Why Do Postpartum Exercise?
Pregnancy is a special time in a woman’s life. While embarking on the journey to motherhood, a woman’s body goes through many changes. During the nine months before birth, muscles are stretched, joints are loosened, and posture is changed to allow for the growth of the baby within her.

Once the baby is born, however, a woman can quickly feel at odds with her new body. No longer carrying the glow of pregnancy, she is left with a body that has survived the trauma of birth. Her abdominal muscles are weak and overlengthened, her pelvic floor is no longer at its full functioning, and her stamina and physical efficiency are decreased. Although some may shrug it off as “that’s what happens after you have a baby,” it does not have to be that way. Postpartum exercises can help. These gentle exercises concentrate on the areas of the body that are most affected by pregnancy and childbirth. Ideally, these exercises can be started shortly after birth. The first goal is to return the muscles to their original length and tone. By pulling in the abdominal muscles and “setting” them (navel towards spine), the muscles are relearning their original position. Once the muscles get shortened, they can then be used to perform more advanced exercises, such as head lifts and curl-ups.

The pelvic floor must also be addressed soon after delivery. Although these muscles are not visible and do not have an impact on how a woman looks, they have great ramifications on the functioning of a woman’s “plumbing.” Pelvic floor exercises will help re-establish control of bowel and bladder.

Postpartum exercises also work on stretching out the areas of the body that are stressed by the load of the fetus. Postural retraining is emphasized to help the body “remember” how it used to be pre-baby. Starting at the head and neck, moving all the way down to the feet, each area is given special attention to help jar the muscle “memory” to get the body back to where it was before, and prevent any further damage.

Lastly, these exercises are an opportunity to spend time with baby while instilling in them the value of movement. In today’s world of increasing childhood obesity, what better way to start a child on the path to good health and fitness, than bonding with Mommy while exercising together?


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