It’s been over a month since I stopped breastfeeding and my body has been completely out of whack. I had no idea that this would happen. This isn’t a post to fish for compliments or anything like that. I’m simply sharing my journey as a new mommy and also sharing three petite friendly athleisure outfits I found recently.
I’ve never had to worry about my weight. Ever. Luckily I have genetics to thank for that. I’ve always had an extremly high metabolism and could eat whatever I wanted, as much as I wanted, when I wanted. I’ve never worked out…yes I know insert a million eye rolls but it’s the truth. I walked a lot but that’s as far as it went.
I gained 27 lbs. during my pregnancy and it took about 1 year to get back to my pre-pregnancy body weight. I nursed for two and a half years and even though my body wasn’t 100% back to the way it was, I was okay with it. Things didn’t really take a turn until I recently stopped nursing. I didn’t change my diet yet I gained weight almost instantly after weaning. I’m actually eating less now than ever before and STILL gaining weight…WTH. I didn’t read anything about this so I was completely unprepared.
The first week after I stopped nursing, my boobs became super full. I’m not going to lie, I was secretly hoping they would stay a decent size (lol). After a week or so, they deflated and now they’re even smaller than when I started. How fun right?! Shouldn’t we be rewarded with big boobs after nursing? Ha…only if that were the case! So not only did I gain weight in all the wrong areas, I lost all my fullness in my breasts and they are most definitely smaller than before. I’m not trying to complain and I am very grateful that my body was able to create, carry and squeeze out a human being. On top of that, I feel very fortunate to have been able to breastfeed for as long as I did. I probably would have done it for longer had it not taken a toll on me both mentally and physically.
I’ve decided instead of freaking out, I’m going to start working out and eating even healthier. I haven’t officially started yet…things have been quite hectic lately. I’m not going on a diet, I’m just re-adjusting my lifestyle, food choices and adding in some ME time to take care of my body.
Now on to some athleisure wear. Obviously I needed some cute work out clothes to help motivate me right? Luckily with the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, I found three easy, petite friendly and very comfortable athleisure outfits to get me started. Since this is all new to me, I wasn’t really sure where to start or what to buy. I was a bit overwhelmed. Hopefully these will help you get an idea of what to wear if you’re in the same boat as I am.
OUTFIT #1
Top: Nike essential logo tank (XS, runs small and narrow) | Sports bra: Nike Indy breathe sports bra | Leggings: Zella Live in High Waist Crop Leggings (size XXS) | Sneakers: Adidas edge lux clima running shoe (size 5) | Socks: Adidas 6 pack no show socks
OUTFIT #2
Tank: Zella crop swing tank (XXS) | Sportsbra: Nike Indy breathe sports bra | Leggings: Zella Twin High Waist Crop Leggings (size XXS, also have THESE) | Sneakers: Adidas (Size 5) | Socks: Adidas 6 pack no show socks
See review HERE.
OUTFIT #3
Shirt: Adidas original trefoil tank (size XS) | Leggings: Zella Twin High Waist Crop Leggings (size XXS, also have THESE) | Shoes: Adidas flashback sneaker | Sports bra: Nike Indy breathe sports bra | Socks: Adidas 6 pack no show socks (LOVE)
See review HERE.
I think I bought more athleisure items than anything else from the Nordstrom anniversary sale. In case you’re still shopping, be sure to check out my top 25 picks HERE, public access sale picks HERE, round one reviews HERE, round two reviews HERE and round three reviews HERE. Don’t forget to enter my $1500 giveaway HERE!
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Give yourself more time. It took a few months for my body to adjust post breastfeeding. My boobs looked so sad:( but after about 6 months things including boobs looked better. Baby making and baby growing is a tough business! But our bodies are amazingly adaptable. Good luck!
You seriously look so amazing! I love all of your atheletic looks! So cute!
