Postpardum workout

[Anonymous]

I'm delivering in about 2 months and am already looking ahead to my postpardum recovery. Before my pregnancy I worked out 4-5 times a week, but due to complications I have been unable to do more than walking during the pregnancy. I can't wait to feel like my old self again, but definitely know that after a long hiatus I'll have to ease back in.

Any recommendations for reentering the workout world? I know that typically doctors clear you for exercise at 6 weeks, but what is a realistic schedule? Are there classes in DC you would recommend?

Thanks for any advice.

[Anonymous]

I am probably not the best person to respond as I had a very complicated delivery with 3rd degree tears. Prior to pregnancy I worked out 4-5 times a week. I started light jogging at 5 weeks postpartum and could not imagine doing it any sooner; however, I was walking and lifting light weights at 4 weeks. I think it truly depends on your delivery and recovery. I have known some women who were working out a week after delivering. No matter what, don't make my mistake and try to push yourself too soon and make things worse down there... Be patient with your body and weight loss. You will get there!!!!

[Anonymous]

After my first C-section, totally waited WAY too long to work out...underestimated what my body could do and how good it would make me feel. Then it was Spring and I was a fata$$ and could not believe it. With the second c-section, jumped right into Stroller Strides at 6 weeks, and while it was not pretty jumping around with my giant boobs it felt really great and I made some amazing friends. Go to their website and find them near you. I think a lot of women with their first pregnancies eat way too much and wait WAAAY too long to work out again (if they were before) ALWAYS listen to your bod and Dr. but get back into it before you are permanently wearing maternity jeans and Redskins sweats. Even if it is walking and some weights!!! You will feel SO much better!!!!

[Anonymous]

I waited until I was 8 weeks PP to start running. However, I started walking as soon as the stiches stopped hurting (Dr. suggested that).

[Anonymous]

It really depends on your body. I don't think you can anticipate how you will feel until you give birth. I had an extremely easy birth but the recovery has been tough. At eight weeks post partum I still can't run and am facing a DC due to abnormal bleeding (not caused by working out). Wait to see how you feel. You may be running 2 weeks after giving birth or it may take a little longer.

[Anonymous]

There is no exact time line. It depends on you, your medical history, the L&D process, and your status PP. Sure, there is the 6 week follow up appt. because generally the average gal is able to return to "normal", but some gals need more time while others are ready way sooner.

Becoming a new mom is exhausting mentally, emotionally, and physically (especially if BFing). OP - yes, it is realistic to ease back into it - swimming, yoga, pushing the stroller around the block (stroller strides) are all good start points.

Also, check out previous posts for PP workout/losing baby weight, etc. There have been a ton of thread related to yours.

[Anonymous]

I was taking long walks 2 weeks after my emergency C section after 4 days of labor. Don't discount walking as exercise. With the extra weight during and after pregnancy, you are working out more than you might think. I used to be a gym rat, but my main form of exersise during pregnancy and for the 3 postpartum months or so was walking. I returned to the gym around 4 months or so and was surprised that I was in better shape than I expected. Some of my muscles were weaker (outer thighs and chest) but some were stronger (back, inner thighs).

[Anonymous]

I was walking within a week of giving birth (vaginal delivery, minimal tearing). I joined a gym and started going to exercise classes: spinning, body sculpt, kickboxing, etc. Just listen to you body and dont be surprised when you have trouble doing exercises you could do before - I can barely hold a plank for 30 secs when I used to hold it a min, 30 with no problems and I can barely do 8 push-ups on my knees, when I used to crank out a set of 24.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was walking within a week of giving birth (vaginal delivery, minimal tearing). I joined a gym and started going to exercise classes: spinning, body sculpt, kickboxing, etc. Just listen to you body and dont be surprised when you have trouble doing exercises you could do before - I can barely hold a plank for 30 secs when I used to hold it a min, 30 with no problems and I can barely do 8 push-ups on my knees, when I used to crank out a set of 24.

PP here - sorry I meant to say I joined a gym at about 7 weeks and started doing those things.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your responses - I'm going to check out stroller strides. Hopefully that will get me started.

[Anonymous]

My problem wasn't motivation, it was lack of time. In the beginning, I was breastfeeding every two hours and there was no down time. I either had to get up super early or work out after baby went to bed.

[Anonymous]

It's good to think ahead, but don't be surprised if your plans don't work out. I broke my tailbone during labor and delivery and can't really walk for any distance, much less start running again. It was completely unexpected and has left me really disappointed that my plans of walking every day (when it's not too hot) didn't pan out. You'll have to take it as it comes.