Going Back to My Pre-Pregnancy Weight

 "Will I ever be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again?" This is a question that most women who have just given birth ask in frustration. Yes, I am one of them. Of course, I was on a high when I finally had my precious baby cuddled in my arms. I was ecstatic! Until now, I can't help gazing at my 4-month-old son in awe and amazement and adoration. Nonetheless, from time to time, there is that nagging question lingering at the back of my mind.

A week or two after I had given birth, I lost a whopping 20 pounds! The next month after that, I lost another 7 pounds. And then the worst thing happened. The weight loss stopped. And I was not yet back to my pre-pregnancy weight.Uh-oh.

Weight loss during the first month was inevitable. Aside from the baby, the water, and all that stuff that had come out when I had given birth, breastfeeding also helped me shed off those pounds. The pressure and stress of taking care of a newborn also had weight loss effects. However, there really comes a time (why did it have to be so soon, though?) when the weight will stabilize. And for some new moms, the new size becomes the permanent one.

In my case, I am really having difficulty trying to lose more weight. My hunger always gets the best of me (*sigh*). Plus I could not really go on a diet or exercise much when I was breastfeeding. Just this week, though, I've begun my weight loss regimen:

• Control my appetite--- this is really, really hard for me. Hence, I needed a little push in this aspect. I opted to take appetite suppressant slimming capsules which were quite effective. =)
• Jog regularly. I am trying, despite my very hectic schedule.
• Drink a lot of water. This one I can easily achieve!
• Choose my food carefully. Hhhmmm...my slimming capsules are helping me in this regard too because they aid in improving my will power and discipline.

Weight loss after pregnancy is a big challenge. But I am out to win this fight and go back to my pre-pregnancy weight soon!

***Visit http://entrepreneurmiss.multiply.com to grab some of those healthy and fast slimming capsules with no side effects.

Image Credit: www.ehow.com

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Lacta-Licious for Healthy Breast Milk

If you've already given birth and you just chanced upon my entry on the Anmum Twist, don't fret. Breastfeeding moms can enjoy the same treat! Yes, your sweat glands may have been changing back to their normal selves. But then again, taking care of a baby is hard work that keeps a lot of new moms on their toes all the time. Beads of sweat are probably still forming on your forehead from all that stress (it's happy stress though!).


Oh for heaven's sake, you need to give yourselves a break, dear moms! Why don't you bring out that blender and make that healthy milkshake you've been craving for? This time, you can use the milk that the doctor prescribed for breastfeeding moms. Mix it in with the fruit of your choice and/or yogurt. Now that would be a wonderful way to relieve those body aches from carrying your tiny bundle and to ease those headaches from your lack of sleep.

And while you're drinking those shakes, you get to fight the heat and nourish your breast milk at the same time!

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Journey to Motherhood: A Maternity Photo Shoot

Maternity photography is a great way for artists to capture on camera that spark of joy that exudes from within a woman who is carrying a human being inside of her. Are you one of the preggies dreaming of a maternity photo shoot? Well, you should be because it is a very special experience indeed. Besides, it's great to have a souvenir of how you looked like when the baby wasn't out yet. It's great to look back on those days of hunger pangs, constant fatigue, sudden cravings, and everything else that goes with pregnancy.

Even now that I am no longer pregnant, I still enjoy gazing at the snapshots taken during a maternity photo shoot. It's amazing how that large, round tummy can bring a glow to a woman's face!

My good friend Jan is one of those gifted photographers who can certainly come up with the best maternity photo shoot ideas and results. I guess you could say "birds of the same creative feather flock together" and that's us. Hehehe...

Her maternity photo shoots were truly sweet, inspiring, and lovely. If you want to have one, go to http://www.labskifotografi.com/contact.html. =)


Blogging by Mommy Olive

My Maternity Photo Shoot

Every pregnancy is a special moment in a woman's life. But the first real one is particularly treasured, especially for someone like me who had a failed pregnancy (a blighted ovum) the first time around.


