Exercise with Your Newborn
Author: Angela Heidt
After the birth of your baby, you will likely have some pretty significant aches and pains. While you may be tempted to hole up on your couch and wait it out, the best thing you can do is get moving. Even just by moving around the house you can banish those aches quickly and get back your old self.
Start with the small things - getting up and down for example. Then see how you do walking up and down the stairs. These small things can be particularly difficult after giving birth as you will have stretched out quite a few muscles, and your joints will be loose.
Babies love movement, especially at an early age when they are not used to being out of the womb. If it is comfortable enough, try to get a sling or snugli so you can keep baby close, and help develop those important back muscles that you will need to cart your baby around as he grows. If carrying your tot isn't comfortable, a stroller will do nicely.
Try to go for a walk every day, and slowly expand your distance and increase your pace. Do not try to do too much in the beginning as you will be likely to tear a muscle and set back your progress. Take it easy and gradually you will start to see an improvement in your muscle tone, comfort and ability to move around.
At home your baby makes the perfect tool for building muscle as he or she will gradually put on weight while you will strengthen your muscles. Lie on your back and lift baby overhead so you are face to face. Then slowly raise baby up, then back down to your face again. No doubt your baby will love it, and your arms will get a great workout.
You can also do the other kid favorite and build up your leg muscles at the same time. Cross your legs and put baby on your ankle. Slowly raise your foot up and down, and repeat as many times as possible. Then switch to the other foot. Again, your child will have lots of fun and you will give your leg muscles some badly needed tone.
