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 “Let’s Get Moving!” The Importance of Exercise for New Moms and their Babies Before starting any postnatal exercise program, new moms need to ALWAYS consult with their doctor or midwife. Every woman’s body is different and should be treated individually. When the go-ahead is given, start slowly. Keep in mind that pregnancy-related changes in the body, such as the cardiovascular system continue for about four to six weeks after giving birth. Some recommended postnatal exercise includes: brisk walking, swimming, yoga, pilates, low impact aerobics. If you notice any changes or have concerns after exercising, please contact a physician. The physical benefits of exercise are obvious: quicker healing time and recovery from the aspects of childbirth and regaining pre-pregnancy muscle strength and tone. But exercise has other important benefits as well. It can provide social interaction with other new moms and babies. It also helps to increase energy to cope with the demands of a new baby. A 1999 study showed that women who resumed their exercise program within six weeks of delivery felt better about themselves and adjusted quicker to being a new mom than women who did not exercise. A happy and healthy mom means a happy and healthy baby! Exercise, or rather movement in general, is important for babies as well. First, this is a wonderful opportunity for new moms to bond and interact with their newborns; the parent-child bond is vital for a baby’s sense of security and well-being. Secondly, babies love the stimulation that is available such as music, movement, and other smiling moms and babies. Classes such as Mommy-and-Me Yoga are great ways to start. Lastly, movement of any kind is critical for a baby’s brain growth and development. When a baby is born, its’ brain has billions and billions of brain cells called neurons. As the brain develops, each neuron can form as many as 15,000 connections with other brain cells. Most of these connections, or synapses, occur during the first three years of life. Research now shows that physical activity and play during early childhood are critical to the sensory and physiological stimulation that creates more synapses in the brain. In other words, babies need to be able to move and explore in order for their brains to grow and mature! So what a great opportunity babies have when their moms are exercising. Experiences like exploring the mat, rolling a ball, feeling the wind on a brisk walk, and stretching their arms like Mom are all great ways for babies to move. They can discover their hands and feet while rolling on the floor or feel the softness of a towel. Babies also love to dance to music even if it’s just bouncing up and down in Mom’s arms. If their necks are strong enough, they love to “fly” on their mother’s shins while she does some sit-ups. We all have heard of the benefits of exercise, but new Moms especially need to make it a part of their weekly routine. The first weeks after delivery should be spent resting and getting to know the new little person in the family. But when they are ready and their doctor or midwife and said ok, Moms need to get up and move around – it’s important for both physical and mental health! So instead of putting the baby in a play-pen or in a highchair in front of the TV, Moms can lie next to their little one and have fun together. Moms will get increased energy, a more relaxed mental attitude, and be on the road to their pre-pregnancy body. Babies will have a fun, safe environment to learn about themselves and their world while allowing their brain and body to grow and flourish. Both will reap the benefits of exercising together!
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Exercise during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. ACOG Committee Opinion, number 267, January 2002. Morel-Seytoux, Marie. “Why Exercise? Advice for New Mothers” “Post natal exercise – issues to consider”
Alexandra Blumencranz, CPC |
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