Hump Day-Bump Day Special Feature…
Fit & Healthy Mommy-To-Be of the Month
It’s that time again, Expecting More™ FIt & Healthy Mommy-To-Be of the Month is Amanda (Perrett) Keller.
Amanda actually gave birth to her son Brody Christopher just over a month ago, but I still wanted to feature her because she was one of the first expecting moms I spoke to regarding her experience with Expecting More™. She’s the friend in my blog Feel Empowered by Your Pregnancy. Amanda and I spent our college summers teaching dance together for Universal Dance Association. She’s originally from New Orleans, but currently lives in Madisonville, LA (aka “The Northshore”) with her husband, Brody and German Shepherd Dixie. When she’s not on maternity leave or at the ball park with her four stepsons, she teaches third grade. Amanda is one of the most hilarious and fun-loving people I know. No doubt she will be an amazing mom.
Here are some of the highlights from my Q&A with new mommy Amanda:
Why was staying fit during pregnancy so important to you?
Dance and working out have always been a part of my life, so to go nine months without moving was NOT an option for me. I knew going into my pregnancy that my body would change, and I would gain weight, but I just didn’t want it to get out of hand. My main goal throughout the nine months was to stay healthy and fit, so it would be easier to loose the weight and bounce back after Brody was born.
What type of workouts did you do before you were pregnant?
About a year and a half ago, a good friend of mine finished her first half marathon and inspired me to begin running. It is now my new found LOVE! It is such a release, and definitely a way to find peace and clear my mind. The challenge to go farther and farther when I strap my shoes on is addictive. Of course, it helps to maintain my weight and keep my lungs/heart strong, which is a bonus. Unfortunately, when I found out that I was pregnant, my physician advised me against running in the first trimester. Although I didn’t listen whole heartedly, I did find that in my second trimester it was next to impossible for me to continue my runs. This was really a blow for me, and truly upsetting. That’s when I really got into Sara’s “Expecting More” program. What I liked most about the program was that it never felt like a “maternity” workout. Sara created a program for pregnant women who crave a tough workout as a part of their daily routine. My favorite part of the program was Sweat Sport, the sports conditioning workout. It gave me the kind of exercise that I craved (to replace my runs), yet was safe to do while growing an actual person.
Did you have any fears about labor or being a new mom that you are willing to share?
I think that since it was my first time in labor, the fear of the “unknown” and not knowing what to expect was what I feared most. However, my labor and delivery nurses were THE BEST! I was induced, so it was definitely a marathon of a day. At that point, I was glad that I had continued my workout regimen throughout my pregnancy. Labor is basically like a really long, strenuous, cardio workout (once the pushing starts). I continue to have fears about being a new mom. Everyday is a challenge, and you always want to do what is best for your child. I question and second guess everything that I’m doing. Am I bathing him correctly? Is he getting enough milk? Should I be in the store with him, or take him home? I’m getting better at just going with the flow. I am starting to really adopt the attitude of “if we are both alive and happy at the end of the day, I did something right.”
Do you have any advice or information about pregnancy that you learned through your experience that you wish you had known before you were pregnant?
DO YOUR KEGELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I actually did know this before I was pregnant, and had heard horror stories of women and friends who have had issues with their bladders and “girly parts” postpartum. Therefore I made it a priority to incorporate Kegel exercises into my day, everyday. I had a post it note in my car, on my computer at work, and in my purse to remind me throughout the day to do my Kegels. Although I am only 4 weeks postpartum, my recovery had been a breeze!!! (Check out this video on YouTube to hear Sara’s take on how to do your kegels.)
The best comment was actually a personal one that Amanda added at the end of her Q&A. I’m sharing it as I know all moms will be able to relate. She said;
“It’s like, what in the hell did I ever do before Brody was born. I cannot even remember what life was like before him.”
This makes me smile.