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Getting Back in Shape After Having A Baby |
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Health Articles -
Pregnancy
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Getting Back in Shape After Having A Baby
By Peter Woronoff Having a new baby can make dramatic changes in your life. After giving birth, a lot of women are anxious to get back to their original shape as quickly and painlessly as possible.
They get frustrated with the extra pounds they have gained during their pregnancy. The huge changes in life style are definitely worth it, but some of these changes make it hard to keep up with important things like regular Exercise and adequate sleep. A majority of women struggle with exercise after giving birth, so here are some ideas on how to bounce back to shape after you have given birth.
Give yourself time for exercise. Your body may be not only sleep deprived, but also has gone through stretching and intense labor which require healing. You may find yourself watching the dirt, the pile of dishes, and laundry pile up while you take care your little one. You may not feel like exercising, you may think it will be more stressful to do so. However, exercising can be the energizer you need to get more motivation and energy. So make it a priority.
Start out slow. During the first 5-6 weeks after delivering your baby, your body is still healing and requires extra time to get back into shape. Managing household chores and taking care of your baby may be enough exercise for you for the moment. You can also take your baby outside for a walk everyday. It’s great for both you and the baby. The baby will be able to nap better and get fewer colds. Fresh air toughens the lining in the nose and lungs. Not only will you lose weight, but you won’t feel like you’re stuck in the house all day. Be sure to discuss postpartum precautions and limitations with your doctor.
Be creative. Once cabin Fever has set in and your body feels up to it, head to a mall and enjoy some cardiovascular exercise: Mall walking style. Set a goal to walk for a certain number of minutes before you go. Don’t over do it. If you get tired, sit and rest on one of the mall benches. If the weather is nice, opt for a walk in the park or through your neighborhood.
Get by with a little help from your friends. Exercise with a friend or a relative. Having someone to exercise with is a big motivator. Plan on a day and time to meet and stick with it. It’s amazing how time flies when you’re walking with a friend and chatting about baby stuff. If you have problems arranging schedules with a friend, you can enroll in a fitness center.
You can do it! By staying fit, you will be able to keep up with your baby’s activity. You will have more energy to play with your baby. Keep in contact with other new moms to share your stories and keep each other motivated. Stay in shape and enjoy every moment of motherhood.
Additional Resources & Information
HealthMadeEasy.com Articles on Pregnancy
Fit for Two - Healthy Eating for Pregnancy
WomensHealth.Gov - The Federal Government Source for Women's Health Information
Pregnancy Information Center
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Last Updated ( Friday, 30 May 2008 )
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