Gentle, sensible exercise from day one is key to getting post-baby trim. Follow our fitness expert Rachel Berg’s week-by-week plan and start to see the old you again…
“Many mums think they should stay away from exercise for weeks after the birth,” says Rachel Berg, fitness expert and the brains behind Pushy Mothers, who’s been helping mums to get back in shape for more than 15 years. “But for most new mums, it’s fine to start thinking about gentle exercise straight away, as long as you do things right.”
Generally the first week’s about taking things easy. But as soon as you’ve given birth you can do some pelvic floor exercises – even in the delivery room!” says Rachel. “Even though it’s the last thing on your mind, reactivating the pelvic floor muscles will help promote healing and mean you can sneeze with ease!”It’s important for mums who’ve had a c-section too, as the weight of the baby and hormones will have weakened your pelvic floor.
TRY THIS: If you used a birthing ball, keep it inflated – sitting on it with your baby will help your posture without you realising. Gently rocking on the ball could help baby calm down and maybe even drop off to sleep? (Deflate it a little if you’re sore down below.)
