A new mother has captured the attention of social media users after sharing her approach to staying active postpartum. Lauren Lawton, a 27-year-old from the United States, posted a video on TikTok showing herself walking on a walking pad while carrying her 14-week-old daughter, Maeve. The clip has garnered over 457,000 views, and Lawton’s simple yet impactful message, “I make no excuses,” resonated with many viewers.
Lawton, who also has an 18-month-old daughter named Orla Ann, emphasized the importance of hitting 10,000 steps a day to aid in weight loss, particularly during the colder months when outdoor activity can be challenging. Her fitness journey began approximately four years ago, driven by a desire to lose weight. As she progressed, she discovered that regular exercise not only improved her physical appearance but also had significant mental health benefits. “I could go to the gym in a horrible mood and then come out and feel amazing,” she explained in an interview with Newsweek.
During her first pregnancy in 2024, Lawton faced numerous warnings about exercise limitations, but she chose to prioritize her physical activity in a safe manner. She continued to train until the day before giving birth, a decision that instilled a sense of pride. After delivering Orla Ann, she took a brief hiatus from intense workouts, opting instead for daily walks—often with her baby in a carrier or pushing a stroller with her dog, Rocco. This routine became essential for her mental well-being, particularly after experiencing postpartum depression following her first child.
When Lawton discovered she was pregnant again six months after Orla Ann’s birth, she maintained a similar approach, making walking and movement priorities throughout her second pregnancy. After delivering Maeve, she resumed gentle walks, adapting her routine to include both children—one in the stroller and the other in the carrier. For Lawton, postpartum fitness is not about perfection but rather about adaptability. “If it’s raining, I will still go on the walking pad,” she stated. “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.”
Lawton has received a wealth of positive feedback on her TikTok video, with many commenters praising her commitment to fitness. One user remarked, “Get it girl!! Baby will add extra weight as well,” while another noted, “I bet the baby sleeps as soon as you take a few steps.” Viewers shared their own experiences with walking for weight loss, with one commenting, “I lost 30kg postpartum and honestly, it was a lifesaver getting one of these.”
Despite receiving compliments about her postpartum appearance, Lawton is quick to clarify that her fitness journey is a deliberate choice rather than a matter of luck. “It’s not being lucky,” she asserted. “It’s me making sure I take priority for myself sometimes. Even though I’m a mom, I’m still Lauren too.” This commitment to self-care not only enhances her well-being but also positively impacts her children.
Lawton’s story has struck a chord with many, representing the challenges and triumphs of motherhood while promoting an active lifestyle. As social media continues to amplify such narratives, her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing health and wellness in the postpartum period.
