Postnatal Workout
Having a baby is not for the weak! You’ve sacrificed your body, your energy and your sanity. You’ve read baby books and blogs on how to care for your newborn. But have you read about how to care for yourself? While caring for your newborn is undeniably important, self-care is important too. If you’re interested in losing baby weight, boosting your energy, and feeling overall better, check out some of our helpful postnatal tips below.
Postnatal Exercise Plan
No need to put pressure on yourself, just get up and move around!
Most new moms are extremely sleep-deprived and can’t even think about exercising. That’s okay. Your body probably isn’t ready for serious exercise anyway until at least six weeks after giving birth––or longer. Simply getting up and walking around is a great place to start. Walking with your baby are all options. Really anything to just get up and move.
Exercising with baby!
Hold your baby to your chest and do lunges. Try doing lunges behind the stroller on your walk. Lying on your back, hold your baby above your chest and do presses toward the ceiling.
Breastfeeding burns major calories.
Breastfeeding burns around 500 to 700 calories a day. You’re burning so many calories that you will probably have to increase your daily caloric intake as well. Be mindful that when you stop breastfeeding you may need to adjust your diet since you won’t be burning all those calories anymore!
Sleeping can help you lose weight
When your baby sleeps so can you. Strange sleep cycles or not enough sleep can upset your metabolism. This makes it hard to lose pregnancy weight. Sleeping when your baby sleeps can help you avoid any long-term sleep deficits.
Join activities with other mothers.
Group activities are good for moral support and conversation. You can also see what exercise routines are working for other mothers.
Say no to empty-calorie foods
Watch your calories and fat. Say no to sodas, chips and fad diets. Aim to eat lean protein, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Portion sizes are really a key indicator of healthy eating and losing weight.
Start a regular exercise regimen
Make sure you have let yourself properly heal before you start exercising. So wait for roughly four to six––maybe even eight weeks. Once you’re recovered and can also do abdominal exercises, try some of these workout routines.
– Pelvic tilts may help you reduce the belly fat
– Pilates and yoga may help you gain strength and flexibility
– Bridge exercises help you tighten abdominal muscles and strengthen core muscles
– An exercise ball is great for ab exercises after pregnancy
– Aerobic exercises such as swimming, biking, running are great at keeping your heart rate up
Natural Energy Boosters for New Moms
Here are some quick tips on ways new moms can get natural energy boosters from their surroundings.
– Relax and ask for help when it comes to chores. The first few weeks after delivery are crucial for milk supply.
– Drink water! Dehydration can leave you with headaches, fatigue and a lack of energy.
– Take a shower with invigorating body wash such as peppermint, citrus or jasmine.
Call OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch for More Information
If you need help, advice or guidance on any of the beginning stages of motherhood, we are here for you. Call us today!
