After Giving Birth: How to Feel Healthy

Helping yourself feel fit is one of the best things you can do for your baby. A little exercise will tone your muscles. You will feel stronger and more energized. You will also feel more awake and aware. Do not worry about your weight right now. Your goal is to feel healthy. Part of feeling good is dressing for comfort. If you dress “smart,” you can be a busy new mom and still look great.

Continue Kegel exercises

You may have been told to do Kegel exercises during pregnancy. These exercises strengthen the muscles that are strained by carrying and delivering the baby. You can return to your Kegels as soon as you feel ready. Why not start today? Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles (the ones that control your urine stream) for at least 5 seconds. Relax, then squeeze again. Work your way up to 50 or 100 Kegels a day.

Be Active

Exercise helps you get in shape. It also strengthens your muscles, so you are better fit for lifting the baby. As an added benefit, exercise gives you a sense that you are doing something good for yourself. Take your baby for a short walk or spend 10 minutes stretching. Gradually increase your activity and listen to your body, if you are doing to much- stop.  If you were active during pregnancy, you can probably begin light exercise as soon as you feel ready, but be sure to check with your healthcare provider before you begin. 

Stay off the scale

For the first month, think about regaining energy and feeling good, not about losing weight. Losing weight too soon can make you feel more tired. Instead, focus on caring for your baby and eating balanced meals. You may lose some weight without even trying, especially if you are breastfeeding. Once your energy level is back to normal, you can begin to lose weight. A gradual weight loss of 4-5 pounds or less a month is safest.

Dress smart

You will want to be comfortable during the days after delivery. Wear whatever is comfortable for you and feels best such as robes, pajamas, or sweats. If leaking breasts are a problem, put nursing pads inside your bra and dress in layers. If you are breastfeeding, shirts that open in front or pullover tops are good choices. A scarf or shawl can be used as a drape if you breastfeed and want to cover up when others are present, just be sure you can see the baby's face clearly underneath.

Follow-Up Care

Remember to schedule your postpartum visit according to your healthcare provider's orders. If you delivered by cesarean you may be seen within 1 to 2 weeks. For vaginal delivery, your healthcare provider may want to see you in 4 to 6 weeks after the birth.