP July 10, 2012, 7:37 pm

        I’m going to give it another month and then I will consider in between clothes. I really don’t want to spend the money – things are pretty tight right now, I would rather buy race entries! LOL

  • Julie July 10, 2012, 12:14 pm

    I wasn’t really all that jazzed about newborns before I had my daughter (thought they just slept all the time & would be kinda boring) so I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed just watching her. While I loved the newborn stage so much more than I thought I would, every new thing was so thrilling! There is always something new to look forward to (1st smile, 1st tooth, rolling over, sitting up, talking, walking, etc.). It just keeps getting better! You will enjoy every minute w/ Henry as he grows.

    A 35 lb. weight gain during pregnancy isn’t bad at all. I have a feeling that now that you’re cleared to resume exercise, you will be surprised how fast the weight will fall off. You will get there! 🙂

  • Marissa@ohhhsolovely July 10, 2012, 12:28 pm

    gosh, he is a cute little thing! so glad to hear that, for the most part, you all are doing well! keep the henry pics coming, please!

  • Sarah July 10, 2012, 12:35 pm

    I didn’t experience amazing weight loss while nursing – because I was definitely more hungry and was eating and drinking more to make sure my supply stayed up.

    I gained 48 lbs and by 6 months out, I still had about 10 lbs to lose. By 9 months, I was within a pound of my starting weight. By then, I had stopped nursing/pumping, and I think that’s what it took to see my weight drop.

    I really felt that my body was hugging onto those pounds – and I heard the same comment from my nursing friends. It took me a long time to accept that, but I tried to remind myself that my body was supporting our baby, and that the extra pounds I still had were just part of the process. I also knew that eventually, once I stopped nursing, I would have a better sense of my weight and a better chance at losing the weight.

    I think it’s great that you’re starting back to exercising – I noticed a real positive difference in myself once I got back to a regular routine.

  • Mandy July 10, 2012, 12:42 pm

    So, I’m not a mom/wife at all (and frankly, not even remotely CLOSE to that stage in life), but I absolutely loved this post! I feel like there are so many bloggers out there who make the mommy thing look super easy, fun, and, of course, perfectly styled. While that is awesome, it’s so refreshing to read someone’s honest evaluation of what motherhood is like, warts and all. Thank you for writing this!

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats July 10, 2012, 12:47 pm

    I’m so glad you were able to start exercising again and feel normal! Haha I can’t imagine the feeling of my organs moving around… And Henry really is adorable!!!

  • Sara July 10, 2012, 1:02 pm

    I had my baby boy five days after you, and I think we are going through all the same things! Our bellies look exactly the same (I gained 34 pounds). It’s so nice knowing I’m not alone. I love your outlook – it’s definitely an inspiration!

  • Vivian July 10, 2012, 1:15 pm

    I’m 6 weeks postpartum and you took the words right out of my mouth – about the baby, the body, the hubby/marriage, and everything else!
    Good to know us moms are different but the same – thanks for the indirect support!

  • Annette@FitnessPerks July 10, 2012, 1:18 pm

    I think you’re handling everything (all it being new and such) so well-and you’re right, he is SOOO cute!

  • Angela @ Happy Fit Mama July 10, 2012, 1:23 pm

    It was the weirdest feeling when I did my first run postpartum. It definitely did not feel natural and comfortable. But it will get better! Give it time for things to “settle.”

    You look great and Henry is adorable! Isn’t it amazing the transformation that happens in one month?!

  • Jess July 10, 2012, 1:33 pm

    People that lose the weight in the first month are the exception not the rule. Seriously I’d say for the majority of women it takes 6 months or more to get it off. It took 9+ months to put it off, it may take just as long to get it off. I HATE the celebrity stories about bouncing back in like 5 minutes. Truth is they are wearing multiple pairs of spanks, have chefs, personal trainers and night nurses so that they can get rest. It’s unrealistic for the rest of us.

    I was back in most of my clothes around 4 months pp and got to my pre-pregnancy weight at 5 months pp. Around 6 months I dipped below which I attribute to breastfeeding. One thing I’ll say about losing weight rapidly while nursing, many of those women are not eating enough calories to make up for what they are burning.

  • Sam @ Better With Sprinkles July 10, 2012, 1:33 pm

    “Babies don’t read the books” – that is definitely quotable.

    You seem to be bouncing back really well Caitlin, and Henry gets a little bit cuter every day. 🙂

  • Kate July 10, 2012, 1:37 pm

    You and Henry look wonderful!

