Why I Don't Want to Lose those Extra Baby Pounds
They say it can take women up to six months or even a year to shed the weight we put on during pregnancy. Yet we've seen celebrities shed those pounds almost immediately, and I’m starting to see women I know wanting and trying very hard to shed that extra weight as quickly as possible.
Post image

They say it can take women up to six months or even a year to shed the weight we put on during pregnancy. Yet we've seen celebrities shed those pounds almost immediately, and I’m starting to see women I know wanting and trying very hard to shed that extra weight as quickly as possible.

First, we should all realize that everyone’s body type is different. Some women gain more weight than others during pregnancy, and women have different reasons to lose weight right away. This could include trying to get back into a normal routine, to make themselves feel and look better especially if they have always had weight issues, and just plain vanity. Still, it boggles my mind when some women rush to lose baby weight within the first two months when they should be focusing on relaxing and loving the new life they brought into this world.

Nutrition and health should start prior to pregnancy and continue throughout pregnancy. It is important to stay active and eat healthy. Women have to realize that they don’t need to eat for two during the pregnancy, although on some days it may feel as if a whole village is hungry down in your stomach. I should know - I’m a hungry gal! Whether pregnant or not, I eat about six good sized meals throughout the day. Now that I am pregnant with my second child, my appetite has increased so much that I want to eat anything and everything in sight when I’m hungry!

However, every woman is different. Some may eat very little and gain lots of weight. Others won't gain weight even from binge eating. Regardless, pregnancy and motherhood is a special time for women. Instead of stressing about what other people think and trying to lose weight immediately, why not embrace that special time and focus on the newborn? It is a short-lived stage in the grander scheme of things.

Regardless of how much weight I put on by the end of this pregnancy, I won’t be in a rush to lose those extra pounds right away. Here’s why:

    1. It’s completely normal for women to take at least 6 months or a year to lose that extra weight. After all, it took at least 9 months to gain it!

2. I will rather focus on bonding with my newborn than worrying about any extra fat.

3. I don't plan on going on a beach bikini challenge any time soon.

4. I do care about how I look, but I couldn't care less about how others think I should look.

5. Who in their right mind would have the guts to tell me to my face that I still have those extra pounds. If they do, I’d love to use this quote from Sex and the City when Miranda goes out to a bar after having a baby and responds to a jerk’s comment: "My ass is fat because I just had a baby. So what’s your excuse?" Don’t worry, I have many more up my sleeve.

6. I intend to breastfeed my second child up to a year just like I did with my first (and even longer if I could) and I would need to focus on eating well and not stressing out my body during that time. Also, many women don’t realize that you burn up to 500 calories a day breastfeeding. Without any exercise, that’s how I lost most, if not all of my extra weight during my first pregnancy.

7. My fat could provide a nice cuddly place for the baby to sleep without me spending money on extra pillows.

8. Losing weight quickly can create loose skin just like gaining weight quickly can contribute to stretch marks.

9. My close friends and family are there for support, and will not make me feel self-conscious about my body .

10. There are no quick fixes when it comes to weight. What could I possibly do in a healthy way during the first 2 months to lose all that weight so quickly? I’ll be trying to catch naps in between my baby’s naps (if he/she naps at all), taking care of my toddler, breastfeeding, eating, showering, changing diapers etc.

So if you see me after I have my baby and I still look pregnant, then maybe it’s wise not to make any comments.

No seriously - just know that I chose to stay that way for the betterment of my baby’s and my own health. A lot of women probably chose the same situation, so you should learn not to judge them for their appearance. Giving birth is a blessing, and making time to take care of one's children while putting them first is one of the greatest gifts a mother can give and one of the greatest sacrifices she can make.

So to all my body-conscious mommas out there - please think about what a miracle your body went through and appreciate it. Love the skin you’re in and everything else will fall in place in time.

You may also enjoy these
Where are you from? The Life of a First-Generation Tamil Canadian Student
When I hear the question, “where are you from?” There are so many thoughts running through my mind.
Why We NEED More Dark-Skinned South Asian Representation in Media
Growing up, one of my constant wishes was to become lighter. I never accepted the colour of my skin and struggled to see the beauty in myself.
TC's Wine & Food Social: Toronto's Community Organizations Come Together for a Night of Networking & Relationship Building
We've joined forces with Tamils in Finance, Canadian Tamil Professionals Association and TiE to help you expand your business & social connections.

Jenani & Nav

met on myTamilDate
Join for Free Today
Madhu & Nia
met on myTamilDate
Join for Free Today
Network with TamilChangemakers
close
Stories
Videos Podcasts