Morning, friends!! Have you entered my giveaway yet? If you missed it, check it out!

For today’s posts, I planned a little Q + A on how I am handling my “Body After Baby” progress. You all shared so many great questions! So, I will post the first round of questions now and a second one early this evening to help you digest all my ramblings. 😉 Please remember that I am sharing from my own personal experience! Also, if working towards your own fitness/body goals, never lose sight of honoring your body and the fact you are wonderfully made!

Q: Do you count calories? If so, how many do you try to eat?
I do loosely track calories. I don’t weigh, measure, and track everything I eat by any means, but I do have a ballpark idea of how many to eat while losing weight. I try to keep each meal around 500 calories with some 200-300 calorie snacks thrown in. I counted calories for so many years, that I can usually pretty easily figure out my totals without tracking religiously. I think this works as a healthy balance to eat appropriate portions for my goals, without feeling overwhelmed or restricted.

As for how many I eat – on average 2300-2500 per day (usually around 2000-2200 on weekdays with closer to 3000 on weekends). This allows me to lose on average one pound or so per week. This is of course a completely personal number and not completely accurate as I don’t track things meticulously. I hesitated to share this number, but decided to because I want to show that you can (and should!) eat and can still manage weight loss. I may be nursing, but even accounting for that, I would still be consuming 1800-2000 comparatively. You do not have to severely restrict. Eat healthy, nutritious foods consistently. It works.

How many times do you aim to workout in a week?
I workout 6 days per week right now. I always make certain to get at least one full rest day each week and will also always add in extra rest as my body needs (like this week with my sore back). I do three days of running, two spin classes, and a few weight workouts each week. You can see updates of my workouts on my Fitness page too!

What do you do to flatten your tummy?
Planks!!! I love planks and believe they provide the best abs workout out there. I don’t do abs workouts regularly because so many other moves (running, lifting weights, kickboxing, etc) naturally work the core. I do add in planks when I can though and I believe they help me a lot.

What are some big nutritional do’s and dont’s while nursing?
My doctors advised me that I can eat normally, but to pay attention to how it affects my child as some foods (beans, chocolate, cruciferous veggies) cause discomfort to the baby. Luckily, baby B seems to have a stomach of steel now and I can eat whatever. I do focus on eating ENOUGH though. I know from experience that you have to eat and stay hydrated to produce milk. Also, certain things help production like wheat germ, flaxseeds, oats, plenty of fat, etc. My Tropical Flax bars are a good fit!

I notice when women leave the hospital, they still look pregnant. How long does it take for that pregnant ‘bump’ to deflate?
It varies, but the pregnant pooch certainly lasts at least 6 weeks as the uterus has not returned to normal size until then. And that area of the body stretched and went through a lot during pregnancy, so it may not ever return to fully flat. But that is 100% okay because you did one of the most amazing things out there!

• I did not get the chance to read a single blog yesterday…so, tell me something going on with you. 🙂
• Let me know if you have any additional questions!

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?