This is Barb from A Life in Balance, guest posting about fitness for new
moms while Noelle’s enjoying her new little one. As a mom of 5 kids and
avid exerciser/runner, I’ve spent a lot of time getting back in shape
after the birth of a little one. I had my first baby when I was 28 and my
last one at age 40.
It Took 9 Months to Grow a Baby; It May Take 9 Months to Lose the Weight
Anytime, I hear a mom talk about losing the weight, those are the first
words out of my mouth. I get that you want to get back into your
pre-pregnancy jeans. I get that you’re tired of maternity clothes. Just
remember you spent the last 9 months growing a little one in your body.
Your body will need at least that time to get back to the new normal. Yes,
it’s a new normal because it will look different.
Get Moving in Little Ways as Soon as You Can
I’m not a medical expert (nor do I play one on tv). If you’ve had a
difficulty pregnancy or delivery, go very slowly when it comes to moving.
Check with your doctor first. Getting up, getting a shower, and getting
dressed counts as moving. Take your time, don’t stay on your feet too
long, and don’t stay on your bottom too long either. Moving gets the blood
flowing which helps the body recover faster.
If you have the green light from the doctor, start walking around your
neighborhood wearing your little one if you can. I found that my newborns
were more willing to go with me if they were snuggled in close to mama
rather than riding in a stroller.
Generally, runners can start running again 6 weeks after the baby’s
delivery. If you’re doing any kind of high impact activity like running or
Zumba, check with your doctor first and start out slowly.
Stretch Your Muscles and Strengthen Your Abs
I have been doing sit ups and stretching in the evening for years. I swear
by sit ups and stretches. Sit ups strengthen the ab and lower back
muscles, both of which need to be strong for all the baby lifting and
carrying. If you’ve had any physical issues during pregnancy or delivery,
make sure your doctor is okay with doing sit ups and stretching. They may
suggest modified versions until you’ve made a full recovery.
Workout Options as Your Baby Grows
Once you’re given the green light around the 6 to 8 week mark, slowly add
on more vigorous exercise. Take a day off between your workouts until
you’re ready to tackle more. With so many options out there, you can find
something that works with your schedule. Remember as your baby gets older,
your options may expand and change. When my babies were newborns, walking
on the treadmill, walking around the neighborhood, or doing a workout
video fit with my schedule. As my kids got older, I could try a local
class or go for a run in the morning.
Barb is a mom of 5 kids who spends her day keeping track of socks, stuffed animals, library books, and a 4 year old when she isn’t writing about all the frugality, gardening, cooking, and reading she manages to fit in between the chaotic moments. She can be found at A Life in Balance, Frugal Local Kitchen, or on Twitterwith daily doses of life in 140 characters or less.
