Health & Wellbeing
Getting back into shape after pregnancy may be another focus you have in addition to looking after your newborn.

Try to establish an exercise routine of about 3 days of exercise a week, from 3 weeks after giving birth. Exercising will help to tone muscles that stretched during pregnancy and give you more energy.

You can make this a time for you, your partner and your baby to get out doors by going for walks around the local park. Or you may want to get out and go to exercise classes, leaving your partner with baby for special bonding times.

Good exercise ideas include - walking, swimming, pelvic floor exercises and even pilates.

Diet is also important. Every calorie, vitamin, or gram of protein that your baby needs, must be eaten by you if you are breastfeeding. Only you can make sure that the best quality food reaches your baby. Make your diet as varied as possible choosing from a wide range of foods like fresh fruit, vegetables, beans, peas, wholemeal cereals, fish, and low-fat dairy products.

See our breastfeeding section under baby for more dietary information.