Re: Going back after Baby
I went back after about 8 months. Breastfeeding is a great way to melt off pounds! I did it for the frist two weeks I was back but I did leak alot and decided to let my boobs dry out and stop. And running on the treadmill and walks around the neighborhood with my daughter helped alot, too.
Re: Going back after Baby
There was a thread just a bit ago about breastfeeding while working. Maybe try a search.
And man, I remember that feeling you have of wanting to dance again. I just wanted my body back! I wanted to be sexy again and show off and make money and all that.
I waited about 5 months. And it is the breastfeeding that slowed me down. I 100% recommend breastfeeding, I mean it's the best thing you can do for a baby and it gets the weight off, it is easy (I mean you just pop the boob in the babies mouth, no making a bottle in the middle of the night) and on and on, but I had to wait until my girl would take a bottle (of breastmilk) and I also waited so she started going longer between feedings. That made it also so I wouldn't leak, because my body had adjusted to nursing her less frequently.
Definitely get an electric pump to make bottles and of course take as much time off as you can afford to, you will be completely sleepless - don't forget that.
Congrats! Best of luck!
Re: Going back after Baby
I am back dancing. It's been about two months since giving birth. I am still about 10 lbs heavier than what I want to be, and I seem to be stuck. I recall reading somewhere that sometimes breastfeeding mothers just can't lose those last few lbs-you're body just wants to hold onto that extra weight until you're done breastfeeding. My hubby stays home at night to give my baby girl two-three bottles while I'm working, and I breastfeed the rest of the time.
My boobs leaked for the first 6 weeks and then one day magically stopped! It was great once they stopped leaking. Now they just get really full and heavy. It's uncomfortable but not unbearable, and I pump at work as well, about two times and then before the drive home (one hour commute).
Best of luck to you!
Re: Going back after Baby
It's been 14 1/2 weeks since The Baby was born and I'm still not back to work, but not due to anything pregnancy related--I'm rehabing an injury right now. I would love to be back to work, to look pretty, hear the music, be in that atmosphere again, and of course, to make money and take some of the burden off Boyfriend.
I'm hoping to get back in the next few weeks, provided I can find a club to hire me the way I look right now. Out of the 30 lbs I gained throughout my pregnancy, I've lost 26 and am still losing, though it's distributed differently and I have lost alot of muscle. For getting in shape, my options have been very limited, but I have been doing the Winsor Pilates Bun and Thigh Sculpting video 3 times a week for the last 2 months or so, and though I can't see a huge change, I'm positive it has helped. Just yesterday, I was able to take my first walk in our neighborhood, and plan on going out several times a week. I'm pretty sure that since I can now incorporate a little cardio in my life that I will start to firm up a little more and get my shape back faster.
The Baby is now taking formula during the day and breastfeeding at night. I plan on switching to formula only once I return to work.
Good luck with your baby and everything and let us know how it goes!