Walking power

Celebrities seem to drop their  baby weight before they've even left the maternity ward. In the  real world, walking is an achievable way to get back in shape post-baby, suggest our fitness experts  Fiona Ross and Lisa Yates.

How many TV reality shows or magazines portray famous new mothers who have been on some fast weight-loss and strict exercise regime successfully trimming right down to a size six less than two months after their baby has been born? This sort of publicity not only leaves most new mothers feeling totally inadequate, it may even encourage new mums to make the wrong choices during the important postnatal months.

Remember that it takes nine months to grow a baby, and it can take up to nine months, or even more, to get everything back in its place, so to speak! The postnatal period is a wonderful time to really focus on bonding with your new baby and to nurture yourself - so be gentle on your mind and body during this precious time.

Step by step
Depending on your pre-pregnancy fitness level, in the first few weeks after the birth of your baby, you may begin with just a gentle walk around the block. While a short stroll should be fine in the early weeks, it is generally recommended that you wait until after your postnatal check-up (at around six weeks) before starting any formal exercise programme.

Begin slowly and ensure you experience only mild shortness of breath. You should still be able to hold a conversation while walking. Exercise should be fun so take the time to enjoy what you are doing and don't make it a chore. If you are new to an exercise routine, the table below provides guidelines on how long to exercise and how to increase activity. Remember this is just a guide and some days you may feel like doing more and other days it may seem like you have gone back to the start. Learn to listen to your body - your best walking guide.

Gradually increase the intensity and duration when you are ready, and don't hesitate to seek advice if you experience any pain or discomfort. 

Ensure you are drinking adequate fluids to maintain good hydration. This is even more important if breastfeeding, or during warmer weather. 

Remember to wear comfortable clothing and appropriate, supportive footwear. A supportive bra is a must to protect delicate breast tissue, especially if you are breastfeeding.  Try wearing two bras or a sports crop top over your bra for extra support. A well-fitting bra will also help to decrease shoulder and upper-back strain, and is less likely to cause problems such as blocked ducts. If chaffing is an issue, there are lots of options available from your pharmacy to minimise any discomfort. 

Ideally, combine walking with a very gentle exercise programme designed to strengthen your pelvic floor and core musculature. This will give you the maximum benefit, enabling you to return to your sport or gym classes with less risk of any injuries. 

If you enjoyed running before your baby was born, don't be tempted to run again until at least four to five months after giving birth, providing your pelvic floor muscles feel as if they have returned to full strength. Before even considering running, it is vital that you have no symptoms of leaking or "heaviness" below, or any discomfort in the pelvic region. High-impact exercises, such as jogging, can make a weak pelvic floor even weaker, leading to possible incontinence or even prolapse of the pelvic organs. See your women's health physiotherapist if you are unsure or if your symptoms persist.  

Regular aerobic exercise is vitally important to improve heart and lung fitness, and will help with losing extra post-baby weight.


Total wellbeing
So, you have decided to go walking to help with your aerobic fitness and lose that extra baby weight. You are doing your pelvic floor and core exercises to build those foundations back up again. You feel you are coping well with motherhood (most days) and the quality of your sleep has improved (apart from those lovely night-time feeds!) One last vital ingredient (or, excuse the pun, the icing on the cake) is nutrition.

Ensure you are following the basic guidelines to meet nutritional requirements for a healthy diet. Eat a variety of foods from each of the four major food groups. Prepare meals with minimal added fat (especially saturated fat) and salt. Choose pre-prepared foods, drinks, and snacks that are low in fat and salt. Drink plenty of fluids each day(minimising drinks high in sugar or caffeine). If drinking alcohol, do so in moderation.


A simple stroll but remember…
Always work at your own pace and slowly increase as you are ready. Remember, the first three months postnatally are vital to recovery. Returning too early to running or high-impact activities could contribute to life-long problems.

If you haven't managed to get out walking, or your healthy eating plan has fallen by the wayside, don't beat yourself up. No one is perfect. Just start the next day as you mean to go on. Everyone (especially new mothers) has days when plans take a slight detour. Never give up! 

Being fit and feeling good about yourself will make the experience of motherhood all the more enjoyable. 

Just remember that the first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. Well done for taking that step.

YOUR GUIDE TO POSTNATAL WALKING - STARTING SIX WEEKS AFTER YOUR BABY IS BORN