I have to admit that my well-read brain felt completely in the dark once I found out I was pregnant.  In fact, up until I gave birth, I thought I would give myself 3-6 months to get rid of the baby weight and be totally back to normal.  I also wholeheartedly believed that within a few weeks of having the baby that my shape would just come right back.  HA!!!  It has been 6 months now and while I have lost the majority of the baby weight, I still look in the mirror and wonder who I is looking back at me.  My shape is definitely not "back to normal", that's for sure.

It never occurred to me just how challenging (albeit daunting) a task it can be to get back in shape while caring for an infant who demands absolutely all of your time and energy.

I have had this discussion in Mommy and Me classes and I know that many women feel pressure to get down to their pre-pregnancy weight as quickly as possible.  I know that in those first few months, new moms may feel as if they have to have the baby with them whenever they are in public, as they feel it will justify their extra poundage.  I completely understand the desire to hibernate until you can at least get out of the maternity clothes and put on something that actually makes you feel decent.  I can't tell you how much I can commiserate with all new moms out there!   

As a new mom (and one who is staring her 10-year high school reunion in the face), I would like to let new moms know that it is ok.  The weight will come off as long as you make sure to intake good, healthy calories, and make an effort to exercise (dance, walk, stand and bounce, etc.) either with or without your baby at least 30 minutes a day.  Anyone who has ever been a mom (or been around a new mom) understands your challenge and anyone who hasn't doesn't really matter.  Keep your chin up and know that regardless of the pounds you need to lose, there are 5 or 10 pounds you'll want to hang on to forever...and when they smile back at you, you'll know that they are worth it!