Confedence

Going to the gym will make you feel better. You will shed weight and exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good. Also, my gym has a nursery that is only $2, while you work out.

You need to start carving out some "me time" which should bring down your stress and depression.

Your son is only 9 months. You are in this for the long haul. You need a sustainable routine and it doesn't sound like your current one is that.

BTW, you don't say it, but in my experience, when I am rushing around too much, I usually don't make good food selections. If you can't make it to the gym, resolve to make healthy eating choices. Fresh fruit, non-fried, non-packaged meals, etc.

There are several reasons you are having a hard time losing the weight. If you would like some counsel and a proven program to balance your body and metabolism, please respond.

On a last note, you are more than your physical appearance. Tap into the real you and you will see your beauty beyond the mirror!

I just wanted to say to hang in there. It takes a long time to lose the baby weight. Forget about those celebrities you see who look perfect after only a few months - they have full-time nannies and all the resources they need to exercise all day and eat only the best food. For real people, it just takes persistence and time.

After my first baby, it took me more than two years to take off most of the weight. I got pregnant again before I could take off quite all of it. Now the second time around it seems to be coming off slower and my body is even more out of whack. But I have confidence that it will come off eventually and I just do what I am able to each day. I also work full time and have 2 small children (3 years and 2 months), so I know exactly what you are going through. Many days if I can squeeze in just 10 minutes of exercise, that's all I can do, and often I can't do even that.

One thing I try to do every day is to go to bed hungry. When I'm done with dinner, I may have a small treat and then nothing else for the rest of the evening, except a lot of water. That seems to help. I've still got 30 pounds to lose myself. Just know that many of us are in the same boat. Hang in there!

Not to depress you, but I didn't lose the majority of my baby weight until my daughter turned three years old.

Work out with your baby! Lay on the floor and sit your baby on your tummy... play peek-a-boo while you do crunches :) Lots of libraries have DVDs you can check out and I know there are lots of exercise programs that incorporate baby. I also found it helpful to keep yummy treats out of the house because I found I was grazing on things all day without thinking about what was going in my mouth. Most of all, don't forget that you don't have to be super mommy. You don't have to have your house spotless at the end of the day. It's okay to go for a walk with your son instead of doing laundry! And you don't have to have a perfect post-baby body either!! You are probably being a lot harder on yourself than anyone else.

Hi M.! I had gained about 40 pounds with my daughter and really didn't see any significant weight loss until she was about a year old. She started walking at 10 months so I think that may have kicked it in gear--having to chase her all around! Be patient and you'll notice a weight drop as soon as your little one is on the move.

Take the time to get a great new hair cut and then buy one or two new outfits that fit your body. clothes that fit make a huge difference. It sounds like you have a wonderful life. Embrace the gifts God has blessed you with.

Don't be so hard on yourself! It looks like you have your hands full and it takes _time_ to get your body back to normal. But it also takes some changes and attention on your part. If you're not exercising or eating right, you can't expect your body to change. Try taking some time every other day to exercise. Hopefully your boyfriend will help you with the baby, since this is something that's important to you. Or find a babyjogger on craigslist and take your baby with you! Start with a brisk 15-min walk followed by some stretching when you get home. You can build on your exercise routine as you get more fit. And start using your gym membership!! Many have daycare. The hardest part is just getting started again. You'll find that exercise will help keep you positive and confident. And a positive mindset will keep you eating right, not to mention you'll be a happier mommy to your little one! Good luck to you!

Hi M.,
A lot of gyms have nurseries, and younger kids are allowed. I think you just have to fill out some paperwork. So take him with you, or find a sitter at home. Some places offer Mommy and me exercise classes.Perhaps the Dad could watch him one night a week?

M.

M. -- i'd like to add to the below that SLEEP DEPRIVATION has a major impact on you and your body's ability to metabolize what it takes in. Of course, diet and excercise help, and help reduce stress, which by itself will help you.

DO NOT be hard on yourself. I didn't lose any weight with my first until i was done nursing and she turned one. I have only just started losing any weight from my second, and he's 15 months! EVERYONE is differnt.

I struggle with finding time (any time) for myself & husband with work and family, so I KNOW where you are coming from. We spend hours in commute, 10 - 12 in the office or in front of a computer, and we're still supposed to look stunning. Whatever. I can't be one of those ladies pushing the running stroller i see each morning as I set out on my commute, and i just swallow hard and accept what I DO have.... a steady job and income, a roof over our heads, two adorable children, a loving husband.

The important thing is to be HEATLHY, take care of YOURSELF, and remember that you have a beautiful baby boy. The rest is gravy.

Hi M.
Don't get too stressed out over this issue. Since we know that we don't lose weight over night, you need to build up your confidence while you are working on losing the weight. I agree with one of the other mothers about purchasing clothes that fits your body. Make sure the clothes accent you. Keep your hair and nails done.

When you go out, regardless if it's the grocery store, etc. look your best. I am not saying dress up in your "sunday go to church clothes" but don't look sloppy either. One thing that can tear us down is when we see other women out shopping at the grocery store and they look like they just stepped out of a fashion magizine(I am just being real). Then we look down at ourselves and we are wearing the oversized sweatshirt and sneakers. If sneakers are so much more comfortable to you while your grocery shopping or running errands, purchase a nice pair. I know this may sound funny but it's those little things that sometimes make the difference in our confidence levels.

