| post partum thyroid issuesA Batty Life

I gained 36 lbs during my pregnancy with Lila. The average is 25 lbs, so I definitely exceeded that. I wasn’t too worried about it at the time because it appeared the weight was mainly in my belly and chest, so I figured once I gave birth, I’d lose it all easily.

Once she made her arrival – just a tiny 6 lbs 9 oz – I lost 15 lbs immediately. I naively thought “oh great, I’ll be back to my normal clothes soon.” Well after that initial 15 lb loss, I didn’t lose any more weight for five months. Not a lb! I was carrying an extra 21 lbs, I was still in maternity clothes and generally felt pretty down about my body.

I was confused because I thought at the very least I would lose SOME weight gradually – especially since I eat a very clean, Paleo diet and was active – but it seemed my metabolism was at a complete standstill. I felt like I couldn’t really talk to anyone about it (let alone blog about it) because I still was considered to be thin. And I know, no one wants to hear a skinny girl talk about her weight issues.

I started researching everything I could about post-pregnancy weight loss online and soon found information about thyroid issues many women experience post-partum. Hypothyroidism runs in my family, so it made sense. So did the symptoms: exhaustion, hair loss, night sweats and an inability to lose weight. Ding, ding, ding!

Instead of getting on some expensive and risky thyroid medication, I decided to try just taking iodine and selenium supplements. And wow! As soon as I started supplementing, the weight began to come off. Within two months, I had lost 13 lbs and was now just 8 lbs off my pre-pregnancy weight.

Fast forward to now. I’m still holding onto those 8 lbs and I am pretty sure they won’t be budging until two things happen 1) I stop nursing and 2) I start working out. I plan to nurse Lila to a year, so there’s nothing I can do about that right now. As far as working out goes, I was trying to get by on taking hikes, walking and being outside, but I don’t think that’s cutting it.

We joined a gym this week and I went to my first Zumba class last night. It was so fun, but also completely embarrassing. Let’s just say I realized I don’t have a Latin bone in my body. lol. When I got home, Luke was like “WHOA! Someone’s face is red!” Yeah, this momma is officially out of shape.

I’d be lying if I said losing the weight was just something I wanted to do for my health. That’s a big part of it, but I also just want to look good. :) I want to be able to wear my old clothes and feel like a youthful, fit woman vs a mom.

I know it’s all a work in progress, so I’m trying to be kind to myself. In reality, my body will probably never be quite the same. And that’s okay. I still think it’s done some pretty amazing things.

Pre-Pregnancy: