Moving Your Body After Having a Baby

Being active even for 10 minutes three times a day can:

• Give you more energy
• Lower stress and help you relax
• Help with weight loss
• Keep your muscles strong
• Boost your mood

Getting Started

Take it easy at first. Your body is still healing. Ask your health care provider what you can do and when to start.

• Walking is a great way to become active after giving birth.
• Put your baby in a stroller, infant sling, or carrier and walk.
• Walk at the mall, school, or community center.
• Ask your friends or family to join you.
• Start with a 5 or 10-minute walk. After one week, walk a little longer or farther.

More Ways to Stay Active:

• March in place while watching TV or talking on the phone.
• Play music and dance.
• Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
• Park the car farther away from the entrance when you can.

Take It One Step at a Time

Slowly bring activity back into your day. Get used to one change before trying something new.