Ways to Exercise without Leaving Your Newborn At Home

After having a baby, you might be keen to start exercising. 

Remember that pregnancy causes a huge amount of changes in your body so it’s important to take things gradually at first, even if you feel like you can manage.  Your body contains large amounts of the hormone relaxin for several months after pregnancy (longer if you’re breastfeeding) which can make it easier to injure yourself if you’re not careful.  Here are some great ways to get some gentle exercise without needing to leave your new baby with anyone.

For the first six weeks you should mostly be resting and bonding with your new baby, but you can start pelvic floor exercises at home during this time if your midwife says it’s OK.  These can be done while holding your baby, walking around or even while sitting or lying down.

Walking with your baby in a pram or sling is a brilliant way to exercise and get yourself some fresh air at the same time.  Start with short walks of up to ten minutes, only increasing when you feel stronger.  After six to eight weeks you may feel able to walk longer distances.  Be sure to take water with you and stay hydrated.

There are “buggycise” classes in parks all over the country, which are fitness classes with an instructor involving pushing your baby in a buggy.  You can choose to walk or jog depending on your own fitness levels.  Ask at your local Children’s Centre for details of your nearest class.