What is a normal day like for you with a newborn?

[Cally]

You should be able to manage an hour walk each day (dependant on weather), although it will all depend on how the birth goes and how you go with those first few weeks (I had a csection and was very impressed with myself for walking the 400m to the beach after 2 weeks and that was with DH pushing the pram). You will be tired getting up twice a night (or more) for who knows how long. But particularly when DD was little the walks were great as she would fall asleep in them. We tried to go for one each morning and then if she wouldn't have an afternoon nap do another one then.

Walks are great as you can do them at any time of the day, you're not stressing about her sleeping through the class you want to go to at the gym etc.

[Andjxx]

You should be able to manage an hour walk each day (dependant on weather), although it will all depend on how the birth goes and how you go with those first few weeks (I had a csection and was very impressed with myself for walking the 400m to the beach after 2 weeks and that was with DH pushing the pram). You will be tired getting up twice a night (or more) for who knows how long. But particularly when DD was little the walks were great as she would fall asleep in them. We tried to go for one each morning and then if she wouldn't have an afternoon nap do another one then.

Walks are great as you can do them at any time of the day, you're not stressing about her sleeping through the class you want to go to at the gym etc.

This is exactly the kind of thing I was thinking - aim for a morning walk right before morning sleep time and hope that the bub gets into the habit of falling asleep on the walk.

I'm not really planning on the gym too much (not even a member of one) But I do own a spin bike so that is always an option when bub is sleeping.

I realise that it may be unpredictable but I think that an hour walk each day - or even some strength work at home should be something that I aim for each day. That or I may go insane.

I am very lucky to have an extremely helpful husband as well as no other children so I guess that will be a help.

[MamaPan]

i think everyone's experiences are different but at least 1 hour walk a day was certainly doable for me, even longer or more than 1 walk. DS slept well in the pram in the early days and also i used ot carry him in a sling and do another bit of a walk too. exercise and getting out in the fresh air were really important to me so i made it part of my day. that said, sometimes it didnt happen and you have to be ready for that - but if it is important to you i say prioritise it and make it happen - you will be happier! Once he got a bit older i found it harder - and now that he is 12 months he wont sit in the pram long enough for a long walk so i need someone else to watch him while i go to gym or something. enjoy it all - exciting times ahead!

[nic]

I was walking DD to school after DH went back to work, DS would've been around 4 weeks at the time. We did this for about 2 weeks, until I could drive again. My little man, loves the pram, problem was when we got home, he would wake when the pram stopped, little bugger.

With DD I would walk quite a bit. I loved going for a walk to the papershop, 6klm round trip. It's nice to get out of the house, into the sun, and not feel so isolated.

Definately doesn't sound unrealistic at all. Like Jody said, just go with the flow, if you get a walk in, great! if you don't, there is always tomorrow

Congrats on your pregnancy BTW

Nic

[satya]

For the first 6 weeks I did not manage any exercise. I'd had stitches and they were sore for most of that time & I just couldn't walk far at all without being in huge pain & feeling like everything was about to fall out.

That was one thing I did not expect after giving birth. I'd never realised with a vaginal birth that walking could be so difficult & painful - no-one warned me - the first I new of it was when I went to the physio class after the birth and she told us to expect not to be able to walk far for at least 6 weeks.

I was also trying to breast feed and it wasn't working so I had to express and then bottle feed it so it took double the time of breast feeding. It felt like you just got one feed over and done with and then it was time for another.

My bub is chucky so I always have loads and loads of washing to do - his clothes, wraps, sleeping bags, millions of bibs & face washers, my clothes that he chucked on & basinette sheets.

Of course you have to fit in eating (believe me in the early days that can even be a challenge as when you go to eat you realise it's time to feed bub again), having a shower and getting dressed, and if you are really lucky you might get some house work done.

When I finally stopped getting pain and had myself into a routine (around 6 weeks) I found that by the time I'd got myself & bub ready for a walk the weather had turned. It would be raining or too windy to take him out, or it was time to feed him again, or his dad was about to finish work. Something always seemed to happen around the planned walk.

My son is almost 3 months old and we've only been out for a handful of short walks. I find I get most of my excercise walking around a shopping centre as we don't have to contend with the weather and there's always a clean area to change or feed him in if we need it.

[fionas]

I was in pain for six months after the birth so am probably not a good person to respond LOL as I was virtually housebound for that time. On top of that, breastfeeding was a disaster but I expressed for the first two months so when DD was sleeping I was either expresssing or feeding myself. So exercise was impossible.

However, without both those things, I think aiming for a daily walk is quite do-able and it's good to aim for that each day but don't put so much pressure on yourself that you feel like you're a loser if you don't manage it every day.

I know lots of the girls on here also use the Wii Fit which I think would be great when the weather's bad or you just haven't been able to coordinate getting out of the house.

[tan32]

If the weather is good and its not feed time, I take Lachlan 10 weeks for a walk to pick my other son up from kindy each day, this takes us around an hour all up. Sometimes he just sits and looks around , most times he will fall asleep. Also if he is unsettled a walk does wonders for him and me.

Walking is do able, just dont be to stressed if bubs doesnt go with the plan.

[Tannis]

I wouldn't do too much straight after the birth just because it can be a bit uncomfortable to walk for the 1st few days to a week (it was for me anyway). I also had low milk supply with both my kids to start so I wouldn't do to much until my milk supply was established....this could be totally different for you.

Other than that I can't see why you can't go out for a walk and do a workout at home. I have had 2 very easy babies who have worked in with what I want to do, both mine were dragged around shopping from 4 days old and my DS was out shopping with me almost every day. Its a little harder with 2 but I still manage to get out at least 4 or 5 times a week.

I was told before my 1st baby that I wouldn't have time to sit and have a coffee at a coffee shop....I have definitely prooved that person wrong and I am now doing that with 2 kids.

I don't do much exercise but I do get on my exercise bike and ride approx 6kms a day....not today though I am too tired LOL

[mountain mummy]

Like alot of people have pointed out, there are many factors to consider, but going for a walk is definitely doable! With DS1, I had had stitches because of an episiotomy, but I used to put him in the pram after a feed and at least walk around the block (a couple of times a day, weather permitting) After a month or so, I was taking longer walks (I didn't have a car, so walking was my only form of transport!) and when our mother's group started meeting at each other's places and cafes etc (as opposed to the ECH centre) I would always walk there (or catch a train if it wasn't local!)

Now, after #4, the best I can manage is walking DS1 (now 7.5) to the bus stop each morning with #4 in the pram, #3 in the attached toddler seat and DD walking at a typical 4yo pace!! I just physically don't have the time anymore!

ETA but if you are used to being active and out and about, it shouldn't be a problem to get back into the swing of things!

And Tannis, I agree, coffee is quite easy! Even with 4 (provided the oldest 3 have a drink and a donut as well!)