Another week has passed and I think I’ve hit a plateau. What I mean is that I think any postpartum recovery has probably occured and that to further shrink myself I need to do something extra.
I’m done with the compression belt. I don’t know why but it is only supposed to be effective if used during the first 8 weeks postpartum. I started my first full week of yoga last week and I paid for a month of unlimited classes. I plan to take 3 classes per week but I might have to cut back this week because I am sick with some kind of virus, again. Ugh, I hate being sick. At first I thought maybe my body was flushing out toxins as a result of jumping back into yoga so intensely. That could have been the case, but however it started it has turned into a lovely combination of sinus congestion, fluid in the ears, and hacking cough. I did go in and get some antibiotics today after I woke up with a lot of pain in my upper teeth.
So, starting NEXT week, I should be back to 3 classes a week. Other than that, I’m still not really doing anything else to lose weight or change my body. I do notice that my calorie and fat intake is probably not ideal, but I’m not doing much to constrain my consumption and God-willing, I won’t have to do that to achieve a size I feel more comfortable at.
Here are my 8 week pictures. I’m putting some similar pictures back-to-back, one where I’m sucking in my stomach and one where I’m just letting it hang out completely. All in all, I feel good about where I’m at. And I feel really good about getting back to yoga. Nothing is more effective for me in terms of practicing mindfulness. The effects of practicing mindfulness are so far-reaching in my life that I can no longer imagine myself not practicing. OK, stepping off soapbox. For now.
OK, this one is me NOT sucking in.
In this one I am sucking in as hard as I can while still smiling. It makes a HUGE difference, as you can see.
What is a Shrinky Dink post without a picture of my withered midriff?
So my sister-in-law says that she used Stri-Vectin and it actually helped with the depth of her stretch marks. I plan to try some kind of cream like that and see if it works for me. I figure what the heck, right? I have a coupon for some Mederma stretch mark cream. I’ll give it a shot and you guys can draw your own conclusions from the photographic evidence.
And the front view! If I leave my hands resting on my legs, they appear slimmer. Trying not to do that anymore. In case you're wondering...I'm not resting my right hand, but my left hand got lazy in this one.
I’m getting my hair cut between now and next “photo shoot” and I can’t freakin’ wait!!! I’m also growing out my eyebrows if you couldn’t tell, and toying with the idea of getting a…wait for it…professional brow shaping. Woooooo! Very exciting. I’ve got a whole pampering plan. I might even buy myself a pedicure. I figure I deserve it, considering I’ll be breastfeeding for another 9 months or so. Ugh.
OK then, see you in about a week!
I don’t think any cremes work…or EVERYONE would use them. I think they are just battle scars so you can try but wear them with confidence it’s just proof you are a mother
Thanks for the link on your last post.
I don’t know if the creams work either, but I know they don’t work unless you put them on your skin…timing is everything, the sooner the better! Of course as long as it is safe to use while nursing.
No stretch mark creams/lotions/gels/potions worked for me. I tried them all, various kinds, after each pregnancy.
They DO fade though.
I’ve heard vitamin E and being hydrated works really well for stretch marks. But I agree with T, if something was the magic answer than everyone would use them.
BUT in this picture you can really tell that they look like a heart, which I think is just wonderful