A new mother, Lauren Lawton, has gained significant attention on social media for her commitment to staying active after childbirth. In a TikTok video, Lawton can be seen using a walking pad while carrying her 14-week-old daughter, Maeve. The video, which has garnered over 457,000 views, features a caption that reads, “How do you look so good postpartum? I make no excuses.”
Lawton, 27, who also has an 18-month-old daughter named Orla Ann, credits her success in managing postpartum weight to a consistent goal of achieving 10,000 steps daily. This approach has been particularly beneficial during the colder months when outdoor activities can be challenging.
Lawton’s fitness journey began about four years ago when she started exercising to lose weight. As she developed a routine that included strength training and running, she found that physical activity greatly improved her mental health. “I could go to the gym in a horrible mood and then come out and feel amazing,” Lawton shared in an interview with Newsweek. She found that outdoor activities, such as walking and running, had a similar uplifting effect.
Prioritizing Physical Activity During Motherhood
When Lawton became pregnant with Orla Ann in 2024, she faced numerous warnings about what she should avoid during her pregnancy. Instead of halting her workouts, she adapted her routine to incorporate safer forms of exercise, knowing the positive impact physical activity had on her mental well-being. She remained active until the day before giving birth, a decision she views with pride.
After a brief recovery period of four weeks post-delivery, Lawton focused on daily walks, often with her baby in a carrier or stroller, accompanied by her dog, Rocco. These walks became a crucial part of her routine, especially after experiencing postpartum depression following the birth of her first child. She noted that getting outside for fresh air significantly improved her mood.
Six months later, when she learned she was expecting again, Lawton applied the same principles, maintaining her focus on walking and movement throughout her second pregnancy. Following another positive birth experience, her routine evolved again to include walks with one baby in the stroller and the other in a carrier.
The Importance of Adaptability
For Lawton, postpartum exercise is not about achieving perfection but rather finding ways to adapt. “If it’s raining, I will still go on the walking pad; if my baby is crying, I will put her in the carrier and walk with her as she loves the carrier; it sends her to sleep,” she explained. She emphasizes that whether she has had little or plenty of sleep, she prioritizes getting outside for a walk, highlighting the benefits for both her and her children.
Her TikTok clip has resonated with many viewers, prompting an outpouring of supportive comments. Users have praised her commitment to fitness while managing motherhood, with one commenter noting, “Get it girl!! Baby will add extra weight as well.” Others shared their own experiences with walking as a means to lose weight postpartum, with one user reporting a loss of 30 kg after childbirth.
Despite the acclaim, Lawton is clear that her success is not a matter of luck. She believes that staying active is a conscious decision that contributes to her overall happiness. “It’s not being lucky,” she stated. “It’s me making sure I take priority for myself sometimes; even though I’m a mom, I’m still Lauren too.”
As her story continues to inspire many, Lawton exemplifies how adapting fitness routines to fit the demands of motherhood can lead to both physical and mental well-being.
