Pre and Postpartum Fitness Observations

Pre Kid:

All I had to do to lose 10 pounds was reduce my caloric intake a tad everyday and lose 0.5 lb per week. Typically weighed 135 lb and 28-30% body fat.

Post First Kid:

The pre-kid strategy along with breastfeeding was enough to enable me to lose 10-15 pounds in 9 months to get to 135 lb again.  Was probably 28-30% body fat. 

Post Second Kid:

Different story.  My body rebelled when I tried to reduce my caloric intake even slightly due to hypoglycemia.  Maybe postpartum depression through off my hormones.  Breastfeeding did not seem to assist with weight loss.  Postpartum weight loss stalled at 152 lbs.  About 40% body fat.  

What I did to get to 142 lbs and get from 40% to 28% body fat.

I began by walking 2-4 times per week at the end of June along with 2 times per week weightlifting.  Now 2 times per week cardio, once per week Jiu Jitsu classes, and 5 times per week weight lifting.  I increased my protein intake and tried reducing my caloric intake slightly after 2 months of starting exercise.  So far my body has not rebelled much in the form of hypoglycemia.  Weight lifting added some stress to my body initially, but the affect seemed to wear off after a month or two.  I was important to little by little increase the weight for the exercises.  Going too fast would probably stress me out too much and put too much strain on tendons and ligaments.  It took about 3 months for my knees to not get sore between leg day exercises.

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