Hiya Gals (and guys)

I will be 28 weeks on wednesday and its getting to the point when im starting to think about what will happen in 12 weeks ish when baby arrives! SO EXCITED!

I was wondering what all your views are on getting back in shape after having bubba.

I had started on a diet and got a gym membership just before I got preg, which obviously went out the window.. and I want to start going to the gym and getting in shape as soon as Doc has cleared me. I said this to the Mother In-Law the other day and she full blown had a massive go because she told me I should not be leaving my baby to go do stuff on my own!? I've also had a couple of other people be a bit dissapproving and say I shouldnt really being bothering bout myself and concentrate on the baby.

Which has now got me feeling really guilty cause I thought I could go gym for a hour or two in the evenings (3-4 nights a week) while my partner looked after Harry (as we are calling him) giving him time to bond etc? Now I feel like im being selfish wanting something for myself, but surely just cause I'm a new mum doesnt mean I cant still have a little bit of me time? I'm gonna love my Harry with all my heart but seriously, mum's need to have a break too right???

Those people are ridiculous! Just because you're a mummy doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself and do something for yourself! It's not like you're going out clubbing a few times a week!

I'll be back on my diet after my 6 week check and my DH has been told that he'll be looking after our baby whilst I go out running a few times a week.

After I had my daughter I was told the same things as you were so it took me 6 months to realise that I was miserable and wanted to feel good about myself again. This time I'm doing my own thing!

I plan to have both children sleeping by 7pm so they'll be none the wiser if I'm there or not. Don't feel guilty, people will always havetheir opinion of how you should do things but you know best xxx

I think your mother-in-law is being ridiculous! You need to take care of yourself. Exercise is a great way to do that, physically and mentally. If you're happy and healthy, you will be a better mom to your baby in addition to feeling good about yourself.

My husband and I met with our future pediatrician recently and he continued to emphasize how important it was that my husband allow me some "me time" on a regular basis after the baby is born. He insists that it helps with mental health and can prevent post-partum depression.

If you are planning on breastfeeding, just make sure your diet accounts for that. Most women need an additional 500 calories when they are breastfeeding. I was so suprised to hear this!

Dont listen to any of those people!!

What they dont understand is that to provide a healthy emotional and psychological climate in which to raise your child, you MUST have time to yourself and alone time with your partner!

That said I think there's a chance you may not even think about exercise for several weeks or a few months after baby while trying to figure things out, but dont let anyone make you feel guilty either way!

you have to feel good about yourself and do things for you or else you will be miserable and that will not do you or the baby any good! maybe combine a walk with baby one or two evenings a week with going to the gym a few evenings a week and that way you get the best of both worlds, especially if your OH will go on walks with you. but i seriously would not let anyone make you feel bad for wanting to get back in shape and have some 'you' time once baby comes!

In my opinion, I think it's great that you want to get back into shape after the baby. But don't over do it. Remember it took 9 months for the weight to come on and it won't come off overnight. You have to also take into consideration that birthing a child is not easy and that it takes time to heal. Once you are fully healed and given the OK from your doctor then I would ease into the exercise regime. Of course, you have to be eating a balanced healthy diet for it to do anything.

You can do things where your baby will be present. We have a treadmill in our bsmt and I was going to bring her down with me when OH is at work so I can still see her and do my thing. And then Use a jump rope/skipping rope for more cardio in our back yard where I can still see her as well. If OH is home he can look after her for 1 hour - it's all I ask.

You don't need to have a gym membership to be active and lose weight. There are plenty of things you can do for free.

I think you have the energy to go to the gym 3-4 evenings a week after baby is born-go for it! I love going to the gym...but when my 1st baby was born...I was not up to it at all!! Don't stress about it yet! One thing at a time! You still have 3 months to go until baby is born....and you never know what birth will be like, whethere baby is a good sleeper or not, if you are breastfeeding etc...you can still go to the gym with all these challenges...its just more difficult. So allow yourself the 6 weeks to recover, and then see how you feel.

Exercise can help with post partum depression and is just good for you and baby in general! You will need that one hour break away from baby even though you will love him so much. It is healthy! Also, if you're wanting to get in shape after, try staying in the best shape now. Could you go walking?
I'm sorry your mother in law put that guilt on you. That's ridiculous.

As the others have mentioned, you can exercise at home with baby as well. I never went to a gym after my daughters were born. I just found a way to either pop a DVD in or go walking, etc. But if you do choose to go to a gym, you are not a bad mother!

Don't worry about them! I am planning on going back to the gym ASAP after my LO arrives!! I figured letting the hubby watch her for an hour or so, so I can have a little time to myself won't be terrible!! You always need to make time for yourself I believe, to let off stress and plus you will have more energy as well!!