Help I Want My Body Back

When can I start exercising? There are a number of factors that will determine when it is safe to start exercising after you have given birth.

The most important of these is the type of birth that you had: with a regular birth (vaginal delivery) providing you are no longer bleeding and that your stitches have healed (if you had any) you can begin after 5-6 weeks: gentle walks and some very easy and controlled abdominal and pelvic floor contractions. (See baby2body.com for specific exercises) When you have had your 6 week check from your health professional- you are clear to get fit and toned and back into shape.
If you had a C-section then it is advisable to wait at least 6 weeks- and get your Doctors approval to exercise. After that, its all go!

For those new mums who exercised during their pregnancy, the start will be much easier and the post birth recovery will be quicker too. So if you were exercising during your pregnancy, as long as you are healthy and had an uncomplicated delivery, then you can start very gentle walks as soon as you feel up to it! Always get your Doctors approval before you begin any exercise!

I see all the celebrities doing it - but how long before I am back to my old shape?

This again is determined by a number of factors:

• Weight gain during your pregnancy: The lower your weight gain during pregnancy- the easier it will be to get it off post birth. If you let it all go and your weight gain was in excess of the Doctors recommendations, it will take longer and be more challenging, but with hard work and determination you can do it!

• How active you were during your pregnancy: Fitness doesn't disappear overnight, therefore it will be easier to get back into shape if you were active and fit during your pregnancy, your muscles will be toned and you will be stronger and fitter and therefore recover faster. If not, then you should start slowly and build up gradually. An effective post natal program is key to getting the results and motivation you need to keep going. Try a post natal DVD that will help you to safely target the right parts of your body. (Baby2body pre and post natal DVD)

• Breastfeeding is another factor in the post baby battle of the bulge. Your body produces and holds onto body fat to ensure there are enough calories stored to produce nutritious milk for your growing baby. The last few inches of fat (usually around the midsection) will probable stay with you while you are feeding, but will go with exercise and good nutrition after you have weaned your baby. Weight loss is not a reason to stop breastfeeding, this is a personal choice and you should do what feels right for you and your baby- you will lose the excess weight eventually.

The time it takes to get back into shape is directly linked to the amount of energy and effort you put into your healthy lifestyle. The more exercise you do- the better you will feel, emotionally, psychologically and physically. It takes a good eating plan, consistent, effective exercises and a whole lot of motivation to achieve your goals. But- don't set your sights on those bikinis just yet, it can take up to 9 months for all your organs and joints to get back into their old positions, so set your goals, start exercising and eating well as soon as you can, and you might just be back into your jeans sooner than you think!