Wow, I have so much to share. I am anxious and slightly nervous to write how I have been recovering during these last several months. But before I continue please read the following disclaimer…
I don’t use extreme measures, deprive myself, or sacrifice my sleep in order to obtain results. I was active during both of my pregnancies and I fully believe that staying active has helped my body recover. I have found that being patient, consistent, and determined are the greatest ways to regain strength and stability in my body. I am a mama to two, and a wife to a firefighter. I don’t have a chef, housekeeper, or nanny. I am real person and I am inviting you to come on my postpartum journey with me. If you are recovering from childbirth please listen to your own body and know that each woman’s pregnancy, labor, and delivery is unique.
To read Maisie’s birth story click HERE. You may also be interested in reading Body After Baby: 1 Month Postpartum Update.
PRE-PREGNANCY STATS
Waist 27″ | Hips 37″ | Weight 130 lb.
39 WEEK PREGNANCY STATS
Waist 38″ | Hips 39″ | Weight 154 lb.
4 MONTH POST BABY STATS
Waist 31.5″ | Hips 37″ | Weight 133 lb.
I am really not even sure where to start. I was feeling really great up until around 6 weeks after giving birth. Both Caden and Maisie were healthy and Josh was back on his regular 24 hour shifts. I felt like supermom. Sure I was exhausted at the end of the day but all things considered I thought I was managing fairly well.
Around 8 weeks postpartum I started to feel very run down. I remember the newborn phase with Caden and being tired but this time around I just seemed to become more fatigued as time went on, experienced frequent heart palpitations, and felt a looming sense of dread hanging over my head.
Thinking that I might have a nutritional deficiency I set up an appointment with my naturopath and she recommended that I see a cardiologist. One doctors appointment turned into another and has since spiraled out of control. I really can’t tell you how many times in the last 3 months I have been to a doctor. These appointments have included the dermatologist for skin biopsies and exzema, dentist for a root canal, cardiologist, naturopath, vein specialist for varicose vein treatments, and lastly to my primary care doctor.
I don’t even want to think about how much money I have spent on co-pays. Thank the Lord for insurance!
Multiple doctors visits, waiting for various test results, and trying to manage squeezing all these appointments in while nursing Maisie has been stressful to say the least. The “what if’s” started to pile up and before I knew it I was spending the majority of my time worrying about what could happen to myself and my family.
Crying seemed to become a normal part of my routine and I seriously felt like my bubbly personality was never going to make a reappearance.
I never thought I would battle with postpartum depression or anxiety. Like never ever.
With Josh’s encouragement and support I made an appointment with my primary care doctor and told him with tears in my eyes what I had been experiencing. That was the turning point. It was scary but empowering at the same time. I knew from that instant going forward I would be in a much better place. Maybe not right away but I was at least taking steps in a more positive direction.
Sharing all of this is not easy, and I debated over and over if I even wanted to share. In the end it feels better to be open and honest. I am not perfect and don’t have it all together and would never want anyone to get that impression from my blog.
I am so thankful I went to see my doctor when I did. Waiting would have only allowed me to sink deeper and deeper into a dark and bottomless pit.
This past week I learned the results from the testing that was done at the cardiologist. I have to say that it was a relief in a way to find out that the heart palpitations I have been experiencing were not a result of an over active imagination. The pulmonic valve in my heart is leaky. It is mild leak that could have been a result from pregnancy or I could have had it my entire life there is really no way to know. It is not life threatening but later on down the road if it should worsen I may need heart surgery.
My heart is also misfiring electric signals causing it to contract in an abnormal rhythm, this is why I have been feeling the palpitations. I had to wear a heart monitor with electrodes and wires for two weeks which was slightly annoying but worth it because I now have the answer I need. Again this is not life threatening and should it get worse I might need to go on medication but the cardiologist thought it could be related to postpartum hormones so I just have to wait and see.
All of this to say I am doing better. I can still exercise and I now have a plan to get back on track mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Without God at the front of all this I would be even more of a mess.
Enough of all that. Hopefully that gives you an idea of what has been going on. This next part seems slightly less important to me now in comparison to what has been happening with my overall health but I know I said I would share my before and after pictures from using the MuTu System 12 Week Program.
1 MONTH POST BABY STATS
Waist 33″ | Hips 39″ | Weight 139 lb.
