I know it’s been a long time since I posted, but I feel now I’m ready to share the results of my postpartum recovery. I am 7 weeks postpartum and have noticed a huge difference between this post-pregnancy recovery and my last one. Keep in mind that I am 5 years older, but I am in much better shape now than at the same point after my first pregnancy.
Our family tradition- First climbing trip (at 6 weeks old) to Red Rocks
First of all, my delivery was easier than the first time. Often second deliveries are easier and I had a better support team, so I can’t completely attribute the difference to my activity during pregnancy. However, in the first week postpartum I lost 20 of the 30 pounds I gained and was measured by the”Bod Pod” at 21% body fat. I climbed 5.12a at 6 weeks, 5.12b at 7 weeks. After my first pregnancy I didn’t climb 5.12a until 3 months postpartum. At 6 weeks postpartum, I couldn’t do all the moves on a 5.11b!
Excuse the blurriness, my 5 year old took the picture
As you can see, I’ve got a little muscle definition now. I did not have the same definition 3 months after my first pregnancy. I am starting to fit into some of my pants and again, that took 3 months last time around. I acknowledge the fact that not all women can remain as active as I did during pregnancy, but I encourage women to stay as active as possible. It really can make a huge difference.
Now that pregnancy is over, we embark on our adventures as a family of four. We started taking the baby out climbing at 3 weeks old and we are currently on her first climbing trip in Red Rocks. She seems to really enjoy being outside and takes great naps at the crag. At the moment our “must have” baby gear includes the Pea Pod tent for naps and diaper changes and the Phil and Ted carrier to get little H to the crag. As you can see in the picture, our older daughter is now climbing! She passes the day socializing with climbers and at the end of the day we usually put a 5.7 or 5.8 up for her. Now she is learning to “clean” quickdraws (remove them from the bolts), which is an important skill when toproping. It’s really fun to see the improvement in her climbing from one day to the next.
Peapod travel bed
Phil and Ted's Pepe Carrier
Aimee, you are my inspiration!
Nice work! Climbing 5.12 at 6 weeks is incredible! I was just happy to be back in yoga at 6 weeks.
I remember getting back to climbing after the birth of my son, at about 3 months, and I had some terrible soreness in muscles that I did not even know I used in climbing! I don’t know if strengthening my groin muscles before giving birth would have helped or if hip-dislocation and muscle pulls are just part of the birthing process.
Anyway, congrats on the beautiful babies and the 5.12s! You rock!
Dear Aimee, I am rock climber from Bulgaria, and future-to-be mama in next April. I am 5 weeks pregnant now, and all people around start to put some pressure on me (except my climbing and lifetime partner) to leave it, stop it and become a plant for 9 whole moths. Just to grow, sit and stay. And I cannot and don’t want to believe that I have to stop all the things I do and love. I read all your posts, your forum-posts etc. and you are my inspiration to keep on with the life I love and enjoy. Of course it is a big responsibility, but I think every rock climber knows the meaning of this word – pregnant or not
Thank you very much again for the courage, I hope everything will be fine with me and my belly
Marina- Just listen to your body and you’ll be fine! Don’t push yourself too hard, but no need to sit around and do nothing. It’s healthier for you and the baby if you can stay active. I hope you are able to find a good full body harness and lots of top ropes to keep climbing as long as you feel good! Take care and thanks for your kind words.