If you want to lose postpartum pounds it’s important that you make a commitment to yourself to get fit. I know as mom that you can become overwhelmed by all of the things to do, but remember that taking care of you if the most important! If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take as good care of those you love.
It’s amazing how our children pick up words that we say as well as our actions. Our children are sponges, and it’s important that we are good role models. When you eat healthy, your children will likely do the same. When you exercise, your children will be more likely to exercise too. Think of the impact you have on your child and make the choice to live healthy!
Often pregnant women in their third trimester experience difficulty breathing because the baby is taking up more space. Here is a nice yoga stretch you can do to “lengthen your waist” and bring your breath fully into your body. In a comfortable seated position (you may sit on the ground or on a chair with no arm handles) inhale your right arm straight up overhead, exhale exten your right arm over your head, while reaching your fingertips as far as they will go (i.e., imagine someone gently pulling your fingertips). Hold and breathe in thru your nose and our through your nose for two complete breaths. Repeat on the other side. Repeat the breath with the movement up to 10 times on each side, or for as long as you feel comfortable.
While you are pregnant it can seem like a long time, but once it’s over it can feel like a blink of an eye. Capture the time being pregnant with photos of your “new” body. Journal about your thoughts and feelings over the experience. Connect with your baby as often as you can by sitting still and touching your belly while feeling the sensations of your baby growing inside you. Share how you feel about your experience with your husband/ partner. Acknowledge that being pregnant is truly a gift!
As a new mom, one of the hardest things to do is to find time to exercise. By changing your mindset from “I have to exercise” to “This hour is just for me”, you will notice that exercise becomes something that you look forward too, versus something you have to do to look better. I recently told my stroller workout class, ”Fit Mommas” in San Diego, CA, “Remember, this is your hour…just for you so keep your focus on what you want to accomplish”. One Fit Momma told me today that it was really powerful for her to hear the words, “This is YOUR hour” because it brought home the fact that getting out and exercising is the one thing that she can do for herself, and she really looks forward to it. Many of the moms in my class echoed the same. So try it…tell yourself, “This is MY hour!!”