Exercise is good for your mind and body no matter what age or stage of life you’re in. It has many benefits including assisting with weight loss, increasing aerobic fitness, improving social interaction and psychological wellbeing. Post-partum exercise can be difficult to fit in especially if you’re a busy mum, however it is important to consider the benefits and try to incorporate some form of exercise into your routine. By doing so you can get your body moving and keep your mind healthy.
*Please note that you should always consult with your doctor or midwife before starting post-partum exercise.
The benefits
Post-partum exercise can improve both your physical and mental wellbeing. Here are some of the major benefits:
When you can start
Light exercise such as walking can generally begin as soon as you feel comfortable after giving birth however only start when you feel up to it and don’t rush the process. Everyone is different so don’t worry if your friend is going for longer walks sooner than you, you will recognise when you feel ready and comfortable to do so.
After the six-week mark, you may recognise that you are more so back to normal. For caesarean births, complicated or difficult births, it may take longer than six weeks to feel ready for moderate exercise. If you didn’t exercise when pregnant and are planning to post-partum, start with easy and attainable exercises and work your way up to more difficult ones as you improve. Remember, your muscles, ligaments and joints are not as strong as they used to be, so it’s easy to injure yourself. Try not to stretch or twist too much and avoid high impact exercise that requires more strain and rapid direction changes.
Exercises
There are many forms of exercise that may be beneficial to you and your exercise journey post-partum. Here are some popular forms of exercise that other mums have enjoyed and found beneficial:
Tips for finding the time for exercise
Having a newborn baby is hard as it is and takes a lot of time, patience and planning. Remembering to take care of yourself is crucial to having a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Below are some tips to help you achieve that lifestyle balance that everyone craves with a newborn:
Remember to not put too much pressure on yourself. Motherhood is a wonderful and busy time of your life so embrace it without feeling as though you aren’t doing enough. Don’t feel guilty if you can’t always find the time for exercise, your body has been though a lot, so it’s perfectly acceptable and expected that your body also needs a rest.
Medical Disclaimer: Articles are intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. Ask a medical professional if you have any health-related questions or concerns.
Additional Resources
Better health channel. (2021). Postnatal exercise. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/postnatal-exercise
Mamaway Maternity. (2020). Post partum tools and exercise plan for busy mums. https://mamaway.com.au/blog/post/postpartum-tools-exercise-plan-for-la-i-mean-busy-women
Parenthood Times. (2021). 5 best postpartum exercises for new moms. https://parenthoodtimes.com/5-best-postpartum-exercises-for-new-moms/#:~:text=%20Best%20Postpartum%20Exercises%20for%20New%20Moms%20,can%20relieve%20back%20pain.%20It%20also...%20More%20
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