Exercise is a healthy lifestyle commitment with many benefits after your pregnancy such as increased energy, better sleep, weight loss, and a reduction in the risk for postpartum stress and depression.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week. This works out to be about 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. Moderate exercise is when you can still talk normally but could not sing while exercising. One of the best ways to exercise is walking, and you can start this soon after a normal vaginal birth. If you had a cesarean section please follow the guidance of your physician, midwife or nurse practitioner.
Remember that it is important for you to stay hydrated so drink lots of water during your workouts and afterwards, wear a good supportive bra and loose clothing. If you are breastfeeding, you will want to pump or feed prior to exercise in order to have the breasts less uncomfortable and full when you work out.
