losing weight after baby
Losing Weight After Baby–Weekly Tip #5
Losing weight after baby: How long can I carry?
You just had your baby. You are lying on a hospital bed only dream of the year, right? Probably not. Exercise may seem like a joke for the first weeks after childbirth. But when is the right time the exercise will become one of your best allies for weight loss.
So when is the right time to start to exercise and lose the pounds of pregnancy? How many weeks after giving birth should you wait before hitting the gym or dusting DVDs of the year?
1. Immediately after delivery, you can start Kegel exercises. As long as your doctor allows, you can start Kegel exercises when you feel up to it. Strengthening the pelvic floor helps speed your recovery along.
2. Once you are comfortable, start walking. Walk as much as you can without feeling tired. Dimly lit and upper body exercises can be started after delivery too. You should not feel pain any exercise thereof. In fact, exercise should make you feel better.
3. Expect 6-8 weeks for regular exercise. Whether you've had a caesarean or a vaginal delivery, it is normal to get your exercise routine six weeks after birth. You may have to wait longer if you had complications during pregnancy or delivery that requires additional care. Your doctor will give you the thumbs up on the plan to exercise this right for you. Choose exercises you enjoy and can sustain on a regular basis.
4. Exercise with baby. Enjoy walking and jogging stroller. Carry baby in a sling while you walk or hike. Put the baby on the floor beside you while you do push-ups, sit ups, weight training.
5. Do not do too much. Call your doctor if you experience severe or chronic pain, increased vaginal bleeding, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing.
As you allow adequate recovery, you can enjoy the many benefits of exercise and post-partum in the years to come!
Step Action Day: When will you begin and what will you do?
About the Author
Arlene Pellicane, mother of a toddler and infant, helps women lose their baby weight and thrive as wives and mothers. Her weekly podcast “Losing Weight After Baby” is full of practical ideas that work for busy moms. An everyday mom herself, you can visit Arlene’s website for free articles and exercises at http://www.losingweightafterbaby.com or blog at http://losingweightafterbaby.wordpress.com