Hi Annie! As a very petite mother of two I completely hear where you are coming from. A woman’s body is so affected by hormone changes no matter what your size. You may receive some negative comments from your post because there are people that cannot understand how a small person can voice frustration over what to them seems like such a minimal change. We all know our own bodies and everything is relative. A 3-5 lb weight gain is a lot more noticeable on a 96lb woman than on a woman that maybe weighs more. Anyways its not just about the weight its about the feeling you have when your body starts to act in a way that you are not used to. My youngest daughter “my baby” turns 20 today (and yes, I’m holding back the tears!) and now at 55 I’m facing another hormonal challenge-perimenopause! Like you I am a tiny woman. I have always had a fast metabolism and managed to stay the same size (00P) but lately I have started to experience changes in my body and my energy that I have never experienced before (not even through pregnancy and post partum). I know for sure this is hormone related and will hopefully pass once everything levels out. The same is true for you too! The good thing is that you are taking steps to help this along! I have always embraced exercise throughout my life not just for the physical benefits but for my mental well being too. I’m also a true believer of you are what you eat and while I am not a fanatic about my diet I have followed a Mediterranean style diet for the last 30+ years and it seems to have worked for me (plus it is delicious, nutritious, and not too restrictive :). You are lucky enough to live in a part of the country where you are surrounded by healthy options both at the supermarket and even eating out. I know because I lived in California for over 20 years (currently living in Miami and its more of a struggle especially when trying to grab something healthy when outside the house). Annie you are on the right track and I think once you start to embrace these new habits of exercise and eating a healthier diet into your lifestyle you will never look back. You go girl!!!!☺☺
First, I want to say this is my first comment on any of your posts, but I am a faithful reader of yours and I just love all of your posts. I am about the same size as you (right under 5ft and 98lbs). I breastfed my little one until he was almost 3. My body changed SO much. People give me a hard time about it because they can’t understand what I am talking about. I am still super petite and still weigh about the same, but I have had to change my nutrition big time and workout everyday to stay consistent. Also, my body just does not look the same. My boobs have completely deflated. It is really disheartening especially when I think back to my pre-baby body. I think you are amazing for breastfeeding for as long as you did and for being brave enough to talk about the changes it made to your body. Best of luck on your new journey to a healthier lifestyle! <3
What you’re going through is totally normal! Your body will adjust again. I’m 5’0 and 97lbs and nursed all 3 of my babies for 2 years each. Am I as skinny as I was nursing? Nope. I was about 90-93 lbs. and could eat anything! Now I workout and am stronger than I ever was! I have muscles! 😊 My boobs are never going to be the same. It bothers me but there are things you can do….wear a good paddded bra, put cups in your swimsuits etc. You’ll look fantastic and soon you’ll find a new appreciation for these changes.
Hi Jaimie! OMG three babies and you nursed for 2 years each? You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your story – I love it and it gives me hope 🙂
I’m currently nursing my 8 month old, our one and only, and was blessed with a great supply so I hope to continue until we are both ready to naturally move on. Congrats to you for nursing so long. It’s really an achievement. You seem like such a loving mama to Milan.
Congrats Lauren! You are doing great mama! Honestly I miss nursing…it just made life easier compared to what it is now. I could just plop her on the boob and everything was fine. lol
You look amazing!
Calories Burned. Nursing your baby takes a lot of time and energy, so it’s no surprise that breastfeeding burns calories. According to the La Leche League, it takes roughly 20 calories to produce 1 oz. of milk. For the average 150-pound woman, this means that breastfeeding burns approximately 500 calories per day.
Aw thanks Joy! That’s great info – I had no idea. Milan was nursing on demand for 2.5 years so no wonder why..LOL
Hello Annie,
I hear what you are saying. I went through the same thing when I stopped breast feeding my little girl. I did the same thing as you….. started eating healthier and exercising and it worked. I’m not back to my pre-pregnancy weight (I was 103 pounds), but I’m currently around 107 108 and I’m okay with that. I’m 5 1 so that is fine for me. My little girl is 2 1/2 and she actually likes to exercise with me so it is alot of fun. All the best you to you! =)
Hi Sussie! Thank you for leaving this comment! I really appreciate it. Our babies are the same age! How cute! You’d think I’d shed some pounds chasing Milan everywhere but that hasn’t happened yet. LOL
Hey Annie,
Now that Milan has officially stopped nursing, can you do a blog post on what she eats in a day? I have a 21 month old, and he’s such a difficult eater. It takes forever for him to chew his food.
Hi Tina! Yes I can! In case I can’t get to it soon…she eats organic oatmeal with sliced bananas and a dash of raw honey + a slice of sprouted butter toast. For lunch, it all depends but sweet potato sliced and banked in the oven, sometimes a grilled cheese sandwich or pasta and a side of fruit. For dinner, sometimes pasta with cheese or rice with eggs and fruit for dessert.
As far as your LO being a picky eater, it’s okay..Milan is picky too! I’ve learned not to force her to eat. Babies/kids will eat when they are hungry (this is tough for me to understand because I freak when she doesn’t eat). Hope this helps!