Thank goodness for the sponsor of my maternity photo shoot, Johnson's Baby, or I wouldn't have bothered heading over to the Blow-Up Babies studio and spending so much on a few snapshots. Well, of course I'm not saying they're overpriced because they definitely know what they are doing. Their shots are absolutely great, and the designs are awesome too! But then again, for plenty of moms (me included!), the money can best go into the "piggy bank" for baby's future needs rather than for a maternity pictorial.

Nevertheless, a maternity photo shoot is certainly a great way to have keepsakes of one's pregnancy. They say a woman who's on the way radiates with beauty. The natural glow is just overflowing. Of course it would be fantastic to have such beauty captured and encapsulated into actual photographs that can be kept forever.

Now some of you may be wondering why and how the heck I got sponsored by Johnson's Baby. Well, the maternity photo shoot was part of my prize for being one of their three winners during the Johnson's Baby Shower Promo last December 2010. How fortunate of me! I have my lucky charm (none other than the cutie one inside my tummy then) to thank. And now I also have these lovely pictures to show my son when he's bigger. =)

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Simple Tips for On-the-Go Moms-to-Be

I was surely an on-the-go mom-to-be during my pregnancy. Lucky me, I did not experience any of those disruptive and annoying symptoms that other working pregnant women like myself had to struggle with. Aside from feeling soooo sleepy all the time plus a lot of hunger bouts during my first trimester, there was nothing else that I had to worry about. I could still work as if there was no baby tumbling and twisting inside my tummy!

However, that's not true for all working pregnant women. So here are some tips you working pregnant women should take note of:

• Drink a lot of water. If your job or business entails you to do a lot of field work, be sure to keep your water bottle full and close by. 
• Also have some snacks ready at all times. It is healthful for you and your baby to never get hungry.
• It would be good for you to put on comfortable sandals or shoes. This can ease the swelling of your feet as well as prevent varicose veins.
• You should wear loose clothing to feel more comfortable while working. This can lessen the stress and help you move better despite the heaviness of your tummy.
• Don't work for hours straight without taking short breaks. Try out some stretching exercises for better blood circulation and for a good feeling too. 
• Rest whenever you can, and try not to get overworked. Remember, this is not just about you anymore. You have the health of your baby to think about too. 
• Talk to your baby from time to time. Even if you are busy with work, do not forget to continue building that bond with your precious little one inside.

Keep in mind that being on the way does not mean you becoming paralyzed from work. There are plenty of working pregnant women all around who were able to continue doing their jobs all throughout or for most of their pregnancies. I am one of them, and my baby came out well and healthy! :)

Image Credit: http://www.letstalkbabies.com/

Blogging by Mommy Olive

Busy Bee is Back!

Wow! I think it's been a year since I last touched this blog site, or any blog for that matter. Imagine I've been that busy. I was on the go, on the move day in and day out, with a large bump right in front of me! Well, that just goes to say that being pregnant does not mean cutting down on your activities or locking yourself up within the walls of your home. In my case, it was the opposite.

Yup, I was working. Pregnant women like myself are allowed to work even up to the day we actually give birth. For those who are not going through sensitive or rough pregnancies and have not been advised by their doctors to rest, regular stress is okay. Some say it's actually healthy.

There are people who believe that working pregnant women should take it easy. It was different for me, though. Aside from driving on my own from one place to another up until I was about to give birth, I was also working part-time as a teacher during the day time, and then taking on writing stints online in the afternoons. When summer arrived, my husband and I ventured into the insurance and investment industry for which we had to go through continuous trainings for several nights. At the same time, we were selling kebabs at a night bazaar in Makati! I was tired, but happy.

The night before the day I was admitted into the hospital, I was at the bazaar on our entrepreneurial undertaking. From time to time until midnight, I would engage in brisk walking around the area in order for the baby to move downward and be ready to come out. Sure enough, it hastened the process. The next day, the doctor told me I was ready to give birth!

Indeed working pregnant women must only do the daily grind if they are happy about it and if they feel that their bodies can handle it. Of course, to be on the safe side, always be sure to consult your doctor.

Image Credit: http://geekandpoke.typepad.com/geekandpoke/2008/04/busy-times.html

Blogging by Mommy Olive