Every person's body is different, but for me being healthy after childbirth meant getting out of that hospital bed even though it hurt and taking a few steps every few hours. I had a C-section for the first time after my twins, so this recovery was definitely harder and different... I thought I might never stand up straight again.
But somehow I did roll myself off the bed the day after giving birth to twins (with the nurses' help), and I did take a few steps. A few hours later I got out of bed again and stood leaning against the bed to read the paper for 30 minutes... just getting my feet and legs ready to be upright.
Believe me, the nurses at HUP heard me ask time and again if I'd ever feel good again or get my body back. They were very sweet and encouraging and assured me that I would. I tried to be patient with myself, but when your body feels like it's been hit by a Mack truck, it's hard. Still I refused to give up. So I put on the slippers, closed the back of the hospital gown up and got out of bed again. I hope you'll try to get up and get moving soon too.
Day two after the twins were born, I was ready for more. I did one very slow "lap" shuffling past the nurse's station. Boy did that hurt. It took me 30 minutes to walk down one short hallway holding the railing. Then I had to rest before I could turn around and stumble back to my room.
I was beginning to think it was hopeless, but the nurses said every little bit helps. So, for the next 4 days I tried to walk for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes again at night up and down that hallway. Of course, I was visiting my twins in the nursery constantly (in a wheelchair), helping to feed, dress and change them... plus sleeping a lot.
I was pretty wiped out at the end of the day. But the exercise seemed like something that might potentially help me get back in my clothes and get released sooner. So I kept at it. Also, I asked for some healthy options in the hospital menu: oatmeal, extra pieces of fruit and water in the hospital instead of just eating the huge tray of starchy foods that you might be offered. The hospital happily brought them. They'll do the same for you. And don't feel you have to eat everything on your tray just because they bring it to you. Saving a few calories here and there makes a big difference. It all helps.
By the third day, I was going up and down the hallway 6 times round trip at a medium speed. That night I doubled it to 12 laps. Don't worry about losing the weight gain for now. Your body is still recovering from major surgery or from natural birth - a huge achievement either way. What's more important is standing up straight, getting some energy back and having a positive attitude. But the more you do, the sooner you'll achieve that.
Some moms might think they need to rest more than exercise. Frankly you need both. But I find that I sleep better after I've exercised and that I create more energy for caring for my newborns after I've been up and about. So the exercise actually adds to your overall energy - not takes away. Also, if you're worried that you're taking time away from your babies, I truly believe exercise helps there too. You'll bring a more relaxed state of mind, extra patience and fresh energy to your little ones if you've had a chance to take care of yourself. So there again, I think a morning and evening walk will do more good than harm. Certainly check with your doctor before you do hospital hallway walks. I still felt only half-normal by the time I checked out of the hospital, but at least I had a routine in place and I was starting to consider putting on my loose-fitting "normal clothes" again.
Once you leave the hospital, try to keep the routine going, with your new baby or babies. Start slowly at first. The first month, I strolled with my twins at a leisurely pace for a short distance, not worrying about losing my weight, but just enjoying being outside and getting my twins some fresh air. But by week #6, my doctor cleared me for more, saying I could do a brisk walk, a slow jog and I could start to watch my calories or diet.
That's when I started taking one extra long walk or two medium walks every day for the rest of my maternity leave. Sometimes I'd push the stroller 5 to 10 miles a day, taking the twins to their doctor's appointments by baby carriage instead of in the car. I packed their bottles and we'd stop in the park for a feeding along the way. I enjoyed getting outside, they loved the breeze and the natural setting and I was walking off that weight.
It feels good to get back into some of your pre-pregnancy clothes and look "normal" again. Sometimes the walks would take 2 or 3 hours. It was springtime, so the temperatures weren't too hot for little babies. With our heat waves this summer, you'll have to walk on a treadmill indoors with your babies nearby in their bouncy seats watching you, or stroll up and down the hallways of your area mall. Either way, do it at least 6 days a week no matter what. I made the mistake of stopping for a few days when I got busy just before coming back to work... and 5 lbs. came right back on within 4 days.
What you eat plays a huge role too. If you're breast feeding, check with your doctor about what to eat and not eat... although breast-feeding alone will usually help reduce your pregnancy weight. If you're not breast-feeding, still be careful, but try to reduce your portions and reduce breads and sweets. I made myself double my exercise (as described above) and cut my food in half. I ate a huge plate of scrambled eggs for breakfast, no toast or cereal. For lunch, a giant salad with a can of tuna on top, and for dinner a chicken breast and all the sautéed veggies I could eat. Snacks in between included fresh fruit or a handful of nuts.
I have a terrible sweet tooth, so for cravings I'd try one of these cures: a cup of hot tea with Equal; a tic tac; brushing my teeth (something about the sweet-tasting toothpaste sometimes stops my cookie cravings). If all those fail, I treat myself to one or two cookies. No alcohol, no fats, plenty of vitamins and tons of veggies and fruits.
By 2 months later, I had lost 75-percent of the weight. By 3 months later I lost all but 5 lbs. And I had gained 80 lbs on a small frame... I'm 5'6"! So I had a lot to lose.
Not everyone can do it this way, but it worked for me and maybe there are some new ideas that will help you.
My twins are the beneficiaries of a mom who feels healthy, has lots of energy, and brings a positive attitude to parenting. Getting your physical and mental health in tiptop shape are definitely key to all that! Now if I can just get that last 5 lbs. off!
Good luck and most of all, give yourself a pat on the back for trying. It's one of the hardest tasks I've ever had to do.
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