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.
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.
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
hi my bub is nearly 6 weeks old and my day starts at about 11.oo am i feed him, get dressed have brekky then go for a hour long walk with the pram then come home feed clean the house maybe have a 1/2 hour nap then usually its time to think about cooking tea. I must say the days fly by and i do wonder sometimes where has it gone and i've achieved nothing but i still get out like so to the shops and i'm about the start a mother's group too. You just have to make time and get out , get fresh air, it's good for you and your baby and not be stuck inside all day. I thought i would never have time before he was born but they sleep so much at the start you have alot more then you realise.
Hehehehe..this thread makes me laugh...I promised myself I would try and walk every day or at least every second day once I had my baby.....I think maybe I have walked to the shops 3 times, and Jack is 4 and a half months old....LOL.
I am definently NOT being negative towards you, I am sure you can do it if you want to and many women do, I just can't believe how unmotivated and lazy I am. I had such high hopes, even in the last couple months of my pregnancy I was walking a round trip to the mall (about 8km) nearly every day, right up to a couple days before giving birth!! I keep telling myself it's because it is winter and the weather is no good...but I am sure soon enough I will be telling myself it is just too hot....LOL. Gosh, I REALLY need to go for a walk tomorrow....hmmmm, wonder what my excuse will be.
Good luck with the excercise, you sound like you really want to do it.
ETA: Just wanted to add that the daily walks would be quite easy to manage (as I think that is what you are actually asking) it's just my motivation is not so easy to come by, LOL, there is just way too much interesting stuff on Pay TV...hehehe.
Last edited by Marlene; September 17th, 2008 at 08:36 PM.
: forgot something..
Had I been motivated to do so I could've managed this easily with my first bub.
I recovered fairly quickly from the birth and she slept well in the day and through the night very early - so by the time she was about 10 weeks old my life was pretty ordered again lol. She was a very calm and contented baby and she would've enjoyed going out walking.
Alot depends on the temperament of your baby too, I know there is no way I could've managed it if DS was my first baby. Much longer recovery from the birth, and the first year of his life I was a sleep deprived wreck because he never slept. I was flat out walking to the kitchen and back some days. And by the time he was probably 4/5 months he would never have put up with being in the pram that long in a pink fit.
It is doable. I get mad at negative people who say "ohhh, you'll never have time for exercise/ coffee/ reading/ life etc" after baby because its not true. Yes, babies change your life hugely and each day is a new adventure. But you DO eventually find some sort of rythym and a way of managing things to get some of the stuff you want to do done.
Also, just wanted to second a pp who mentioned walking around shopping centres. Often the weather is not great for walking outside (I am pretty picky), and I go to the mall most days and walk around. My DS loves it because of all the new sights and it gets me out and walking a bit!
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!)
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I had such high hopes, even in the last couple months of my pregnancy I was walking a round trip to the mall (about 8km) nearly every day, right up to a couple days before giving birth!! I keep telling myself it's because it is winter and the weather is no good...but I am sure soon enough I will be telling myself it is just too hot....LOL. Gosh, I REALLY need to go for a walk tomorrow....hmmmm, wonder what my excuse will be.
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