  • Katherine July 10, 2012, 1:40 pm

    You look great and don’t discount the weight loss benefits of breast feeding yet! It took me 5 months before I wasn’t wearing elastic waist pants and 9 months before I fit into my pre-pregnancy “period” jeans. Now, one year later still breastfeeding I am wearing all of my old clothes and some of them are a little big. My body is different, but I love it and am so grateful for all that it did. Give yourself a year. You will be shocked at the amazing resiliency of the female body.

  • Jessica July 10, 2012, 2:03 pm

    I read a lot of healthy living blogs of women with babies (because I have an 8 month old baby) and I felt like I had failed when I saw certain bloggers back to their pre-pregnancy weight so quickly after their babies. I wanted to cry anytime someone said breastfeeding made them lose all the weight so fast, because I still looked pregnant two months post and I was EBF and working out. It does work, it just took a while for me. Thank you for reminding me that its human to care about your appearance, but that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others and everyone being healthy is the most important thing.

  • Marci July 10, 2012, 2:19 pm

    Been waiting to get to a computer and comment all day! I used a nipple shield the whole time I breastfed. It’s not a big deal. Didn’t want to re-teach him how to eat. You will shed the weight! Looking great!

  • Amber K July 10, 2012, 2:37 pm

    Henry just gets cuter and cuter. And you’re right that it can mean something is wrong, but it’s good to remember that it could just be the way your baby is! I’ll have to remember that in the future.

  • Meredith July 10, 2012, 2:41 pm

    Great post! I had my first son on June 4th so it as been fun to follow you and Henry as we go through similar things .. ALWAYS nice to know that you aren’t alone! Mason and I had similar issues with breastfeeding and ended up with the nipple shield as well – we were able to ditch the shield two weeks ago and it went much better than expected – so give it a try! It’s so much easier to be able to nurse without having to mess with the shield 🙂

  • MomHTP July 10, 2012, 3:08 pm

    Being a MOM tops it all! Guess what? It gets better, and better, and better. It’s different of course at each age – so the surprises, lessons, and loving is a continuous stream – nothing better.

  • SaraJoan July 10, 2012, 3:09 pm

    I’m so glad you are dong as well as you are, and even more glad that you are writing about it as honestly as you are. There’s a HUGE need for this kind of honesty, neither sugar-coating the difficult parts nor acting like it’s an insurmountable burden. Bravo!

    One thought regarding your body after baby comments: the one thing I really, really really wish I had been told (firmly) after I had my first baby was how important it is to restrengthen core muscles after a pregnancy. Not just by general exercise, but by targeted exercise (crunches and the like). Pregnancy stretches the abdominal muscles out and they tend to stay somewhat stretched if not specifically encouraged to become tight again. Like I said, I wish someone had told me (and saved me from some of the back pain I had in subsequent pregnancies) so I’m mentioning it to you — take it for whatever you think it’s worth. 😉

    • CaitlinHTP July 10, 2012, 7:40 pm

      Off to do sit ups. Back pain SUCKS, sorry you experienced that.

      • Claire July 10, 2012, 8:17 pm

        Please be really careful with any ab work. During pregnancy, the largest ab muscles, the rectus abdominus (which run right down the milddle and are responsible for the 6 pack) separate to allow for your pregnant belly to grow. It is really important to wait for the separation to come back together before commencing normal ab exercises (eg situps, crunches), otherwise the separation becomes permanent and you will always have a belly.

        To test whether you still have a separation (diastasis recti), lie on your back with your knees bent, then gently curl your chin towards your chest (do not lift your shoulders). As you do this, press your fingers in the middle of your belly just below your belly button. You will be able to feel a gap for several weeks. Until this gap has gone, you should not do any traditional ab work. The exercises you should be doing to help the separation come back together are those that strengthen your deeper transverse abdominals, a quick google search of postnatal abdominal exercises will show the most appropriate and safest exercises to do, with progression to normal ab exercises over a couple of months at least.

        It’s interesting, in Australia this advice is routinely given during pregnancy and immediatey after delivery as it’s really important.

        BTW, you look gorgeous and Henry is way too cute.

      • SaraJoan July 10, 2012, 10:03 pm

        Claire is spot on! I had my fourth in mid-October and was told by my midwife to do the curl that checks for separation frequently but not crunches at first, not till the gap was down to one finger width or less. She said just checking is the right amount of work to start with, but you should probably check what your care provider recommends.

        Thanks for the sympathy re: the back pain. Chiro care during pregnancies 2, 3 and 4 helped a bunch, plus Pilates between 3 and 4. 🙂

        FWIW, I think you look great and that Henry is totally darling–and I love your attitude!

      • CaitlinHTP July 10, 2012, 10:12 pm

        I had my doctor check me out – I’m all good! Thankfully.

