Excercising Postpartum

I say brag away about your tight, flat tummy! I didn't have one, but I'm glad you do! My doc told me the same thing as you...no exercise until 4-6 weeks post partum. But as an avid exerciser I do it as much for my physical health as I do for my mental health. Therefore, I went on a short walk the night I came home from the hospital! I am a personal trainer and aerobics instructor and I say walk as much as you want. Try to find hills and push your baby stroller up the hills to get your heart rate up, which burns calories. I wouldn't start running yet as your uterus and vaginal area are not healed and this could put too much stress. I also got into the pool and did a lot of exercising that way - you could do this if you have access to a hot tub you could warm up a little or if you have access to a heated indoor pool. Finally, I would say that in the next 7-10 days you could start lifting light weights working the upper body. If you are interested in knowing more, feel free to email me at ____@____.com and I am happy to help you. I love this stuff!

J., I felt the exact same way when I had my daughter. Join us at our stroller fitness playgroup. You can bring baby, of course, and exercise at the same time. The calendar is posted on www.MySuperMommies.com and it was recently on NBC. Watch it: http://www.nbc5i.com/video/11274257/index.html?taf=dfw .Best of luck achieving your goals.

J.,
The drs just want to make sure everything is healed before you start doing strenuous work outs again. Walking should be just fine...just ease back into it. Youth is on your side!

And WOULD YOU STOP BRAGGING about your flat little 25 year old tummy so quickly after giving birth! You're making all of us "old" moms feel bad! ;)

D.

hello,
congrats on your daughter! i have a new one as well, she is 12 weeks. my doc told me that they have to say 6 weeks, but i think really it's about 4. your stomach will never be completely the same, but you can still make it look good again. i have 3 children and unfortunately my stomach got a more jello-ie after each one, but it's still pretty flat. i didn't get any stretch marks until this last one, so let me know if you find out how to hide those!! i think they just shrink over time. have fun with your sweet baby girl! K.

J.,

I am glad to hear you are feeling so well. Youth definately bounces back well. However, lack of pain does not necessarily relate to healed insides. It takes a minimum of 4 weeks, and 6 for most for the uterus to return to tone and shape, for the lining to complete sloughing off and the musculature to regain minimal tone. Remember that it took you 9 months to stretch enough to accomodate that adorable baby and it will take at least a few weeks to put it all back.

We offer a Momma and Me Yoga class for postpartum moms and babies and begin at the 6 week mark after delivery. That is what our OB-GYN's recommend.

So take your time, relax and enjoy that baby and your time together while you can. Take it from a grandma, it goes way too fast.

K. Willis @ The Nesting Place
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