Week 1
You are not going to bounce up off of that hospital bed and jump on the treadmill. The opposite in fact. This is your most important time for healing and milk production. So here's your big goal for this week – DO AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE. Sleep when baby sleeps, eat protein and carbs every time you feed the baby and just make milk. Know deep down that the pounds are literally dropping off you this week, purely because you're feeding and recovering from birth. Also, you'll probably cry a lot — that's gotta be a core workout ;)
Week 2
By now the birth fog has probably started to lift slightly. You may be starting to remember what a barbell looks like, and worse – you're probably starting to remember what you looked like before the baby wreaked havoc on your six-pack. But seriously – the baby fat is there for a reason! That's what your baby's going to eat for the next few weeks or months. Love it, cherish it and don't try to get rid of it yet. A few short walks with baby in the front pack will make you feel more like a human, and give you just a few lovely endorphins to work with.
Week 3
Okay, so if you're like me, by week three you're getting a little desperate for a workout... The key is to TAKE IT SLOW. Check out the free online workouts for new moms here. But remember, rest is still your priority, and exercise still shouldn't be interfering with it. A great thing to focus on is nutrition. My goal has become to make sure that every single thing I put in my mouth has serious nutritional value. I call it my superfoods eating plan and it keeps me feeling awesome. Focus on lots of lean protein, loads of colorful veges and good fats like avocado, nuts, seeds and coconut oil.
Visit www.lesmills.com/uk/post-pregnancy-exercise and you'll find all you need to know about looking after your body post birth – there's free at home workout videos, nutrition plans, helpful tips and more.
Diana Archer Mills has a love of health and fitness running through her blood. She was just 12 when she started working in the gym owned by her parents (Phillip and Jackie Mills). Now, as Les Mills Creative Director she is behind the music and moves that feature in some of your favorite workouts. But that’s certainly not Diana’s most important role. Diana is a mom of four – so it’s fair to say she knows a fair bit about pregnancy, parenting and how to juggle a busy young family with a passion for health and fitness.
