Your figure after having a baby

Advice on what to expect from your body after you have had your baby, including information on postnatal exercise you can try to help regain your pre pregnancy figure.

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Postnatal health > Your figure after having a baby

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During the weeks or months that you are feeding your baby at night and your body is recovering from childbirth, finding time to catch up on rest is essential. It's tempting to use your baby's sleep times to catch up on chores, but try to have a sleep or a proper rest at least once a day.

Continue with any postnatal exercises you were shown in hospital. You can also do this deep stomach exercise when you feel well enough.

• lie on your side with your knees slightly bent;



• let your tummy sag and breathe in gently;



• as you breathe out, gently draw in the lower part of your stomach like a corset, narrowing your waistline;



• squeeze your pelvic floor also;



• hold for the count of 10 then gently release;



• repeat 10 times.



• You should not move your back at any time.

Besides these exercises, try to fit in a walk with your baby. A short walk in the fresh air will make you feel good.

If a gap or bulge line appears vertically down the centre of your stomach you should ask your physiotherapist for special exercises.