4 MONTH POST BABY STATS
Waist 31.5″ | Hips 37″ | Weight 133 lb.
Ladies, if you have had a baby recently or even if it has been several or more years I highly recommend the MuTu System. You can read my MuTu System 12 Week Online Program Review for more details. Since my last update I have lost 6 pounds and 3.5 inches. I can’t sing it’s praises enough! If you feel like you are looking pregnant months or years after having your baby do yourself a favor and click HERE to watch a quick video explaining the program and how it works. I’ve also been using my Fitbit
I am averaging around 7 hours of sleep each night and Maisie is nursing every 3 hours during the day and sleeping 12 hours at night. It is great! Over the last 6 weeks I have been waking up at 5am to pump breastmilk to stash in the freezer. The treatment I am having done on my varicose veins requires me to pump and dump for 24 hours after my appointments. All you moms who exclusively pump you are rockstars! I am planning to write a separate post on this in the next few weeks. So far my treatment has been going well and my legs are already feeling better. Yay!
I think that I need to hit publish on this post before I decide to delete it. To see cute pictures of my kiddos follow me on Instagram. I would love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below.
Moms how have you dealt with your postpartum recovery?
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Tamara – You inspire us all to be “real” and take care of ourselves. Each day in this world is different and I am so very thankful that did several brave things: 1). Recognize that something just wasn’t right 2) Let others in for support – this takes courage 3) Take the steps to not stay stuck 4)Be your own health advocate 5) Lean on God. I continue to be the proudest mama of all and love you bunches.
Thank you mom! I appreciate your advice and love you so much!
Postpartum depression was always on the forefront of my mind since depression is in my family. Both my mother and sister were diagnosed with severe forms of depression (my sister when she was young) so I always thought it would hit me. I am lucky (I think) to say that I have not developed postpartum depression but I was ready in case I did. I had spoken with my doctor ahead of time in preparation. I am so happy you were able to get it under control. I have seen it at its worst and it is not fun. Bless you and your lovely family. (Curious, your working out does not affect your supply). Everytime I start to run again or eat differently my supply dips. With an exclusively breastfed baby that refuses a bottle I feel like I am unable to do anything different in regards to getting my health back. Advice?
The best advice I can give you on milk supply is to drink plenty of water when you are exercising and also to consume enough calories. Hope that helps 🙂
Tamara,
I have been a long time reader but have never commented before. Thank you for sharing what’s been going on with your health. Did your doctor say that you had a tachycardia? My husband was diagnosed with supra-ventricular tachycardia a little over a year ago; he saw a bunch of specialists and some put him on heart medications, and he even had an ablation surgery but it was unsuccessful, as they often are. He finally spoke with a doctor who told him that the fast-beating irregular heartbeat looked to be caused by the autonomic system, so he suggested an exercise regimen to help regulate his heartbeat (his sitting heart rate for the past year was almost 150). Surprisingly, he started running and doing very rigorous exercise, and this has helped his general heart rate come down for many hours per day, vastly increasing his health and he is less fatigued. Most doctors will not suggest this type of treatment because typically with a tachycardia, the suggested treatment is just rest, and sometimes even bed-rest. This is just my husband’s situation but I thought you might like to know. I really hope that you find some sort of routine, medication, or treatment that will help solve all of this chaos. I understand your situation and hope all for the best for you and your family!
Hi Lindsey, Thanks for your comment. I am glad your husband is doing so much better. Oh wow, that would be so scary to be seated and have a heart rate that high. It is nice to know other people experience this and are able to manage it and still live an active lifestyle. My cardiologist recommended to continue my exercise routine also because it would help :). Thank you!
I am a fellow member of the “heart beats too fast” club. Two surgeries in 14 months. Started when I was 19 years old. Now 7 years later, I feel better than ever. However, I was afraid that pregnancy would make it worse because there was a chance it would. Luckily it didn’t. I still have episodes here and then, but I’d never be where I am now without the help of my cardiologist and a lot of water.
Good luck on your journey. Keep your head up!!
Hi Allie, Thanks for your comment. Glad that pregnancy did not make yours worse and that you are doing well. I agree with you about the water :).
I feel for you with all the doctor appointments. It is always better knowing the truth than dealing with all the what-ifs. Glad that you are on the road to recovery and taking care of yourself–even when it is hard.
