After two babies, I know now that it takes me about 18 months to feel like I’ve physically returned to my pre-baby self. I’m never in a big rush to get back. I definitely work hard during the year and a half after birth to be healthy, but I’m not particularly in a rush to lose all the weight – especially because I nursed both babies. When I’m nursing, my body holds on to weight. As soon as I wean, all the last bit of baby weight goes away and I’m back to normal. Knowing all of this, I know I won’t be fully back to my ‘normal’ until nursing is done.

Also: I never weigh myself. All of this ‘back to normal’ talk is solely based on feelings. I think I hopped on a scale when I was at my parents house this fall (I don’t own a scale) out of curiosity. I truly had no idea what number would come up, and I honestly didn’t care. I felt strong and proud of what my body has accomplished over the last few years of pregnancy and birth and postpartum.

My (Very Attainable) Workout Routine

I’ve always worked out three times a week. That’s my baseline. For me, working out is a 30min workout on the Sweat app or a 60min Barre3 class at the studio. A hike, walk, or any other additional physical activity I consider a happy addition. I’m not sure why, but I’ve never struggled with motivation on working out. I crave it and can notice mentally when I need a work out when there is a break due to travel, sickness, moving, etc.

Last year my husband joined me on this 3-times-a-week fitness journey. It’s very hard to find the time when you’ve got little kids. A lot of times, especially for C, workouts fall after the kids have gone to bed or during kids’ nap times or in the early mornings. There are weeks where it feels like there is truly no time to squeeze it in. But when it’s a high priority, we always manage to carve out space to do it.

One More Thing

Because I hate diet culture and the push to ‘bounce back’ after a birth, I feel the need to reiterate that I do this type of consistent working out because I love it. It’s my time where I think and process life or zone out completely or listen to a favorite podcast. Endorphins really do make you happy, and so why wouldn’t I want to make that a part of my weekly habit?

The Progress

I love looking at these photos that remind me that consistency pays off. It’s all about staying consistent and committing to a fitness routine. Women are amazing and can grow a whole human, and then a year and a half later be back to normal life as planned. And also, for the people in the back… it takes A YEAR AND A HALF. It does not happen quickly.