Postpartum journey

This is my fourth pregnancy and will most likely be my last. I know it is incredibly hard to come back from pregnancy. I am mentally preparing and gathering ideas on how to lose weight and return to who I was.

Goal

1. Return to pre-dating weight: My goal is to get back to my pre-dating weight with my husband—195 lbs—by the age of 40.
2. Gym routine: I want to go back to the gym five days a week to maintain my mental health and overall well-being.
3. Beat depression: I aim to stay ahead of any depressive episodes that may come.
4. Increase sex drive: I want to improve intimacy in my marriage.
5. Be present for my husband and children: I strive to fully engage with my family.

Plan

1. Fasting: Before this pregnancy, I attempted fasting for 24-36 hours over three months. I didn’t focus on the details back then, but this time, I plan to be more thorough.
2. Early mornings: I want to start my day at 4:30-5 am. With three kids under three, this sounds daunting, but I’m determined. Starting my day early gives me two hours for myself, which is crucial.
3. Walking and burpees: I’ll start by walking for 30-45 minutes at the school down the street and doing five burpees every 20 minutes. It’s a slow start, but I plan to increase gradually.
4. Medication: I’ll start Zoloft right after birth and stay on it for a year to keep my mind on track. After a year, I’ll consider tapering off. With my history of depression, I want to stay ahead of it.
5. Sex drive: This is tricky. I’m hoping that feeling better about myself will help. I’m a once-a-week kind of person, but I don’t mind more if my partner needs it. I want to try watching porn with my husband to learn and spice things up. I’ve realized I’m very black-and-white with sex, so why not learn and improve?
6. Being present: For me, this means working less at a 9-5 job and being home with my family. I want to make dinner, take care of my family, and truly enjoy it. I know it’s easy to feel lazy or overwhelmed, but with the right mental adjustments, I believe I can do it.

Overall

I have a game plan, and while I know it won’t be easy, I am driven and focused. My motivation changes day to day, but I am learning to adapt mentally. I’m planning and staying open-minded, accepting my feelings, and taking it one day at a time.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you need help. I started this blog to share my postpartum journey honestly and help others. Here’s to becoming the best version of myself and living according to God’s plans.