Competitors with small children

[blessedmom]

How long did it take for you to get back into competition shape after having children? Last year was my first year competing and I am now pregnant. I'll be honest I haven't been eating the way I should and wonder how long it took others to get back into competition shape. I know everyone's body is different but could I get back into shape in 6 months?

[firecracker3]

If you eat clean during your pregancny and exercise regulary, you will have a better chance of gaining the 25-35 recommended pounds.. however there will be some variances
- vaginal vs cesection -- a vaginal birth will have you back at the gym in 6 weeks, while a section will take 12 weeks
- are you going to breastfeed? You'll need extra calories..so again keeping yourself "good" through your pregnancy will help this.
- I had my third in january and was ready to step on stage in the fall, but that was without really planning on it until the summer

[ALLISONETHIER]

I had a C-section and compete 6 months after having my son. He is now 3 years old.

I had not worked out 8 months prior.

I have a friend who competed 3 months after having her son. It is possible but everyone's body is different.

I breastfeed 6 months, and then the next week I competed.

A.

[TameMe]

I stepped back on stage 8 months after having my second child last year. I had a great pregnancy put on 20lbs, trained all the way through my pregnancy and ate simi clean. I was back at the gym walking and training upper body 3 days after having my daughter naturally (got dr's okay). I found I held onto more weight with breastfeeding due to my hormone levels, but did it for 4 month anyways. I started training lower body 6 weeks later.

Every body is different but it's possible to step on stage within the first year as long as you keep things under control now.

Good Luck and CONGRATS