Thanks Jamie :).
Tamara, thank you so much for your honesty. People need to hear that it’s not always easy and it’s not necessarily the same after each baby. I’m glad you went to the doctors for test, because I can imagine that was not exactly how you wanted to spend your day. Knowing is always better than not knowing. Miss seeing your bubbly personality at the gym, but you are in my thoughts! KL
Karen, Thank you so much for your comment! I miss you! xoxo
I’ve been a follower for a while and even though I’m not a mama yet I enjoy reading about how you’ve taken great care of your body before, during and after your babies. I’m sure this post was hard but I am so thankful you shared it. I haven’t experienced postpartum depression, since I’ve never been postpartum :), but I really appreciate your honesty. I will be praying for you!
Thanks Kara. It was so hard to write but I am so glad that I did.
Sounds like it hasn’t been a fun time that you’ve been going through, but thanks for sharing! It’s good to know that everything isn’t sunshine and roses after a baby and sometimes people need to hear that and be aware of it. But you do look really good! I hope that I can look half as good as you do after baby comes.
Hi Kaileigh! I am loving the updates on your growing baby! Thank you!
I’m so glad you got answers, and that you sought help for your anxiety! Sending happy thoughts your way! <3
Thanks Erin!
Hi Tamara. I have been a follower for a while now and also just had a baby – July 2nd. You inspired me to get the belly bandit which I need to start wearing more often as I am still feeling a bit bloated. Thank you for sharing your experience as I was super nervous about postpartum depression due to the fact that I have Anxiety issues. As I prayed throughout my pregnancy about this, I truly believe God helped me and I was able to come out with no depression. Stay in Faith as HE will bring you through this. God bless and keep sharing!
Thanks Nikole 🙂 So glad that you are doing well and congrats on your baby.
I struggled a lot with postpartum, still do a little. I think part of mine was having a c-section and struggling with missing out on the labor process. They are very difficult (I think worse than pregnant hormones). The biggest help for me is a strong and supportive support system. I have thought about therapy, though. I’m not glad you are experiencing the baby blues, but it’s nice knowing that I am not alon; and that we can support each other.
Morgan, I totally agree with you! It is reassuring to know that other moms experience this and that we can support each other. xoxo
Question: How soon after giving birth did you start the program? I was advised by my Lamaze instructor to not exercise until 6 weeks postpartum, but maybe this program has simple/safe routines at the beginning? Thanks!
Also, good on you for sharing your story — being transparent online can be scary, but so worth it!
I started this program within a week of her birth. The first few weeks are very chill and focus on core and pelvic floor strengthen and stretching exercises. They are low impact and won’t cause you to sweat. Thanks so much for your question :).
I am so sorry that you are going through so much. Thank you so much for sharing the “not so pretty” side of having a newborn and dealing with postpartum issues. I just started the MuTu system and I love it! Thank you so much for the suggestion!
Tamara, thank you so much for sharing something so personal! I want to reach out and give you a virtual hug, because I struggled with post-partum depression after my daughter (who will be 3 in January) was born, and one of the things that helped me the most was hearing that I wasn’t alone in my struggle. I knew I was struggling, but it wasn’t until 6 months after my daughter was born that I read a list of symptoms of PPD on the internet and realized with some shock that I was experiencing almost EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. I ended up joining a PPD support group at my local hospital, and I cried through the entire first meeting — mostly out of relief that I wasn’t some crazy monster, but a very real person struggling with a very real problem! The understanding and compassion from the other women there was the greatest blessing I could have ever asked for, and I will forever be grateful. Thanks again for sharing!
Tamara-
Thank you for sharing on such a personal topic that is typically not brought out into the open. I did not realize I’m was truly struggling with PPD until is returned to work full time when my daughter was 4 months old. It was a very difficult time for me personally and for my husband. I know how much it helped to finally admit I had a problem and then seek help and support. I think in many ways anxiety is something I’m going to struggle with regularly now but now that I am aware of it, it has become manageable.
Funny story, I came across MuTu system by typing in diastasis recti one day months ago and kept going back to the website and thinking its a bit much for our budget. Well today being black friday its on sale and I thought i’d review it before I made the decision. You are the first review in Google search and i thought wow! I follow her on instagram ! It made me more confident in my decision to get it, thank you for sharing!