This past week I got cleared to resume normal activity at my six week postpartum check up. You can read more about that appointment here: Postpartum Check Up. I have been eager to exercise the past few weeks (aside from walking) and feel so good (and sore) getting back into it again! I thought I would share what I am focusing on as I am starting a new routine and what tends to work for me. I would love to know anything that has worked for you after baby!

1.Determine A Good Time

This is huge when starting a new routine after a baby because many things determine when the ideal time to exercise is depending on your personal situation. I am continuing to exercise during my toddler’s nap time because I know I will have two hours with one less kid to worry about. I also lay my baby down around that time so I have at least an hour to myself which is so nice. I have also noticed that my energy is good around that time of day since I am getting as much sleep as possible in the mornings and am usually ready to relax at night. Decide what time of day works best for your routine/schedule and then try to be as consistent as possible.

2.Make A Plan

Determining what you want to do for exercise will help eliminate some stress and allow you and your significant other to be on the same page if they are needed to watch the kids. For example, if you plan to work out early mornings and attend a class, make sure you plan accordingly with feedings and wake ups (or vice versa with nights). For me personally, working out at home is the easiest with convenience and nursing. Thank goodness for so many at home options! I also like to have a plan of what I am doing for a week at a time to hold myself more accountable. I personally like to follow some type of program when working out at home, but once again it is all about preference!

3.Start Small

Your body has been through so much after growing and birthing a human. You do not have to jump back into whatever routine you were used to during pregnancy or before. Be realistic with expectations and goals and celebrate the small victories!

Bonus: Do something you LIKE! There are so many ways to use and move our bodies!

I would love to know anything you did after baby!

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

I have shared a couple posts discussing prenatal care and what to expect with each doctor’s visit. You can check those out here: Prenatal Appointments: 1st Half & Prenatal Appointments: 2nd Half. You can also check out some additional videos below!

I thought I would share what to expect with a standard 6 week check up postpartum (9 weeks if C-section) since that is generally the only appointment after the baby. Typically the doctor will schedule your postpartum checkup at your last prenatal appointment, or will contact you through the patient portal.

If you have a vaginal birth, this appointment is quick and easy. The main things the doctor will check are physical healing, emotional state, and birth control needs (if applicable). Usually, you will be asked to fill out a mental health questionnaire prior to your appointment so they know what to discuss, or if additional help is needed. I strongly recommended being extremely honest, and asking for help if you feel like things aren’t improving!

When you arrive you will get your vitals taken (blood pressure and weight), go over the questionnaire with the nurse and let them know anything specific you want to discuss with the doctor, and undress for a general female exam. The doctor will do a quick physical exam and clear you for all “normal” activity or discuss healing progress/expectations as well as go over post partum depression/anxiety. They will also send in a prescription if you choose to do any type of birth control.

After the “all clear” you are good to go!

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

Additional Videos:

Glucose Test, Pregnancy Costs: Pre Hospital

With summer here and more families at home with their kids, I thought I would share some easy breakfast ideas that my son loves. He is almost 3.5 and loves to eat like his parents. I try to offer a variety with his meals, however sometimes he wants the same thing on repeat (which is totally fine). With a newborn, I am all about easy and convenient options!

I would love to know what your kids love in the mornings or any easy ideas!

Breakfast One: Greek Yogurt & PB Toast

Breakfast Two: Egg Bites & Fruit

Breakfast Three: Smoothie & Cheerios

Breakfast Four: Oatmeal & Fruit

Breakfast Five: Kodiak Cakes & Fruit

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac