About Postpartum Fitness

After you have a baby you may be feeling sore and out of shape. Developing a regular fitness program that is safe for the postpartum period is essential for helping your body bounce back to normal after pregnancy. There are many exercises and fitness routines that are safe for the postpartum period. Following a regular routine will help you to feel healthy and fit after having a baby.

Breastfeeding Mothers

If you are breastfeeding you will need to be more careful with your calorie intake and diet choices. Anything that you eat or drink will be passed along to the baby through your breast milk; you will want to keep that in mind when planning your meal choices. You should also avoid drinking any alcoholic beverages or prescription medications while you are breastfeeding. If you are unsure what is safe for you baby, check with your OB/GYN for specific details.

Six Weeks Postpartum

Your body is still healing for six weeks after you have the baby. Do not push yourself too hard during this period; you want to allow your body time to heal. You can modify your diet, and watch what you eat but do not drastically reduce your calorie intake after having the baby. Your body will naturally convert the food you eat into energy which will be used to help your body to heal.

Exercise

After you have had your six-week checkup, you can begin an exercise routine to aid you in your fitness and weight loss goals. Be sure to start slow, especially if you did not exercise during your pregnancy. After pregnancy your joints may still be loose, which could lead to injury if you are not careful. Begin with basic stretching exercising until you are comfortable moving up to the next level. Gradually add more exercises to your routine. Be sure to pay attention to your body's signals, do not overdo it. A great way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine with a newborn is to go for a walk with your baby in a stroller. This is a great way to allow them to get some fresh air as well.