Body After Baby

What's one of the most emotional phases of motherhood? 

Seeing your body for the first time after you have your baby.

Now don't get me wrong, there's a huge difference between your stripes (stretch marks) and the deflated squishy balloon you have after all is said and done. Be proud of those stripes! You earned them and there's no other way in this world that you were meant to get them than carrying that perfect little baby! 


All day long I hear from women who are just in tears or mortified by the aftermath results. Trust me when I say, those feelings are valid and it is perfectly normal for you to feel that way. However, remember that this is only tentative. Of course you're going to have excess skin! You just carried a little human and he or she needed some leg room! 

Continuing life after baby is born is taken one step at a time. We as mommies really do get hit with a double whammy. Why? Because not only do we have to deal with the emotions associated with the post-pregnancy body, but some of us have to deal with postpartum depression. It makes absolutely no sense! You couldn't be more happy, but you're still crying for the silliest reasons! #CrazyPerson LOL 

Classic cases: Your baby smiles at you and you start balling!!! LOL 
                     You take out an outfit to dress them and hold up the little pants.... Start balling!
                     Your baby blows a spit bubble... You know it, lol, you're balling again!

Although we know it's our hormones all being out of whack, it still makes no good sense! The best times are when you start balling in from of someone else and they ask you what's wrong. 
You: "I don't know!"
They say, "Then why are you crying?
Now you're laughing and crying.
"I don't know!" LOL

Ay yi yi, lol, the things we go through as women. Postpartum can really do a number on how you feel about your appearance, but realize again this too is tentative. 

Another really emotional aspect of your post pregnancy body is wondering about your sex life. 1: Now that there's a baby in house and 2: How you're going to feel about your appearance, let's just tell it like it is, when you're naked. Though I know it can be difficult you really have to try to find a happy medium. Once you accept the fact that, "Okay, I may have postpartum and I just had my baby, of course I'm going to look like this." Acceptance is the first step. Well call this : PPA, Post Pregnancy Association. :)  Your objective at this point is to make a goal and when you're ready, move toward it. You have 6 weeks or longer if you've had a c-section to wait until you can do anything with your body. So settle your little bunz down and relax for those few weeks! Once you get clearance from your OB, then it's time to put your goal into action.  

One of the big things I advise you not to do is go online and look at women's bodies who have not had kids and who are ripped up. Of course they're in shape! They have no reason not to be and I'm sure they train every single day and have a clean diet! Sure, you can have someone you strive to look like, but keep realistic expectations in the beginning. Comparing your body initially to someone who has never carried a child can't do much more than discourage you. Admiration is one thing, but obsession and envy are another. Throughout my career in fitness training, I will tell you that the #1 reason for women and men who quit their workouts is they have set their expectations too high initially and they're not seeing the results as quickly as they'd like to so they quit. 

Quiting is never the solution. The same workout doesn't work for everyone. That's why you have to explore a little and see what works for you. As women, we tend to compare ourselves to each other. Why we do this? I have no clue. We do it even when we don't mean to. Competition, I swear, is the greater evil. Don't allow yourself to be consumed by it. Get in shape and get happy for you, not for anyone else. Now I do feel that for the record, this blog entry is a generalization. Of course, there are some women who bounce back quickly and some effortlessly, but for the vast majority of us, this entry pertains to most of us appropriately. :)

Getting in shape should be a positive experience. I didn't say it wouldn't be a painful experience, no pain no gain, but it hurts to be beautiful! All jokes aside, workout out isn't only good for your physique, but it just makes you feel better overall. It's healthy to get some exercise on a regular basis both physically and emotionally. I, personally, tend to be a hermit at times and I will be the first to tell you that when I put exercise in my daily routine, the rest of my day just seems to mesh a little better and I seem to be able to handle more. 

With all that said, Love MomStyle is here to encourage, inspire and motivate you! Make sure to check back frequently for new fitness tips and videos! We're here for you! Let's do this together because you deserve to get back to you and feel beautiful!

