Monday, April 12, 2010

2 Month Update: Postpartum and Baby Style

Today's was Noah's 2 month well-check and...poor baby - his first round of shots from the ped clinic. I was a tee bit nervous the rascal would scream from start to finish from this appointment because, well, he's a cryer and a sucker for being held by his mother AT ALL TIMES POSSIBLE. But surprise! He did FANTASTIC and only cried when he was being weighed, getting pricked, and prodded with the stethoscope. But each of those times was instantly consolable but the warmth pf mommy's arms (not always the case).
So his stats (I just know you're dying to know)...?

Height = 23'' (50%)
Weight = 9'11 (15%)
Head = 15.5'' (15%)

I chart Noah's in blue ink on Lincoln's same chart since he was born to see the comparisons. It was SO interesting because Lincoln and Noah were dead on EXACT on the weight and height measurements at this age!!! The head, you ask? Um, no. It looks like Noah's not going to get the crazy extra large melon his brother has. :)

All in all, the appointment went great with Dr. Davis (yet another ped I LOVE)! Aunt Amy came to the appointment to help tame Lincoln (who also deserves props for his good behavior and telling the doctor "thank you" when he was complimented on his outfit - already making momma beam with pride!). Then we all went out for lunch to Flying Burrito, where kids eat free and there's a caged-in outside patio for Lincoln to roam.

Now for the mom update: This mother is a tad frustrated with the post-partum weight loss. You see, with Lincoln, I lost all of my weight plus a few extra pounds even, within a month. I know that's fast, but I'd say I was lying if I didn't expect the same this time around. But it's not the same (of course). I have hung on to about 12 extra pounds now pretty consistently for the past 6 weeks and no matter how healthy I eat (which I always have and this hasn't changed), or the fact that I exercise almost everyday (something else I've always done already) - the scale is not budging - not even one pound! I have a slight pooch for the first time in my life that makes me self conscious and still can't comfortably (or attractively) fit into my pants. And I'm refusing to buy new pants so when you see me constantly in workout pants or sweatpants - now you know why. I don't have any others that fit!
You see, I've always been under the impression that breastfeeding helps you lose weight faster. I am still breastfeeding and not losing it faster and I only breastfed 6 weeks with Lincoln and lost it all FAST. So to all of you breastfeeding moms, when did the weight start to fall off? Was it a slower process? I'd love advice/opinions on this matter! :)

7 comments:

Leslie said...

Well I thought you looked FABULOUS when I saw you at my shower a few weeks ago! And until you start feeling a little more like yourself, I'm a big fan of summer sundresses...that flowy fabric covers a multitude of insecurities (and way cuter than sweatpants!)

Kaitlin said...

Sounds like Noah is a healthy little guy!! I love reading the updates on your blog since Leighton is just a few weeks behind- gives me an idea as to what's ahead! I'm sure you look fantastic, but I definitely feel ya. The first 20 lbs fell off without effort in about 4 weeks, but the last few are coming off VERY slowly, despite healthy eating, working out and breastfeeding. Apparently, we're supposed to lose a lb/week breastfeeding, but I've yet to track whether that's accurate or not. But trust me, my jeans are still hanging in the closet and I'll be wearing the cute sundresses Leslie mentioned for now!

The Frugal Muse said...

I know every gal's body is different... but I've found the whole "breastfeeding makes you lose the baby weight faster" thing to be a myth. With both of my kids, my body simply would not shed the extra 10 lbs until I completely weaned my babies. I breastfed them each for a year, which I loved being able to do... except for hanging onto the weight. If I tried to cut my calories significantly or exercise more to force the weight off, I would start to lose my milk supply. It was frustrating. But the good news was, within a couple weeks of when I weaned both kids, the 10 lbs was off without changing my eating or exercising habits.

It's interesting to hear about other people's experiences with this, too. Losing the baby weight is an important right of passage for motherhood, I think. :-)

stephanie said...

melissa, this is steph (dustin faddis' wife).
you are all one up on me in that you have had children :)
i am studying chinese medicine and we have a different view on post partum care. yes, they say you lose weight by breastfeeding, and it is true, but not necessarily healthy. as you are breast feeding you are giving your nutrients to your baby. your body is equipping itself to give away the goods, so it is giving you enough to keep on giving.
in order for your baby to receive the best nutrients possible, your body needs to be healthy and able to have good nutrients ( we call it Qi, vital essence). so right now, by breastfeeding, you are preparing noah for a healthy life. you are starting his nutrition on the healthy path. as long as you are healthy (not weak, energetic, and happy) this is given to your baby through your breast milk. if you are weak, unhappy, sad, etc it affects the baby, especially when you are breastfeeding. moms equip the babies with what they need for a healthy strong life.
i know it is hard to go through physique changes, especially when we do have husbands we like to look good for :) but think of it as a gift for noah - you are giving him a very healthy diet that he cannot get anywhere else (in my opinion).
before you know it, you have two little ones running around and the pounds will be gone and you will be toned :)

Kaitlin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kaitlin said...

One more thing (b/c I have been overly concerned about this lately)- I've read a LOT about breastfeeding and weight loss and I don't think bfeeding speeds up the process. From what I've read and heard from my friends, the last 5-15 lbs hangs on until you wean and then it falls off. I guess the body needs a little extra fat to feed our babes! A bit frustrating, but I suppose if she's healthy, that's all that matters right now. But trust me, I'm in the same boat as you right now, ugh.

Larsen Family said...

I breastfed both of my kiddos. The weight flew off with my first one and not so much with the 2nd one. Not sure what happened, but it took awhile to get off. And after I hit 30 the metabolism hasn't ever been the same. Not sure it this is positive news, but your not alone.