"Are you mad? I could no more go to the gym, run round the park or swim six lengths of the local pool as fly to the moon! Actually, there's more chance of me flying to the moon because at least I wouldn't have to stay awake once the autopilot (or whatever flys a rocket) was engaged."

The thought of non-essential physical activity might be the very last thing on your mind after you've had a baby but if you can find the time to get active not only will you feel better and look better but you’ll also be setting in motion a pattern of healthy living that will benefit your whole family.

Get Active

It may seem like a joke when you’ve been running up and down stairs all day, but getting active with organised exercise brings with it a host of physical benefits. Not only will you have a chance to tone and strengthen your muscles but you’ll rev up your metabolism to get rid of that extra baby weight as well. Ask your GP or midwife when you will be able to start exercising (usually within a week after a vaginal birth, but up to six months after a caesarean section) and get yourself ready to begin at this date. If you can’t quite stretch to a gym membership with childcare, incorporate your new baby into your routines!

Mother and baby yoga

Try:

• Mums and tots classes or videos that allow you to move with your child.
• Blasting some music and dancing about for a half an hour or so.
• Cleaning up! A high-energy weekly clean will leave you feeling lighter in more ways than one.
• Incorporating a daily walk into your routine.
• Joining a mums and babies swimming class.
• A post-partum yoga class.
• Investing in a few free weights that you can use whenever you find a few pockets of spare time.
• Asking a friend or relative to babysit a few times a week while you can get to the gym or pool.
• As for keeping your energy levels up: eat at least five fruits and vegetables per day.
• Focus on whole grains rather than refined/white bread, pasta and rice products.
• Throw away the pre-packaged snacks. Remember, eating an apple is just as quick and easy.
• Eat when you are hungry, and if you are breastfeeding this might be often. Don’t deny yourself or you’ll risk a calorie/sugar/salt-laden binge later.
• Prepare whole meals. It may be tempting to rely on takeaways and sandwiches, but getting your family into the routine of home-cooked meals, and family mealtime, will bring rewards for years to come.

And finally stay positive

When your body feels good, your mind usually does too. Stay positive about keeping fit after birth – even if it’s just a change to a 'Yes I Can!' philosophy from a 'No I Can’t!' philosophy. Remember, keeping fit is not solely about losing your baby weight. No new mother should feel pressured into losing weight or fitting into old clothes, so if you are feeling this way then actively change your mindset to revelling in the power of your body.

Support in Luton for Mothers Breastfeeding