[vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]New mom Chelsy Cork lost her baby weight fast. She already bounced back to her probably weight when her baby girl turned only three months old. How did she do it? Read our interview with Chelsy to find out her postpartum secrets![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
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About Chelsy Cork
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Tell us a little bit about yourself
I'm Chelsy Cork, and I have a 3-month old baby girl Rowan. We live in Waco, Texas.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
How would you describe yourself in one word?
Enthusiastic[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
Weight
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What was your pre-baby weight?
145 pounds; however, I identify more with 130 as I gained 15 pounds while we were trying to conceive.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What was your weight before giving birth?
170[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What is your weight now? And what is your ideal weight?
145. I lost the "baby weight" quickly, but would like to lose 10-15 more pounds. I'm in no rush and know it will happen over time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
Exercise
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When did you start to exercise?
I started running in 2009. I was slow and it was hard, but I learned to enjoy it.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What exercise did you start with? And what exercises do you do now?
I was able to run up until 28 weeks of my pregnancy. I have slowly built back into running, but have also incorporated more HIIT and strength training into my routine, when I have the time.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
How many times do you work out per week, and how long per day?
I do something active for at least 30 minutes every day, even if it is just going on a walk with my girl in her stroller. I run 5 days/week and try to squeeze in 2-3 strength training sessions.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
What is the most effective workout you recommend?
HIIT burns the maximum amount of calories and is the most effective workout, in my opinion. However, I think it's so important to find something you love and enjoy. Working out is more than just trying to look good. You want to choose something that is fun or else you won't do it.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
How do you find time to exercise as a new mom?
They say "sleep when the baby sleeps". I workout when the baby sleeps. I am not a napped, so I'd rather do something productive andfor me when I have the time. My girl sleeps in a swing next to my treadmill when I run. I'll also do core work while she's doing tummytime. I like to think of it as a "mommy and me" workout.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Who do youfollow on social media as workout / lifestyle inspirations?
I love following other mom's with bodies and goals similar to mine. I hav met so many friends through social media and we're able to chat about running, breastfeeding, post-partum fitness goals, and our sleep-deprivation. It's been so encouraging![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
Breastfeeding Diet
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Are you breastfeeding/Did you breastfeed and for how long?
We are exclusively breastfeeding and plan to for at least a year.We really struggled with it at first but after about eight weeks, we got over most of our hurdles. I am so thankful we powered throughour obstacles and breastfeeding has worked for us.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What is your diet look like?
I have been a vegan for seven years and will raise my daughter vegan. I have been much more aware of what I put in my body now that it directly affects her. I focus on supply boosting foods like oats, healthy fats, and a ton of fruits and vegetables.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
Do you feel like you are hungry all of time?
I have always eaten several small meals throughout the day and feel like that has really helped with breastfeeding. I do find thatI am hungry more quickly after I have eaten.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
How do/did you keep up with your milk supply?
I drink a ton of water and eat foods known to support a healthy supply. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Could you please share with us your favorite quick and easy snack/recipe?
You see all the "Lactation cookies" for sale so I used the ingredients in this for a supply boosting breakfast: Oatmeal made with almond milk, ground flaxseed, brewer's yeast, peanut butter, banana, maple syrup[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
Beauty & Style
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Did you lose hair after giving birth?
No. I never noticed much change in my hair during pregnancy or after but my nails grew like crazy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
How do you keep your hair shiny and smooth? Any secret hair care product?
I love dabbing a bit of coconut oil in my hair to moisturize overnight. It's easy to do when you're a new mom that doesn't have time to dry their hair and just tosses it up in a bun.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
Sleep
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What time do you go to bed and get up?
Since I have a hard time napping during the day, I go to bed at 7pm when I put our little girl to bed. She'll sleeps until around 6, waking up a few times. If I feel decently rested after she wakes up and has been fed, I'll head out for a run before my husband goes to work. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
How many hours do you sleep per day?
I'm in bed for around 10 hours, but I only sleep about 6-8 hours. I require a lot of sleep so it's been an adjustment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
What coping mechanisms have you found to be helpful with regard to lack of sleep and fatigue?
As hard as it is to get a run in sometimes, I always feel much more energized after I get out and get moving.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Tell us what your typical day look like.
Life with a newborn feels like all you do is nurse, change diapers, and watch them sleep. With our little girl growing, she's been a lot more interactive. Between nursing and napping, we've been enjoying floor time. Right now, my day revolves around her, which I don't mind at all.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
A Few More Questions
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Do you like dogs or cats?
We are a dog family. They were our babies before our baby.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What brings you the greatest joy?
My daughter is just starting to look at us and smile. To know looking at me makes her happy is the most indescribable feeling.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What is your greatest indulgence?
Give me some vegan cake and I'm a happy girl.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
What are the last three items on your credit card statement?
Water bill, which has increased significantly with all the extra laundry. Amazon, which is a lifesaver during those first few weeks with a newborn. Shutterfly because you can never have enough pictures of your sweet baby.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
What does motherhood mean to you?
To have a little life be fully dependent on you is the greatest and scariest thing. To know that when God created me, He knew I would be her mother one day. He created me to be exactly what she needs and that is such a blessing and gift.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
