The Art of Putting… Wait, Pumping

When I started this journey I tried to think about all of the challenges that I would have to go through. Pumping, however, took a lot more time and energy than expected.

I have always been a big believer in breastfeeding my children. I breastfed Stella for a year and I want to do the same with Luiza. I feel that it is not only incredibly healthy, but for me it has also been an amazing way to bond with my kids.  

When I decided to go back to playing I knew I would have to master the art of pumping. During the past four months here are the places that have become common for me to pump at:

• Golf course clubhouse
• Driving from and to golf course
• Airplane
• Airport
• Public Bathroom
• Tournament locker room

I pump before and after every round. I get a lot of looks from the girls and they don't quite know what to make of it. Some start talking to me and they don't know whether to look at me, my boobs, or the pump! It is quite funny. But I am getting used to it and I have gotten a lot of compliments for making the effort to keep breastfeeding.

Well, you get the picture… no place is safe from my pump and me. And here is what I have learned:

• Always keep a breastfeeding cover with your pump.
• Invest in a great hands free bra.
• When pumping on a plane ask the person next to you if they mind if you pump.  I have yet to have anyone say they would mind and it totally breaks the ice!
• You are giving your child a wonderful gift.
• Be proud of pumping.… I AM!!!

Post-Baby Body

When I decided to start playing again I knew that one of the first things I had to do was to get back in shape. I have had two C-sections and I am much older than when I started playing. I knew my body had changed, but I still had to be in shape to be able to swing the way I used to and, to be honest, I just felt bad being in my post-baby body.

When I became pregnant with my first daughter, Stella, I promised myself I would take care of my body. I ate well and I worked out about three to four times a week. I lifted weights and did cardio all the way to the end.  I remember so vividly lifting weights the day I went into labor with Stella. I gained only 23 lbs and, after six weeks, I was back to my pre-baby weight. I was that woman every girl hates.

With Luiza the story did not repeat itself.  I started working out 2 months after having Luiza.  I did not have the time or the energy to work out as much as I did with Stella. I did not gain that much more weight, only 25 lbs when all was said and done, but boy oh boy was I up for a rude awakening! At the beginning it did not matter what I did - it was like my body had frozen. It was just stuck at a certain weight.  Two months after I started working out I had not lost a single pound.

There were so many times I just wanted to give up, but I kept at it and now I am so happy I did. With a combination of working out and eating better the weight is SLOWLY going down. Luiza is 7 months old and I am still not at my pre-baby weight, but I am getting there.

Below are some of the things that have really helped me:

1. Working out first thing in the morning. If I don't do my workout in the morning the day gets away from me and I find way too many excuses.

2. Keeping it fresh: I used to lift weights and do cardio -that was it. Now I do a little bit of everything and I feel like it keeps me going. I run, spin, do bar classes, build my own work out and do some workout videos. This keeps my muscles guessing and working in many different ways which I believe has helped me to lose the weight.

3. Taking days off. I need at least two days off a week. My body just needs it.

4. Doing a workout even if I only have 20 min. I am much easier on myself because time is just limited. If I sweat for 20 minutes or so it is worth it and I just feel better.

5. I refused to buy clothes to fit the bigger me. This really kept me motivated because every time I tried something on and it did not fit I would get so mad!

6. Most of my workouts combine strength training and cardio to maximize the time I put into them.

I will post more specific workouts in the futures....oh I forgot to add that I still have 5 lbs to go. Not there yet but almost!!!!!  What are your stay-fit secrets?