 







                         

           <3 Love MomStyle 

Love MomStyle 12 Minute Cardio Challenge

Welcome Ladies, to your summer transformation! We're really excited to have such a large group participating this series. This series was filmed just 6 weeks after my delivery with my second child so you could see my soft & squishy physique. A lot of "fitness trainers or fitness models" don't show what they looked like when they started  ( if they needed to start at all). Only what they look like once they're finished. Here you get up close and personal with a real mommy post-pregnancy. 

We are offering this series Free!! All we ask us you email us at LoveMomStyleLounge@Gmail.com with the following information: 

Name 

Number of Pregnancies if any

Current Weight

DesiredWeight loss 

Current Measurements: 

Chest- Directly below your breasts

Waist- Smallest part of your waist above your hips. 

Hips- Widest part of your hips (Hip Bone)

Thigh- Measure around your thigh. 

Before Photo: Side/Front If you are comfortable sending your photos to us, great! However, it isn't mandatory, but at least take them for your records to show your starting point. 

How this series works: 

This series lasts for 4 weeks. For your best results and if you can handle it, I recommend performing this 12 Minute Workout 6-7 days a week and eventually twice per day. Otherwise, push yourself to train at least once a day for 4-5 days a week.  

Your objective is to get through the entire 12 minute workout without any breaks. Every exercise lasts for 1 minute. Keep in control of your body throughout every exercise. No noodle arms or legs. Keep good posture. 

Useful tools:

STOPWATCH (Most phones have one)

EXERCISE BALL

Your Diet: 

I am a food lover! Therefore, I don't believe in starving yourself. The key to a healthy diet is a balanced diet, utilizing all of the food groups. Most foods can be eaten in appropriate portions. Stay away from the obvious unhealthy foods, sweets, sugars, soda, sugar based drinks, fast food and fried. 

Keeping hydrated is really important throughout your transformation. You should be consuming at least five 8oz glasses of water every single day at minimum. 

If you're a lover of caramel frappachino's with extra caramel and whip, well, say "au revoir" for the next few weeks. Save it for your 4th week reward! 

Prepare your food grilled, baked and boiled for the healthiest results. 

Drive and persistence will get you through this challenge. Don't be discouraged if you are unable to finish initially. It's a process and you will get there! On the other hand, if you are getting through the routine easily, contact us for modifications. LoveMomStyleLounge@gmail.com 

IT'S GO TIME!!! 

Here's the first step towards your new body!!! 

http://youtu.be/odBMg453Vdg

Feel free to join us on our mobile app! Search: Love MomStyle 

Available on Apple and Google Play App Stores!!

The Guts Behind the Company

Good Morning or Good Evening! Depending on where in the world you are!
Today, let’s talk LoveMomStyle.
I created the idea for LoveMomStyle back in 2010 and in January of 2011 we started production. On February 14th, 2011, we found out we were expecting!!! How perfect and what great timing!! 

 

Now for the guts of LMS. Women often ask me what made me decide to start a company like LoveMomStyle. Well, I started it for a number of reasons.

I have a friend whom I had grown up with since childhood. Our moms even grew up together. We were close for many many years and like many cases, you grow apart as you grow older. Different interests. Different groups of friends. While we were in high school she lost her mom to a brain tumor. I couldn’t imagine losing a parent at that age. I can’t even imagine losing a parent now for that matter! Years passed and we both grew up, got married and had babies. After a few years passed, and we got to catch up. We talked about our childhood, her mom passing, and how difficult it was not having a mother or family period, around during her pregnancy and motherhood. I couldn’t even fathom the thought of having no support during such a vital time. No one to call if I have 
questions or concerns. No one to call being a first
time mommy. No one to even share in the excitement of your baby’s first words or first steps or even just the silly things your babies do that bring you so much joy.

For that reason, I felt in my heart that there was a
desperate need for a company like LoveMomStyle.


As I began to talk to more women about their experiences with pregnancy, motherhood and just life in general, I realized there was so much I had to offer and I wanted to help be a support for strangers who would eventually become friends because I had personally experienced so many obstacles and emotional roller coasters myself.

Even if you know of other people experiencing similar obstacles, for some reason learning first hand of their personal experiences really helps to encourage you and helps you find a way to manage the delicate issues you face as a woman, mother and human being, period.