        • Claire July 10, 2012, 11:30 pm

          Still, even with medical clearance to recommence exercising, as a physiotherapist I would never recommend any woman do crunches or sit ups within two months of giving birth, even with minimal separation. Ongoing presence of relaxin hormone and weakened ab muscles need to be treated with a great deal of care. I’m sure you are onto this though, it’s more for other readers benefit to let people know the importance of undertaking appropriate postnatal abdominal exercises to aid recovery.

  • ashlynn July 10, 2012, 3:35 pm

    Thanks for your honesty and not trying to hide how you feel to make everything look rosy. You look beautiful! It’s awesome that you already feel good running. Everything will fall into place in time.

  • Lisa July 10, 2012, 3:37 pm

    Thanks for being honest. I imagine it is very difficult being comfortable in your own skin WHILE pregnant and even harder after. There’s this weird standard now (I blame tabloids) that new moms have to lose the baby weight fast and look perfect. I don’t think that’s a healthy attitude or goal to have.

  • Katie D. July 10, 2012, 3:49 pm

    Could you do a full breast feeding post? I have no kids (but we are trying) and I have no idea what a nipple shield is!

    • CaitlinHTP July 10, 2012, 7:43 pm

      I think I will, but not for a few months out!

      A nip shield is a piece of silicon that fits over the nip and can help with latching issues or physical issues like flat nipples.

  • Helen @ This New Song July 10, 2012, 4:16 pm

    Your honesty in this post (and in every post!) is so refreshing and reassuring. To experience such authentic and down-to-earth media is so great!

  • Joelle (on a pink typewriter) July 10, 2012, 5:56 pm

    Henry is adorable – congrats again! You should frame that photo of your fam on the sofa- it’s great. 🙂

  • Beth July 10, 2012, 6:01 pm

    Loved this post so much! I’m expecting a baby in September and have wondered what my post-baby body will be like. Everyone’s pregnancy and postpartum experiences are so different! This post was such a great reminder of that. Thank you for your honesty and for making this real.

  • Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See July 10, 2012, 8:33 pm

    What an interesting post ! I’m not a mommy yet (not even close haha), but this is such an insightful look at mommyhood 🙂

  • Katya July 10, 2012, 8:54 pm

    great post caitlin. I am 3 weeks post partum and can really relate to a lot of what you are saying. I gained 45lbs and have lost about 25 so far. I too thought it would come off quicker, but I am okay with it. you are looking great and it’s crazy how much Henry has grown in one month!!

  • Lesley July 10, 2012, 9:19 pm

    This was so beautifully written and brought tears to my eyes by the end. You are beautiful inside and out and I wish I could stick an operation beautiful note on your mirror right this second!!!!

  • Alice July 10, 2012, 9:22 pm

    I also teared up! You are such a role model and truly awesome person.

  • Erica July 10, 2012, 10:33 pm

    My weight loss (or not, haha) is similar. I lost 18 of the 25 pounds I gained within the first week. Then … nothing for about 6 weeks. I didn’t start working out until 6 weeks postpartum. After that I’ve been losing on average 1-2 pounds a month. I am just so so so so so hungry (so hungry) from breastfeeding that there is no way I can lose the last 4 pounds I’m carrying around. I am also worried about breastmilk supply since I work and have to pump!

    Oh and one more thing! Right around 11 weeks postpartum, a lot of my clothes (pants especially) started fitting again, even though I hadn’t lost weight in weeks. I think my hips finally shifted back to normal. So you’ll have that to look forward to!

  • Katie July 10, 2012, 10:36 pm

    I had to use the nipple shield too for the first 6 to 8 weeks. One suggestion when your ready is try to get him to latch halfway through a feeding by taking it off…also i would work more w my baby on it during the day as i was so tired at night. I know i didnt start doing that until later though, bc of being so tired! Feeding a lot is sososo good for baby and your milk supply! My newborn was pretty much feed nonstop the first two months. I was very active throughtout my pregnancy and 7 months out now stive have trouble losing the weight, my appetite was just soo soo strong durng bfeeding, its slowly coming off now that shes eating some solids but i hear so often those last ten lbs are hard to lose as extra fat for baby!your doing wonderful!! Bfeeding only gets easier and easier as they eat quicker! Still the best thing!

  • Staci July 10, 2012, 10:38 pm

    So, so proud of you for your transparency. It’s truly refreshing.

    It took me all.nine.months to lose my baby weight. I’m not a “skinny” person by nature and my body just likes to be heavier so it was like, “yeah, i love me some extra weight” so I just stuck with it and really kept up on the exercise and eventually (just like it went on), it came off.

    In due time. But, 4 weeks is definitely not long. These next two months I’m sure you’ll see a big difference.

