(rant) Frustrated with workout (rather, lack thereof)

I know exactly how you feel. My son (also first) was born in June 2011. It was a difficult birth that ended in an emergency c section. I know lots of women that say "Oh I was back to my old self in 3 weeks" well the two other women I know that had c sections that I know are completely honest with me said it was more like 8-12, which is what it was for me. I tried to go walking and bla bla bla but it was torture just standing up. Then I was worried about breast feeding. I had to eat healthy so the baby ate healthy. My midwife scared the bejezus out of me telling me that strenuous exercise will cause my milk to sour and Ronan won't drink it. I was scared of losing my milk, not having enough bla bla bla because of all the stories I'd heard. (I did lose it at 4.5 months because of a thyroid issue, meds cleared it up but I was only able to give about half of what my son needed until 6.5 months, then he refused completely I think it was a nursing strike, but because I had so little any way, it all dried up now he's on a combination of formula and solids) So I didn't start any sort of diet or exercise until Ronan was 6 and a half months old. I have the same problems with my gym daycare, he has to be 12 months, and the day care is open at stupid times (like 4-8 when the gym is packed and you spend more time waiting that working out). So I ended my trial membership. What I do now is walks (he loves them still but I see that you don't have this option) or when it's cold and icy and snowy like it has been I either do a dance game like Dance Central for xbox or Just Dance for the Wii. Ronan cracks up watching me. I sing along to the music and make funny faces at him. And during free style in Dance Central I pick him up and we spin around the living room. I also recently got a hula hoop (one for adults you can get them on amazon for about $30) and do that in the living room too. It's not as fun as dancing for baby but he does seem to wonder what crazy mommy is up to. Have you tried putting your daughter in a front carrier? Some people don't like these but maybe she would like it more than her stroller and you can go for a walk with her like that. It's close to mommy and she can feel you so maybe it would help. There is a nordic walking group for moms near my house and they put their babies in the carriers and go for 3-5 mile walks. Also look up mom and baby exercise. Maybe you will find a mommy & baby yoga or a strollercize group. It's a great way to meet other moms in the area and get your exercise in. You also get to discuss mommy worries like "is this poop normal". Mom talk is so weird. Feel free to add me as a friend since we seem to be in similar situations. Maybe we can help each other out.

Aw I feel your pain. I have two children, age 8 and 4 and it's taken me long to get on top of this situation so don't be like me, try and sort it out now! Is there something different you could try, instead of the gym? I am doing C25K and 30 Day Shred. I am very lucky now because both my kids are at school, so I do finally have a break when I can exercise but I also try to get a session in at the weekends too. I started C25K because it's something I can do in a really short space of time. I can get my gear on, step out my front door and be back home within the hour and my boys don't even notice I'm gone (obviously hubby is there with them). For me, it saves a lot of time faffing around and I also have DVDs for really bad weather days. My oh also plays golf some weekends and works really long days so I was starting to resent all the time I was stuck home with two kids not really being able to do much. To be fair though, when I talk to him about it, he will accommodate me to do the things I want to do too, although school hols are a bit tricky when he's working. The toddler stage is definitely the worst because you have to do everything at a snail's pace which isn't conducive to weight loss. When I wasn't managing to find time, I concentrated on calories. It;s really hard with a baby, you are so tired anyway so try not to be too hard or stressed on yourself.