Thank you. That helps a lot. I love your fashion and especially your posts about motherhood journey.
Its hard work being a mom. Try not to be too hard on yourself, you look great 🙂 I think its great that you want to eat healthier and become more active. Sometimes small life changes make a world of difference. Enjoy the journey whatever you decide to do is your choice
Noelle
http://elle-no.com
I was 96 lbs at 5’1″ and returned after 2 babies that were breastfed it was not until the third baby also breastfed that I never went back to 96 lbs. Everyone tells me I look better with more weight and I did get some hips, so I am just happy with how I am. After all my body went through making babies three times. I have learned how to dress for my body type post baby. I love your outfits. You look great.
Thank you for being so bold about sharing your body changes post nursing. After nursing my fourth child until he was 2 1/2 years old I looked like I had two deflated balloons for breasts. Slowly over time they filled out more. I’m still down a cup size (now an A) but there isn’t anything I can do about it besides wear the right bra. As far as weight I’m still struggling to lose that last pound of belly fat. At 46 I’d probably won’t happen.Thank you for always being so transparent, it is refreshing since no one would know your struggles since we see such a beautiful person. Be kind to yourself!
Sounds like we weaned our babes around the same time! Your article recommending the apple cider vinegar/band aids to help wean toddler was so helpful by the way!! But I am in the same boat, my boobs have majorly deflated, lol.
Hi Annie,
You look great!
I got back to my pre-pregnancy weight within 6-7 months after each of my two kids. They are less than two years apart. I worked out every day during my kids nap time. Luckily they loved to take naps daily for at least 1.5-2 hours.
I had the same thing happen to me. I gained about the same amount with my two, but only really nursed my second one. My first wasn’t into it. I nursed for a year, and then he weaned himself. I was also used to eating more, and after nursing, that all changed. Boobs also got smaller than pre-pregnancy. I gained weight. It took months for my body to regulate back to normal and for me to adjust to a new normal of eating. I’d just be patient with yourself. Working out and eating heathy is always a good idea. Clean eating helped me get the weight off.
Hi Annie,
Thanks for your candid post. As a petite (5′ 1″) mom of two small children (I nursed both until they were 2.5 years) I can fully relate to the body change issues. Working out has helped a lot in re-gaining pre-baby weight and it feels great to get that natural feel-good endorphin boost after a workout. Very addicting! Thanks for sharing the cute exercise outfits for petite women; your style and recommendations are always appreciated. Best in your health and fitness journey. You look beautiful!
Hi Annie,Thank you for being so bold about sharing your body changes post nursing.Its hard work being a mom. Try not to be too hard on yourself, you look great.Sometimes small life changes make a world of difference. Enjoy the journey whatever you decide to do is your choice.
Obsessed with these looks! Especially the adidas shirt!
Love the relaxing clothes and shoes. Love wearing sneakers.
Hi Annie, I am Asian and about 5’2, 98 lb. I’ve had two hapa kiddos and nursed both, one up to 6 mo, the other 2 yr. I am not an exerciser either, and noticed I had a hard time getting back to just eating for myself after weaning. Then, came the gastritis which never happened pre-baby, but we are on to better times now. All in all, since weaning, I never went past 100, but did fluctuate within a 10 lb range. Boobs are deflated to nil, but I started as an AA. Part of being Asian where we have less BMI? I feel like my belly sticks out more than my bust nowadays, but I have come to an understanding that this is just part of birthing children and my genetics. Way to go on nursing Milan for so long and having the motivation to get healthy and take time for you. A happy momma makes the home a happy place!
Hi Mei! Way to go mama! I hear you on all points…I still haven’t started exercising. 🙁 Same same regarding boobs and belly LOL
Chiming in a little late, but I can completely relate. Always considered ‘underweight’ I never weighed more than 100 lbs (at 5’2″) until I was in my late 20s. Even then, I was at 103. Fast forward to two kids later, my youngest is 2 y.o. and I have accepted that my body will not ever be what it was. And I’m okay with that. I nursed my oldest for 8 months and my youngest for 16 months. I hover between 110-114 no matter how healthy I eat, how much I work out (cardio dance classes, yoga, walking, etc.). The good news for me is that I went from an A cup to a full B cup, rather than the deflation I had after weaning my first. Embrace your new body and don’t let it stress you out. I’ve finally learned how to adjust my wardrobe choices (let go of my tighter fighting clothes) and embrace fashions that work. Love following your blog and your styles have inspired me to kick my closet up a notch.
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