LoveMomStyle touches on just about ever subject, good and bad. I’ve learned even the most intelligent, most diverse individuals still have room to learn and you should never assume someone knows something if you never tell them.

LoveMomStyle has allowed me to build a platform where I can share my experience and lend support. I know personally, I have faced ups and downs with my weight especially after my pregnancies and I feel it was bit harder for me to handle because I am in the public eye. You face your everyday negative people. “There goes that body”. “There goes your career”. Some people love the feed off of the possibility of you being hindered or less than you were before. Although motherhood is like nothing else in this world and I know most women wouldn’t trade it for the world, 
it can certainly do a number on your self-image and esteem. I was determined to get back to grade A shape and I came across a lot of women who wanted the same, but just didn’t have the drive, the energy, the support or the know how. I started inviting friends and friends of friends to train with me. Results on top of results! There’s nothing more empowering than helping someone get back to where they feel fantastic about themselves.
Reality check: 
You have to work on you before you can work on anyone else. I wanted to integrate this phase into LoveMomStyle. The food came naturally. 
Diet is important and relevant to fitness.

 
 

Next, I hate to see a beautiful mom who gets and stays on frump mode. I love love love fashion, make up and hair! I wanted to be able to encourage moms to still take pride in their appearance and while I know you may be tired and it’s so incredibly easy to get comfortable, looking good and keeping yourself pampered works wonders for how you feel internally.

 
 
 Moving on to parenting. I can not stress how much heart break I have on a regular basis when I see parents not being parents at all.Whether it’s because they were never taught, had a negative example or because they resent the fact that they are a parent and they just choose not to be a good one. Again, some people never know what they are lacking if you never show them an example to go by. A lot of people are just too proud, plain and simple. At the end of the day, your children can suffer greatly. Though I’m still learning every single day, I’d like to think my parents did a damn good job raising me and I feel I have some direction I can give both from them and my own experiences to those who seek it. Sometimes it just helps to talk to other parents about similar issues and wha la, you find the solution you’ve been battling to find for what seems like forever!

 
 Lastly, Giveaways. Moms rarely get a break and for those single fathers out there, too, you’re included. I wanted to be able to give back and say thank you to the parents who are there for their kids, who raise their kids and who love their kids enough to want the best for them. Mommy Makeovers, Shopping Sprees, Daddy Days, Spa Days, Free Merchandise, Getaways and so much more. LoveMomStyle gave me a platform to be able to provide those things.

 


     Operating LoveMomStyle gives me something to look forward to everyday single day. Everyday I get to meet someone new! Tomorrow is always promised to bring something new and exciting. You just have to be willing to receive it.<3



<3LoveMomStyle

Who I am

Who am I? You can call me DeLaFonte, Katrina DeLaFonte. LOL 

I am the creator and owner of the LoveMomStyle Network. What better way to understand a business than to understand the creator behind it. I'm from a small town based in Northern Arizona, but I've always been a city girl at heart.  I'm an 80's baby! I grew up as a tomboy in a dress. I always had a love for fashion and performing, glitz and glamour while playing football in my sparkly dress shoes! I will be the first to tell you that growing up in a small town was not easy. I feel like due to my lack of "all things girly" and not being a "follower" these created issues for me. While some girls we busy being boy crazy, I was busy playing with the boys. When your group of "friends" didn't like someone, you were expected to feel the same. I didn't live by those rules. I experienced being bullied and at times it was more than I could handle. On the other hand, I was also a tough little tot who had a little habit of fighting the boys. Sometimes we make the mistake of being nice to the wrong people. I was worried about trying to be a "good friend" and taking what I didn't deserve instead of standing up to the kids I should have stood up to. Life can be so confusing at that phase of your life. Many people really have no clue how far bullying can push a person. The experience changed my life forever.

