Post Pregnancy Blues

If you have a one month old and have lost all but 9 pounds you are my HERO. I get exactly how you feel.. I felt the same way (except I still looked pregnant at 3 weeks post partum..) I know it doesn't do anything permanent but I got some shape wear and it helped so much because I didn't have a ton of fat just extra skin and it held it in.. I knew it was "fake" but it made me feel so much better.. especially in public! People complimented me and couldn't believe I had just had a kid.. best feeling ever!

So you are 4 weeks postpartum? I think you should see your OB/GYN with your concerns and talk about postpartum depression. It is a "real" condition and if you feel sadness that interferes with the activities of daily life you are showing a tell-tale sign.
That this sadness has manifested itself to be about your body has nothing to do with your actual weight or shape.
I think that intellectually you probably understand that it is completely unreasonable to expect to be back in pre-pregnancy shape a month after giving birth. So nothing anybody could tell you would help with your emotional issues. Please see your doctor!
Good luck.

I understand how you feel! Although I havent had C-sections, I have had 3 babies. And #3 stretched my belly to limits I didn't know were possible. Although I am at a decent weight, my belly is so flabby and stretched. I HATE it! If I worked out like a crazy person it wouldn't solve all my issues!

What I try to remember is that our society puts so much pressure on us to be a certain way, have a certain "shape". And really it's not realistic for most women, especially after having kids! It may sound terrible, but look around at other people, really look at them and you'll see you probably look ALOT better then you think. You, like me, probably only see the ladies with the flat abs, and great shapes. There's alot less o them then those of us with a pouch belly or flabby thighs. Age and childbirth, and gravity is hell on our bodies. Don't beat yourself up! The fact that you actually do exercise and try to drop the weight is alot more then I can say! Try looking at yourself in a more realistic light girl! Three C-sections? Thats alot for a body to recover from!!
Another little tip.....my girlfriend works with ALOT of women, and she had commented on good some of them look after having kids, and you know what most of the told her? They wear spanks!! (kind of like girdles) so I guess it's all in how you handle the leftovers LOL Cheer up :)

In this case, where your hormones are still going nuts, exercise can be your best friend, even if you think you're too tired.

-It will energize you. It seems ironic, but even if you're tired, once you get moving, it helps you feel MORE energetic

-It helps you get happy. When exerted, the brain releases endorphins that literally have an anti-depressant effect.

-Calorie burn - I know this is obvious =)

*If you're nursing, just be sure not to deprive your body of much-needed fuel!

Try to avoid food / drinks that have caffeine as it will make you feel anxious, irritable and "on the edge". Make sure you're getting enough iron, folic acid, and B vitamins. It seriously makes a difference as depression is often linked to low levels of these things.

Please try to be patient with yourself as your hormones level out. Don't underestimate their ability to make you feel all sorts of crazy things. Keep reminding yourself this is temporary, take care of yourself and keep exercising (if your doc has given the ok, of course)

*hugs* and congrats on your new baby. It's ROUGH, no question, but you can do this!

Hang in there mama! A lot of it could just still be hormones after having a baby not long ago. Try to cut yourself some slack! You've been through a lot and all your loved ones I'm sure know that. No one can expect you to bounce back that quickly (if you've already lost all but 9 lbs in what, 4 weeks, then you're doing awesome!) Maybe you should treat yourself to a new outfit that you feel good in. If exercise makes you feel good about your self, then do it, but don't beat yourself up. :)