Despite not having a great night of sleep, I had a great start to the weekend today. I woke up and fed baby B, then did my progress checks (more on those in a minute). After that I downed a banana and quickly filmed this week’s FFF Featured move before heading to the gym. Speaking of which – I really need to at least ACT a bit more awake in those videos. I promise I’m not so dull. You should know from reading I’m typically pretty energetic.

I certainly had energy once I got into my final workout of Couch to 5K’s week two. I always feel so accomplished after every session. Today, the workout called for alternating 90 seconds of running with 2 minutes of walking. I alternated between 4.4 and 7.0 mph and ended up with 2.15 miles covered in 25 minutes.

After my workout, I came home and ate up a bowl of brown oats. PB & Co sent me some new peanut butter and I knew I had to incorporate it into this morning’s breakfast. Oats, greek yogurt, Dark Chocolate Dreams, and some raisins.

It hit the spot. Just like foam rolling out my legs did. I want to be sure I stay on top of keeping my muscles stretched out.

And now what you all likely came to see…1 month progress pictures. The images on the left are from 1 week post-partum. The images on the right are from this morning, just after 1 month post-partum.

And a bit of a closer look at the areas I’m working on….

I’m certainly happy with the results I have achieved in 3.5 weeks.I think progress pictures are the best way to really see and track the results. I can tell by looking at these that things are happening. It’s not huge, but that’s a good thing in my opinion. I much prefer slow and steady losses. Which is what I had on the scale with my first weigh-in.

I plan on doing a post like this once a month (every 4 weeks) to share my progress with all of you, hold me accountable, and have a place to keep record of it all. For that reason, I will share my progress stats in these progress posts only. Hopefully once a month won’t be too much for you all.

For this month, I don’t have much to share in the way of stats. I only had my first weigh-in this morning. I was down 1.4 pounds from this past week, which is great.:)  I also took measurements this morning and I will share changes from those my next progress post. I want to have all the information so I can see the entire picture and not focus too much on one aspect of measuring progress. Progress pictures and the fit of my clothes will always take precedence though in tracking progress. And of course, I will be feeling good taking care of myself every step of the way! I truly feel GREAT already. I plan to keep on like I have been and just seeing where it brings me. Wherever it is, it will surely be a happy place.

So, there you have my first progress post. I promise future ones won’t be so wordy!

Question of the Evening – What is the most painful area to foam roll for you?

I started the day off right with my current oats combo obsession. It’s basic but tastes insanely good. White Chocolate Wonderful PB and sliced strawberries. Those two make for a heavenly combination.

Now, to finish answering all those questions you all sent my way. Here we go!

I’d love some info on what you can/can’t and should/shouldn’t eat while breastfeeding. I’ve heard mixed opinions on alcohol?
General recommendations include not to eat too much dairy, soy, beans, cruciferous veggies, spicy foods, caffeine, etc while breastfeeding because it could upset the baby’s tummy. Some children are more sensitive than others. I always eat normally then cut back on anything in particular I notice upset’s my baby. And the alcohol? I personally have no problem having a small glass, timed not too close to when he will eat again. I only do this very occasionally.

How long you plan to do it?
When it boils down to it…I breastfeed as long as I am not fighting my body to do so. I stopped at 7.5 months with Makenzie because I could not keep up my supply to her needs. It became a daily battle of Fenugreek pills for milk support, pumping extra, her always being hungry, and me always frustrated and upset. I make an effort to feed as long as possible, but if its not going smoothly for an extended time, I don’t feel bad for stopping. I don’t want breastfeeding to become a battle or something I resent. I don’t believe that is healthy for myself or my child.

What do you think if someone is unable to breastfeed?
It happens. I have had at least a few friends honestly unable to breastfeed and I fully support them every step of the way. Do I think breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed a child? Yes. Do I think mothers should try to breastfeed? Yes. Do I think mothers aren’t adequately caring for their children if they don’t breastfeed? No!!!

Some children don’t latch well. Sometimes issues can exist with production. Sometimes pumping doesn’t work and its the mother’s only option. I would hope someone would give a solid effort to breastfeeding, but if things are too difficult for one reason or another, there is absolutely no shame in stopping. As I said above, it should not become something of resentment and extreme struggle. Every mother knows what works best for her and her child. Those decisions should be accepted without judgment from others.

cute baby B photo to break up all the text…

My son stopped nursing after his first “taste” of the bottle. Is there any way you can increase your milk supply using the pump?
Whenever I have had to increase my supply I did a few things: Ate lots of oatmeal. Drank lots of water. Took Fenugreek, which is an herbal supplement and it works. Pumped a little longer or an extra session. And lactation cookies are always helpful. And delicious. Please note: I did this to increase my supply for nursing and I’m not sure on exclusively pumping. I would always speak with a consultant over personal challenges with feeding.

A friend told me she isn't breastfeeding so that other people can bond with her daughter. Does breastfeeding inhibit others bonding with the child?!
No! It does not. Holding, cuddling, singing, playing, rocking, changing diapers, and the many other things you do with an infant all are part of bonding. Yes, a special bond happens with nursing, but it does not limit a bond with anyone else who interacts with the child either.

Do you honestly ever get shy when you're nursing? Like when you have company or are out in public (or do you avoid those situations or go to another room?) I want to know etiquette of when/where it is okay to bfeed!
I will nurse anywhere…but you all probably know I am not the most shy person out there.  believe that you can nurse anywhere and in front of anyone as long as it is done discreetly. Family? They should understand what you’re doing and not be weirded out. Friends? Same thing. In public? You’re never going to see these people again so who cares what they think!

I do try to use a nursing wrap or blanket to cover up in front of others. I also will try to pick a more private space, like a seat in the corner of the room instead of smack in the middle of the couch and my friends. I will “warn” people that I need to feed my child. I have gotten really good at keeping all things hidden while doing so. There are times I will go to my car or another place that is completely private.  IE choosing to nurse in the car versus in a fast food joint when on the road traveling…or going to the nursing room at church versus whipping out the boob mid-service.

Question of the Day – What is your favorite type of nut butter? Who would you have the hardest time nursing in front of?