Does the thought of putting on workout gear make you nauseous? Are you wondering how in the world are you going to get a workout in between feedings, the baby’s nap and your TIVO’d episodes of Desperate Housewives? Well, once you dig deep and decide it’s time, you’ll be happy you did. Research has pointed out some pretty incredible benefits of post-natal exercise. Read on to learn more about how exercise will benefit both you and your baby, tips for squeezing it in and things to watch out for.

Benefits of postnatal exercise
•    Helps to reduce post-natal depression known as the "baby blues"
•    Quicker recovery back to your pre-pregnancy body
•    Increased much-needed energy
•    Stress release (time to focus on yourself)

Tips to find time to exercise
•    Buy a daily planner and loosely plan your workouts around your baby's schedule. 
•    Join "Mommy and Me" exercise class -- Baby Boot Camp is my personal favorite! Check out your local hospital or pediatrician to find classes. These are a great way to bond with your newborn and fit in much needed exercise time for you. 
•    Create a library of exercise videos that are different lengths so you're already equipped for when you find unexpected time. If you haven’t discovered FitTV  - check it out. Tivo workouts and watch them when the babe’s napping, it’s brilliant. Yoga, Kickboxing, Interval Workouts – it’s all there.
•    Perform exercises while you're doing daily activities. Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) can be done anywhere and are very valuable for achieving a strong, stable pelvic area, which is usually lax due to pregnancy hormones still present (especially if you're breastfeeding).

Exercise safety tips
•    Invest in a good support bra, you’ll be happy you did. Your breasts are going to be larger than normal from the milk production and will need a lot of extra support.
•    Be careful of high-impact sports due to lax pelvic ligaments and joints left over from pregnancy. This is why core (abdominal work is key after pregnancy preventing lower back and joint injuries).
•    Make sure you drink lots of water to replenish yourself, especially when breastfeeding.
•    Listen to your body. If you're feeling tired, go easy on yourself. Try not to push yourself until you feel ready. 
•    If you start to feel light headed and nauseous, or notice a change in the color of your vaginal discharge, consult with your doctor. You may be exercising too strenuously.