Having a baby changes everything!  Not only does your schedule and responsibilities change, but your body changes as well.  Be sure to spend a little time each day to get your physical self back to normal, or at least as close as you can get with so little sleep!  A few simple exercises will help boost your energy to get you through the tough first days.  Check with your doctor before you start any workout routine!

First, do some light weight training.  Lifting 3- or 5-pound weights in two 15-rep cycles will help increase your stamina and ability to lift and carry your baby.  Hopefully you were working on those muscles throughout your pregnancy.  Curls and straight-arm raises to shoulder height (both to the front and to the sides) will really help get those arms in gear.

Cardiovascular exercise is also important at this time.  It can be as basic as walking the stroller over to a friend's house to show off your newborn or getting back on the treadmill while your little one is down for a nap.  You may not be able to workout to the extent you did before the pregnancy - that's normal.  Give your body time to adjust to the extra weight and the lapse in exercise before pushing yourself too hard.

Only after your doctor gives the okay, do some crunches and sit-ups.  Your tummy went through some major changes during the last 9 months and it needs some special treatment.  Give some extra attention to the obliques and lower abs to help you gear up for the bending, twisting and picking up that your baby will no doubt put you through.

Lastly, be realistic.  Some new mothers set unrealistic goals for getting back into shape after giving birth.  What took 9 months to do cannot be undone in weeks.  Your baby naturally will give you a workout just caring for him or her.  Ease into the newly tailored workout routine and monitor your progress.  Give yourself a full year to return to the same weight and body form you were in before your pregnancy.  But also realize, some parts of your body may never look the same.  No amount of working out will make stretch marks disappear.  Some body types will rebound better than others.  Pay attention to what your body is telling you and work with what you can.  You may not be able to dedicate the time to exercose that you once did, and that's ok.  A new baby is a big change to your life.  Celebrate and enjoy your child!

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