The Return Trip
As far as we know, no one is coming home from the hospital, baby in arms, looking less than 4 months pregnant. Just the truth mom.
What to Expect After Delivery
What will you look like after delivery? We’re going to look like Duchess Kate once in our lives! At least there won’t be too many cameras for us?;) Poor Duchess Kate(words we don’t usually put together), everyone had no mercy on her when William was born. Yes world, that’s how we look like a newborn while still pregnant!
But he overcame it. And did it again. We respect that. Thank you Kate.
OMG, how long is this going to take?!
Unlike a duchess, you may not have day nurses, night nurses, chefs, housekeepers and trainers available 24/7, so whatever you do, don’t start with comparison and despair. Try to sit back, relax and stare at your perfect baby as they stare at their perfect mother. Yes, you are perfect.
The length of the return trip varies from mother to mother. Be patient with yourself. How quickly you get back to your pre-pregnancy self depends on many factors.
1. Genetics. Yes, some of us get our bodies back easily. Some, not so easy.
2. Weight gain. Even if you weigh very little (which is not recommended) your uterus takes time to shrink back down. If you get more than recommended, well, yes, it will take a little longer, but, you know that. You will get there. When you want. It is not a race.
3. Breastfeeding. Nursing can help some women lose pregnancy weight. Some. Not all. For some it’s like magic, for others, it’s not.
4. Your pre-preg body. We’re all different before pregnancy, and that’s still the case.
As a general rule, here at the store, we suggest 9 months on / 9 months off as a guide. Some will make it back sooner, some later, but giving yourself that time is a solid plan.
Realistic expectations will help you stay sane, even if they don’t help you get your body back to record speed. Common sense will serve you well.
What can I do to speed up the process?
There are a few things that can help. And, remember, every body is different, so, these are suggestions—no rules, not promises.
You’re used to gong the bathroom all the time, why stop now?! Fluids hydrate you and also fill you up, meaning you won’t snack as often. There are some theories that say that drinking water can speed up your metabolism. So, it can’t be hurt, right?
Again, the jury’s still out on whether it helps with weight loss, but if you can breastfeed, it’s good for you and baby—the jury’s out on that one. If you can’t breastfeed, then skip this one, baby needs food, if you can’t nurse, it’s okay, feed the baby. Don’t stress yourself out—that can only lead to stress eating!
While you are pregnant you are on life support. After delivery? You are still the life support for this amazing little person and you need to continue to eat well so that you can support the baby emotionally and physically.
Eventually, if you’re struggling to lose weight, you can start counting calories and focus on losing weight. The first few months after having a baby are probably, in our humble opinion, the time to do that.
Keep plenty of fruit, water and nuts around to grab when hunger strikes.
Wrapping a postpartum band and wearing other compression garments really helps. The number of women IRL who swear by Belly Bandit have turned us into believers. Just putting it on someone and seeing their reaction is an amazing feeling. Thus, it slims and absorbs and helps shrink the uterus. You are worth it.
Most of our moms use BFF, some like to layer or alternate with Mother Tucker leggings. These beauties are the best- absorb them and feel a little more put together- and no, they are not that thin, so, go ahead and bend without fear. NZ’s PM is known for putting Spanx on Spanx (I didn’t do that) and not a few of our clients wear a pair of Mother Tuckers on their BFF.
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You have to move it move it.
Getting out of the house and moving is beneficial physically and psychologically. That’s good for you. weather Do it.
What else do I need to know?!
The truth is pretty good—you got your little perfect baby. Don’t lose sight of that. There will be moments when it’s really important to just focus on that.
Actually? Things can change during pregnancy and the odds are pretty good that your body, like everything else, will never be exactly like it was before this whole pregnancy – without the help of a surgeon.
Many of us are also nursing during the return trip, and nursing or not, sleep is not something you get a lot of. So, be kind and gentle, and dress to feel good, because it helps you feel better, and maybe it feels like something you can control.
But, what to wear to feel human, not fat?
Being on life support is tiring. Clothes help. We see new moms going out in new clothes feeling better. We don’t just say that. Schlumpy doesn’t feel anything.
How do you find styles that feel good for the return trip?
Some moms want to be more relaxed for the return trip, others just own the body they’re in—and what the hell are all those stupid people asking you when you’re due—just watch them shivering knowing you wish you had done it. other postpartum mama a favor and they won’t ask questions already asked anyone every once again.
Tips for dressing for the return trip
- Our Hide-a-Bump styles are travel favorites and natural, nursing styles are designed for postpartum.
- Cinching your tops, instead of pulling them flat after delivery will make you look slimmer in the midriff. You try. Place on top and pull it down. Now tszuj / gather the edges creating horizontal gatherings. Better!
- Tying a looser top around the waist is a method that many of us moms find really works for them—it creates a waistline where …the old waistline might not have existed. There’s a reason our Kate Cascade Cardi is always available in different colors—there are moms out there who literally wear it over a nursing cami every day for weeks.
- Jeans-yes, wear your maternity jeans. Women come in all the time for a new pair of maternity jeans after giving birth. You don’t have to do this, but no, it’s not unusual. The measurements guarantee it, and, if that makes you happy? Who cares!
- Make sure you’re wearing a nice, well-fitting bra that makes women stand out, slimming you down.
- Cardigans or button downs left open create a visual vertical line. Not a bad thing.
You gave your body to make this perfect being. You can return it. Some of us are easy, some are more difficult for. The first few months after giving birth are NOT the time to be stressed or worried.
It’s up to you. You’re body by baby may not be very happy after giving birth, but like pregnancy, the journey back will pass. Besides, you might do it again!!