Growing up, my Hero was my Mom. She's always been the light in the darkness, my life-line and still to this day, my very best friend. I was raised in a stable home where my parents taught us, my brother and I, morals and values which I truly believe influenced the direction I've taken in my life today. I will admit life wasn't all peaches and pie. There were times I struggled to find myself. I'm multiracial. Though I had several different groups of friends, I never felt like I completely fit in. Either I wasn't Latina enough or I wasn't White enough. Beyond friends and family, my passions consisted of athletics. I played it all, basketball, soccer, tennis, cheer-leading  even bowling! LOL I loved cheer most of all! I was raised in church from only 2 weeks old and I've grown with God in my life every since. Though I have faced struggles within the politics of the church, my faith is stronger now than it's ever been.

Let's fast-forward a decade or so... I started modeling as a teenager. I loved it so much I kept at it for another 10, almost 15 years! My family will be the first to admit I have been a HAM since birth! Love the camera! Love to perform! Dancing has ALWAYS been great love of mine also! I choreographed for fun and for cheer as a child and grew into making a living at it. In addition to modeling and choreography, I took up hosting. I had the honor of being a host for the 2009 4th Annual BrittiCares 5k Walk Run supporting a beautiful young girl who lost her fight against cancer, a truly humbling experience. After many main events and unique encounters, I took a break from hosting when I was offered an opportunity to try my hand at acting professionally. As much as I loved to perform growing up, for some reason or another acting just didn't appeal to me. Well, that's what I thought at least. :) As I started getting hired for various commercials I found my nich and more so than ever, I found my passion! Commercials turned into television, television into movies and believe it or not, movies into screenwriting. I guess my love for english in school paid off. I wrote my first script along side my husband start to finish in 2010. Since then we've wrote many films and tv shows. It's truly been an amazing journey.

Throughout all of these adventures, I began a career as a dental professional at the age of seventeen. My nine year career certainly had it's pros and cons, but most of all I loved my patients. Helping, supporting and caring for others had always been something I loved. Being able to help someone selflessly is truly one of the best feelings you will ever have the pleasure of encountering. For this reason, a big reason, is one of the reasons I started Love MomStyle. I'll give you the skinny on more of that in my next entry ;).

Now to the biggest, most brightest aspect of my life, My Babies. I gave birth to a handsome baby boy in May of 2006 after being married in 2004, my biggest mistake blessed me with my most prized possession, my baby boy. My downfall? I married a boy who never grew into a man when I was only 19 years old. Manipulated into getting married so young. Just two weeks after we were married, we went to a court hearing he had previously scheduled and BAM, he was sentenced to two years in prison. I had no knowledge of the severity of his charges. He always had a way of sugar coating things. Master manipulator and mama's boy to the T! What followed? A beautiful baby boy, infidelity, drugs, domestic violence, child abuse and much much more. Who knew I would have been married to a five time convicted felon?! After only a two year marriage, I escaped safely with my son. A couple years later, I met my best friend, now love of my life. We welcomed our gorgeous little baby girl in September of 2011.

Nothing can prepare you for the joy, the heartache, the work and the payoff motherhood brings into the ratio. It's such an amazingly rewarding and challenging roller coaster and I can't help, but love every minute of it. Even through the struggles, I wouldn't change anything for the world. One opinion that drives me nuts is people using their children to hinder them from achieving their dreams and goals. I will tell you that if anything, I worked harder, I became stronger and I achieved more with my babies and for my babies than without. Some may call me stubborn, and yes, I'll admit to it, just a little, but I am more ambitious and focused more than anything. The mentality, "You can't attend college with a family." I proved them wrong. "You can't live the fame life and be a good parent." I proved them wrong. "You can't be everything your heart desires, there's just no way to juggle everything." Yes, I proved that assumption wrong also.

God has blessed me with an amazing man who is an amazing father and who cares so deeply for people, most of all, me. Ladies, you deserve to be spoiled and treated like a queen. Never let anyone tell you different. I juggle my family and my career. I won't pretend it's not a lot of work. Some nights I just want to pull my hair out, but even then I wouldn't change a single thing in my life. I'm happy. I'm humbled and I'm so sincerely grateful for the life that has unfolded before me. Had I not suffered through my struggles and diversities, I wouldn't be the women I am today. True success is only seen through the eyes of the beholder and you are only as successful as you allow yourself to be. I hope this gives you a little insight into who LoveMomStyle is and I hope you stay with us as we carry on this journey called life <3