Post-Baby Belly Progress: Part 1

I’ve always railed on those celeb magazines that make losing the baby weight look like a cinch. I actually gave a big shout-out to Pink when she wasn’t afraid to be seen in public before she had six-pack abs. Certainly there are some celebs who—because of freak-of-nature genes and probably a little Photoshop—look great just weeks after giving birth but for many, it takes months to deflate the baby belly.

I’ve taken almost weekly belly pictures for both of my pregnancies to see the visual progression of my growing baby bumps, and I thought it’d be interesting to show my post-baby belly progress here—a realistic report of what a new mom can expect. There will be no skin-baring or anything, just fully clothed shots of my progress as I lose weight and start getting back into working out after my hiatus. I won’t be exercising until I get my doc’s go-ahead, so any progress made is simply from a) breastfeeding b) water loss and c) toddler chasing. I’ll be sure to note when I start sweating again!

34 weeks pregnant

Then comes delivery and a post-baby belly that still looks pregnant.

One day postpartum: Still rocking a baby bump without a baby in it.

One day postpartum.

A week later…

One week and one day postpartum.

I lost a whopping 23 pounds in just over a week, and my belly deflated considerably. A lot of it was water weight; I was able to reclaim my wedding ring.

Like my previous postpartum recovery, I fully expect to keep several pounds on me until I’m breastfeeding less regularly. And like last time, losing the weight isn’t necessarily the be-all, end-all. The goal is to get back to my happy weight, fit in non-maternity jeans (which even with the weight-loss isn’t even close to happening!), and regain my strength, fitness and abs. I will of course keep you posted!

Ever posted a Biggest Loser style weight-loss total? How long was it before you felt like you were back in shape postpartum? —Erin