Looking down right now while I type this on the computer, I have two things staring back at me… 1) the little bundle of joy baby that I love so much and 2) hanging over her head is this fun post baby belly that it’s safe to say I don’t love so much (but is soooo worth this new little angel being in our lives).

I’ve said “Mission Hot Mama” out loud so we all know the plan is in motion to say bye bye baby belly but I want every mother-to-be to know this isn’t a quick get back in shape plan. I thought I’d be working out as soon as the baby came out of me, boy was I in for a shock.

The first 6 weeks isn’t all about bouncing back into pre-baby shape, actually it’s pretty much nothing about you and it’s all about baby. I call my first 6 weeks, “Mission Love Bug” instead of Mission Hot Mama. All your energy is focused on the little new bundle of joy you’re so lucky to be holding in your arms.

With little sleep, quite a lot of pain down there and no energy, the whole idea of working out at this point is a little overwhelming. The first 2 weeks is a blur so don’t even expect to do more than get out of bed to feed or change diapers, then back into bed again to try and close your eyes (for 2-3 seconds if you’re lucky).

Then at week 3 something happened to me. I realized I hadn’t seen the outside world for some time. I was going a little house crazy and it brought a smile to my face to think about stepping outside. That’s when I started going on mini walks. I started by walking to the mail box down our driveway (I know it’s about 40 feet but it felt like such a big outing). Then I ventured a little further, I’d put the baby in a ERGO carrier and walk up the small hill by our house and back down. It’s less than a block but it got me outside and my legs were moving.

By week 4 I had started walking a little bit more each time. The baby would either be in the ERGO carrier for slow but steady walks around my neighborhood or  in her stroller for walks at local parks. I tried to do them daily but this never happened, I really only remember fitting in 3-4 a week.

That pretty much sums up my first 6 weeks. Now I’m at week 8, I’m feeling better down there, baby and I have a mini rhythm going (which is definitely the baby is boss of, but I’m working on that) and I find myself with a little bit more energy every day.

I’ve started working out with my personal trainer doing Mission Hot Mama, which includes adding in weights and having a stricter nutrition plan. I am also doing longer walks with my PEPS group ladies and babies, then up next my big goal is to start running again. The only problem is I need new running shoes, which isn’t as easy as it sounds when you have size 12 feet (NIKE town was totally out of that size yesterday)… hmmm I wonder if Siena will have big feet lol?

I’d love to hear about your first 6-weeks and any tips you have to help new mothers get active in that time. Go team!

xo