Tuesday, November 17, 2009

MoM postpartum update

I was worried about triplet pregnancy weight gain (and subsequent postpartum weight loss).

During the pregnancy, I gained approximately 50 pounds. Even though it's on the lower end of what Dr. Barbara Luke recommends in her book, "When you're expecting twins, triplets or quads," the girls were always right on target with their growth, which eased my fears about not gaining enough. I tried my damndest, but just couldn't stomach that much food.

While I was still hospitalized and recovering from HELLP Syndrome, I was making my way to the NICU when I spotted a scale in the hallway. Ha! I thought. This will be an amazing little experiment. I stepped on the scale, expecting to have dropped 12 lbs or so in four days. Wrong!

Turns out HELLP Syndrome made me swell up like a lead balloon. Even though I had given birth to a 3 lb 15 oz, 3 lb 14 oz and 3 lb 13 oz baby, their placentas, etc. I was only TWO pounds lighter than before the C-section. Shock! Horror!

Fortunately, as the edema subsided, and I pumped breast milk, the weight fell off. Now, 24 days after delivery, I've lost 45 of the 50 pregnancy pounds. My stomach is nowhere near what it was, but it's getting there. And bonus: no stretch marks!

I know it sounds stupid and vain, especially given how blessed we are with healthy triplets after infertility. The battle scars would have been worth it, but I'm pleasantly surprised and grateful to still have some semblance of my body after what it's been through.

10 comments:

Amber said...

That's pretty impressive! I hope my weight comes off that quickly. Congrats!

Amber said...

Good for you!!! That's quite an achievement and I don't know anyone who doesn't care deep down what happens after pregnancy to their body...

K said...

Holy shit you lost the weight fast! Congrats are in order although your point about being willing to bare the battle scars is well taken. So happy to hear everyone is doing so well. I only hope I am so lucky,

Kate said...

Actually that is kinda miraculous, don't you think?
WOW, here's to elasticity!

xo
Kate

Carrie said...

WOO HOO! You are better off than I- I still have about 10 pounds to get rid of. But like you, I don't care- healthy babies are what matters.

Still, I am jealous over here! Way to go!

Anonymous said...

Wow, really amazing that u have dropped almost all of your pregnancy weight! that's wonderful.
I have gained so much before the pregnancy from 2 IVF cycles. The hormones made me gain probably 20 lbs, then got pregnant the second cycle I've just gotten bigger :(
I am now 60 lbs over weight, and should have only gained 10-15 lbs so far for my pregnancy. I'm gonna be on a diet for the rest of my life.. sigh..I'm gonna blame my age.

Hope the babies are doing well..

Kate said...

You must be pretty genetically blessed to be bouncing back so well and quickly. Glad you're doing well, as are the babies.

Me said...

That's awesome. It sounds like you're doing great! Man, after my first, I was convinced I'd smell like cocobutter for my entire life - I used so much of it! Glad all is going well!

Anonymous said...

I think you are blessed. Both with T and A....I bounced back pretty quickly immediately after the birth....and now I weigh 5 lbs more than I did at "full term" pregnancy with both babies (was the same with T and A (with A being born 10 weeks early).....not a happy camper...but working with a nutritionist...consider yourself just darn blessed ;) Your babies are just adorable.....more blessings....who would have thought a year ago you'd have 3 THREE babies snuggled in your arms.....welcome to parenting!! This is a whole NEW venture....however, I have little doubt you'll do swell (xcuse the pun) at it and I look forward to meeting, A, J and E someday while they are still babies....my baby barely qualifies for baby stores anymore....boo hoo....will send you an email. Hugs Shaz

Michele said...

I have to admit, I love my stretchmarks. But I also love that I am lighter than when I fell pregnant. That is nice. :)