It's only a relatively recent development that mothers of new babies have relied on pushchairs, prams and strollers to get around. Until the early 1900's new mothers carried their babies in shawls, or in their arms, often long distances. And in many many parts of the world they still do! Yet ask many Western mums these days if they can carry their children and they look in horror, claiming bad backs, or that baby is just too heavy.
Perhaps our perception needs to change for the sake of our post-natal strength and fitness. Carrying babies and infants (and even toddlers) helps improve back strength, abdominal strength and improves fitness levels after the more sedentary final months of pregnancy are over. Baby carrying is also wonderful for baby, contributing to a sense of calmness, attachment, trust, involvement and safety for the baby which is known to be good for his/her body chemistry and mental state. It can also improve conditions like colic and vomiting after feeding. Unless you have a back problem, you should be able to carry your offspring, as nature intended. (Any doubts, get the advice of your GP and a chiropractor.)
Carrying baby means you can take regular walks in rain or shine. I used to dress my daughter up snugly in warm leggings, a jacket and hat, pop her in her sling, and nip out for a walk, even if it was raining. I just carried a large umbrella to cover us both. I did actually have a back problem post-natally as I was hit by a car while 6 months pregnant giving me back pain and whiplash. I still found however, that carrying my daughter helped increase my abdominal strength as I combined it with light abdominal muscle tensing and pelvic floor exercises.
Another way mothers can regain their fitness after baby is born is to join a 'Buggy-Fit' class. If there isn't one in your area, ask a local fitness trainer if she will run a regular session for a small group of mums. Many trainers will be happy to help with a bespoke session including: outdoor walking in the fresh air, light jogging, yoga, pilates, stretches and circuits. The babies enjoy looking and gurgling at each other whilst snacking on healthy snacks like rice cakes or bananas. You could also try asking a local yoga teacher if she will run a yoga class at your home, with other mums. You can share the cost of the session, while the infants crawl, play and snack. It really doesn't matter if you need to pause to attend to your child, or have her crawl over you - just give it a go and go with the flow. Chose a yoga teacher who is understanding about children and who has post-natal experience. It's great fun!
Other Eco-Fitness tips for regaining your fitness and weight after childbirth: Don't rush it! Bond with your baby for the first few months and give yourself time to settle and recover before rushing into worrying about your image! Forget living up to impossible standards set by celebrities who probably have unlimited childcare and personal trainers. All that's important is that you are happy and comfortable in yourself and taking care of yourself.
You can build muscle strength and lose pregnancy weight also by: hoovering, gardening, preparing fresh foods, dancing, housework, stretches in the home while baby naps. Most activities can also be carried out while you carry your baby in a sling, as long as you are safety conscious and sensible. Remember though that rest is important too for mothers, so sometimes you might need to nap while baby naps. Rest is as important to health and fitness as good food and exercise, so think about keeping a good balance.
If you can afford it for a few months, a post-natal doula, or child minder (or trusted relative/neighbour) can be invaluable to help you with this balancing act, by looking after baby for short periods of time. Even if it's just for an hour, get outdoors, get some natural light and some light exercise and your mood will improve due to the increased endorphins released in the body.
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