Finding time to exercise with a busy schedule can be hard. If you work during the day, try to go walking during your lunch break. You would be surprised at how effective 30 minutes of walking a day can be. Work on your eating habits as well. I have been working on my weight for a few months now. I am finally seeing some results. I am eating better and exercising as much as I can. I use to be caught up in whatever diet I felt would work but now I am focused on eating right. I make sure I am getting the right amount of fruits and veggies during the day. I try not to eat after a certain time at night. If I do have to eat late at night, I make sure that it's not something heavy and I stay up doing some kind of cleaning to help work off what I have eaten.

Don't deprive yourself either. Learn to eat in moderations. Instead of purchasing a large family size bag of chips, get the individual sizes that we moms sometimes put in our children's lunch boxes. Make sure your snacks are healthy snacks but at the same time, make sure you like what you are eating. Don't purchase foods simply because you know they are low fat or healthy but they don't taste worth nothing. I am not really a fruit eating person, so I do have to make myself eat fruit. Unsweetned juices are good substitutes as well.

It may seem like a lot at first but once you start doing it consistently, it does become a lot easier. Going to the grocery store and reading the labels have become second nature to me now! Be blessed!!!

Are you watching what you eat. Since you have crazy hours why not ask a family member to watch your son for an hour or two and work out from home. Or put him in the stroller and go for a walk or run. Even if you are tired once you start working out it feels good and you will look forward to it.

Put yourself first. You'll be amazed what working out will do for you. Just 30 minutes will give you MORE energy. Take a walk during your break at work (even 10 minutes)You don't have to go to the gym, take the baby for a walk if you can't make time for anything else. You will survive if the house isn't spotless, you won't if you're exhausted and have a strained relationship. Make sure you are making healthy food choices and drinking water. Good luck!

SURE, you need to have a clean liver for you to be able to lose weight! Drink 1/2 a lemon first thing evey morning. AND buy a designer protien and drink that every morning with borage oil 500 mg.in the AM with food found at Walmart. Make sure you are eating more vegies and fruit too.
I have NOT be able to lose weight for years but now I am due to this change in my diet!

M.: Hang on! Mamas are with you! See the great posts below. Two thoughts: Why the crazy work schedule? Can you change/cut back? Can you re-evaluate whether you need to work the way or the hours you do, or whether you can cut back on anything and thus cut back on work? And something not mentioned by others, as far as I could tell: Is your boyfriend helping you out? He can watch the baby while you exercise; he can do housework; he can work more or differently so you can cut back on work hours! This is HIS family too. If it's a "very serious relationship" you should be able to sit him down, tell him exactly what you told the Mamas here and work out a plan together, as a family. You do not, not, not have to do it all and be everything to him while you feel this way. Finally, consider talking to your doctor and asking if you might be experiencing some post-partum depression. NO stigma, it happens a lot. Good luck and God bless and get that man more involved!

It's a little late but perhaps for future children it would help....
Did you breast-feed your son? Generally speaking, it burns a LOT of calories and helps drop the weight faster than anything. I have, however, 2 friends that lose no weight at all while they're BFing. They don't lose it until they're child is weaned. They're definitely the exception to the rule, but it does happen with some people.
Just a thought. Some people are not aware that, not only is it the best thing for your child, but it's darn good for the mother too in that it helps drop that weight that we're all so anxious to lose :)

Well each evening you spend time all your time doing things around the house and not doing things for yourself. This makes you feel even fatter because you have always heard that Mothers are fatter after giving giving birth. I suggest you use a few of these days to take your baby to the gym. You can either include him in the workouts or bring him to the nursery.
There are also alot of groups where you take walks with the strollers in alot of areas OR you could make one on Yahoo. The main thing i have to say is the work at home will still be there when you get back.

hi there. Losing weight isn't easy to do, but it does require a little dedication on your part. What I read in your situation is you're spending your time doing things which you think you're supposed to do rather than taking care of #1 right now, which is yourself. A half hour of exercise per day or going to the gym in the evening after your son is in bed will not hurt anything! Your house will still be standing even if it isn't spotless and the laundry isn't done. And if you spend some time getting stronger and losing weight you will 1) improve your relationship with your boyfriend 2) be better able to "keep up" with your boy on the go 3)have a better outlook on what is important to you in your life.

I took my baby to the gym with me (my gym is open 24 hrs/day so I am often the only person there). Even when he was old enough to crawl around, he couldn't get into any trouble while I rode the stationary bike. I also take my son on walks all the time in a stroller or backpack. Let him experience the outdoors, which is important exposure.

And another suggestion I have is weightwatchers or similar thing. You can track what you eat entirely online and don't have to attend any meetings! That was a major pull for me because I didn't have time to go to meetings. go to weightwatchers.com It Really Works! You don't have to "diet" per se, but just write down everything that you eat, and the quantities. This system "keeps you honest" and you will start to think about what you eat in different ways.

Good luck, I know you can do it!

As someone has mentioned already, working out WITH your baby---this would fill the spot in multiple ways....getting a workout while enjoying time with your baby, and saving time.
Does your gym have a nursery? If not, once your membership expires, you may want to shop around for a gym that does have childcare. Lifetime Fitness in Columbia is excellent with a multiple of wonderful things to do, has a great nursery. Furthermore, you and your boyfriend, and the baby could all go to the gym together. That might be something that would peak your boyfriend's interest.

I am going to be honest here. In order to get the weight off you HAVE to exercise and diet or eat healthier and not over eat. You have to find the time for the gym. Look at your schedule and work it in. You will feel much better when you start doing that. I had to do the same thing. Do you go to a gym that can watch your baby while you workout and if so then there is no excuse. You CAN do it. You just have to set your mind to it and want to do it. If you really want the weight off you will do this and feel better about yourself.
Good Luck
S.