Was your new year’s resolution to get healthy and active after the birth of your baby? On today’s blog, we check in with resident nutritionist Emily Osborne on why having a good lie down might actually be the best thing for a new mum looking to recover after birth.
After my first baby, I was chomping at the bit to start exercising and get “back into shape”. The elusive six week check seemed to take a long time to arrive and I was eager to fit back into my pre pregnancy clothes asap. Once the six week mark rolled around and I got the green light to exercise, I found myself feeling depleted – of energy, motivation and a whole lot of sleep. I was so keen to get back into things that I’d really denied my body what it needed most in those early weeks: rest.
Nutritionist Emily Osborne explains: “Nutrition goes so much further than just the foods you consume and delves into biochemical factors such as hormones and how they interact to influence processes within the body. “Pregnant bodies go through an enormous amount of stress in growing and bringing into the world a baby. Stressors are anything that put stress on the body – work, relationships, illnesses, injuries, physical stressors (ie birth!) and even exercise. What’s interesting about stressors is that your body can’t decipher between stressors so even things we perceive as being good for us like exercise can be detrimental if we over do it. “A lot of women are in a rush to regain their post baby bodies but resting and lying down after birth is absolutely critical for new mums.
In particular, allowing time to lie flat is important, as this takes weight and pressure off the pelvic floor and lower abdominals. “Not only does your physical body need to recover, but your hormones need to reregulate after the stimulation associated with giving birth. Your hormones play a huge role in your overall health and wellbeing, mood, weight and skin, hair and nails to just name a few, so ensuring you get adequate rest along with maintaining a good diet is the perfect coupling for postnatal recovery.”
Eating well increases your energy levels and is also good for your baby. If you’re concerned that your diet may not be adequate, please consult your doctor or health care practitioner regarding possible supplementation. And when you are ready to exercise, Mammojo Lactivewear® has got you covered.
Keep an eye on the blog for more great information from Emily around nutrition for pregnant, postnatal and breastfeeding mums.
Emily Osborne is a qualified nutritionist with a special interest in lifecycle nutrition, nutrition and beauty and the interrelationship between psychology and food behaviours. As a true believer in balance, when she's not working, you'll find her at Pilates or barre, travelling or socialising with friends.