    Just keep loving on that boy and enjoying your time with him. That’s what matters most.

  • Brandy July 10, 2012, 10:51 pm

    Thank you thank you thank you for being so real. I won’t say what so many already have- except that you’re awesome. 🙂 love your blog, love your attitude.

  • Veronica July 10, 2012, 11:50 pm

    Gotta say – I’d LOVE to read a post from Kristien about how he is dealing with fatherhood and the parenting/working schedule you have set up.

    As a SAHM, I never felt like my husband really felt the true impact of either of our boys’ infancy. He was gone 12 hours a day, came home, and slept, with a little baby interaction in between. So I’d love to hear how he is feeling on those days when you’re “at work” and he is a full-time dad.

    Think a post like that will ever find its way to your blog? I think we’d all get a kick out of it and enjoy reading from Dad’s POV.

    But back to the point of my comment: You’re doing great! I love the side-by-side shots of you holding Henry. WOW. They grow so much in a month. And you look fabulous.

  • Erica July 11, 2012, 8:55 am

    Henry is so stinkin’ cute!!! And you are doing an amazing job at being his Mommy…he is lucky to have you and K as his parents!

  • Kate July 11, 2012, 8:58 am

    Hi Caitlin,

    I’ve been reading your blog for a while but never commented. Since you’ve given birth I’ve been interested to see how you would include Henry in your blog and to what extent …

    Have you and Christian discussed Henry’s role in the blog at all? Do you have any concerns about him growing up with so much of his life shared in public?

    I’m not asking these as any sort of judgement, but simply because I’m curious as to whether you have consciously thought about this and how you have considered Henry’s privacy vs sharing with your readers. And whether or not this will change as Henry gets older.

    I’m genuinely interested in your thoughts on this, as you seem to give thorough and conscious thought to other decisions in your life, but I haven’t seen you discuss this on your blog yet. (Apologies if I’ve missed this!)

    🙂

    • CaitlinHTP July 11, 2012, 10:51 am

      Yes we have talked about it a little. Mainly, he’s going to be on the blog in how he relates to my life / healthy living, not on the blog as his own focus. So, posts like these – how being a mom is impacting ME, but not posts that are super Henry centric, especially as he gets older. Does that make sense?

  • Kate July 11, 2012, 8:58 am

    Oops, I mean Kristien!! Sorry 🙂

  • CAClarke July 11, 2012, 1:25 pm

    I was in the same boat with breastfeeding/weight loss. My daughter had a similar schedule to Henry’s- basically all day long. Some days I felt like I never left the couch. It got better as time went on, but for the few few months, she was eating pretty much every hour on the hour. As long as they’re healthy and happy, you do what they need. As for the weight loss, I was like you, I had always heard about and seen women drop weight quickly while breastfeeding, but that was not the case with me. I dropped everything but 10 lbs. I was exercising and eating well, so it was frustrating. After doing some research, I discovered a lot of women actually hang on to some extra fat as a way to help continue to produce milk. Sure enough, after breastfeeding for 13 months, within about 6 weeks after stopping, that 10 lbs went away. So if it doesn’t happen right away, don’t let it discourage you. Your body is just doing what it needs to do.

  • Sarah July 11, 2012, 3:04 pm

    I just love your approach to parenthood! Thanks for sharing such a healthy, refreshing outlook:-).

  • Jessica July 11, 2012, 8:42 pm

    Hey- just wanted to tell you that I JUST got off the shield this week (lol sounds like a drug), and my baby turned three months today…do whatever makes you comfortable is what I’m saying- i was going to stick with the shield the whole time i breast fed (planning on a year) but was on the couch and lazy (didn’t feel like getting up to grab it) so i went without it and it was fine…Im a little sore- it is kinda like starting over and i think my heavy fast let down is a bit much for baby- much more burping than normal, but overall I’m happy that i stopped but could care less if i still used it you know? i got a lot of slack from the lactation consultant and others about it and that was annoying so id say do whatever works for yoU! if it aint broke don’t fix it!

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie July 16, 2012, 3:45 pm

    Breastfeeding burns calories. If you eat that deficit every day, you lose the benefit of that burn.

    Basically what I do is eat a base of 1200 calories or so (a weight losing amount) add 500 for breastfeeding and then add more for days I exercise. The base is slightly lower than what I burn and therefore can lose weight even eating 1700-1900 calories.

    So at six weeks I’m two pounds under my prepregnancy weight.

  • Erin @ erinberries July 16, 2012, 4:20 pm

    My older sister just had her baby in March. She had latching issues for the first month too. She said that it just takes time. She used one of those shields and was able to get the baby to latch that way, but then slowly started weaning her off it. Now she latches just fine! Good luck!

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