When to start light exercise again?

[kamesennin]

Hello, I know most moms here are brand new, but I'm about 2 weeks pp and wondering when I can start doing some light exercises. I've been doing kegels and bleeding has pretty much stopped so what can I start to do? My posture is awful and I have no core muscles (or so it feels like). We've started going for walks again but I don't really feel like that is doing much at all. Thanks for any advice!
Liane

[~Megan~]

Have you tried some abdominal support? Some use a Rebozo or similar or you can get a medical abdominal supporter made for people to use after abdominal surgery. I ordered a support garment this time for additional support.

I think I'd probably wait 4-6 weeks for exercise though.

[kamesennin]

Originally Posted by ~Megan~

Have you tried some abdominal support? Some use a Rebozo or similar or you can get a medical abdominal supporter made for people to use after abdominal surgery. I ordered a support garment this time for additional support.

I think I'd probably wait 4-6 weeks for exercise though.

I've got one of those elastic bands I took from the hospital after one of my NSTs, but it's so hot to wear! I'll try wearing it again tomorrow. Ok 4-6 weeks sounds good--I'll ask my OB at my 3 week appt too. Walking is good for now, but I think I just want to eat more LOL Anyone else have problems with posture? Maybe it's because my boobs are so heavy.

[JennaW]

I would say 4-6 weeks also. I know there are some postpartum exercise guides in the Dr. Sears Baby Book, if you have that.

[sdm1024]

Listen to your body...

If you're walking, then that might be enough. You can engage your abs while walking and being midful of your posture and that might be enough for now.

If you're not really feeling up to doing any more, than don't. This is a good time to really listen to what your body is telling you. I'm finding that after this baby, I'm really tired and mild housework, walking is ALL I can do. The first two days pp were awful as my IL's house is a split level ranch with 10 stairs between the upstairs and downstairs. Since the kitchen (and bathroom) was upstairs and the family room is downstairs I had to make frequent trips up and down. Made for a very uncomfortable and tired me.

[Materfamilias]

I asked this question on the B&B board about cycling. I heard everything from "the next day" to 6 weeks. I was worried about the effect of the seat on the lady bits.
The consensus was to listen to your body and watch the bleeding.

[pazerific]

i waited til about 8wks after having dd, but i had a lot of stitches, so recovery was a longer process than i hope it will be this time. FWIW, i used Leisa Heart's FitMama postnatal DVD, and there's a bonus section of excercises you can do almost immediately after having your baby. also just my : but i think those feelings of core weakness are pretty normal, and they'll go away soon.

[veganf]

After being soooo sick this pregnancy, my midwife was VERY clear that she does not want me doing anything more than kegels & walking for 6 weeks, and of course being a mother to 4 children, LOL. She knows I usually go to postpartum aerobics at the Y, but that should wait until September unless I want to give myself a hernia. Lovely. But I'm fine with that.

On day 3 my bleeding is already almost done (which also happened after #3). But all my muscles are still so sore. Sleep would be nice! Forget exercise!

[AKA_PI]

I've heard to not either bother walking for about 3-4 weeks. I personally won't engage in anything other than walking until I get the all clear at my 6 week check-up. Maybe some light weights or a resistance band would be good to do at home.