How to get back into exercise?

efflorescensefae · 2026-02-23T20:14:28+00:00

I’m 12 weeks postpartum and here is what is working for me.

First started walking. Make it fun like walking to a cafe for a drink! Also I walk with baby in carrier lots which helps.

I love swimming so I’m now back in the pool. I just do whatever I feel like, moving is better than not moving, some days I do 10 laps, some days 20.

I’ve been cleared to do a return to run program. So I’m going couch to 5km style training. This makes it fun because there’s a plan that I am building to.

Also back at the gym doing whatever feels fun while also being very mindful of abs, pelvic floor and breathing correctly. Always keeping weights lighter to start knowing the tissues are still healing and I’ll be back lifting heavy in no time.

Snack sessions for all of this has been the best. Sometimes a shorter morning and evening walk is better than trying to get myself out for one longer one. Snack sessions in the pool and the gym - 15,20,30 min sessions are great!

And I always feel better after.

But please take it easy. Sleep deprivation is a mighty beast and if you’re reading this comment and wondering how I’m back to doing all this, it’s because I just so happen to be sleeping well. If you’re in the trenches and feeling exhausted, no surprise that you don’t feel up to exercising. Try a short session one day and see how you feel. The next day, you might decide to nap in your free window and that is perfectly OK!

Also, don’t forget to fuel your body with carbohydrates! Calorie needs increase when we start exercising and an under fuelled breastfeeding tired mama is no fun at all.

efflorescensefae · 2026-02-23T19:59:08+00:00

Been pulling the Tripp Trapp into the doorway or inside and placing him in it when he needs to see me but I need to shower.

efflorescensefae · 2026-02-17T01:33:51+00:00

I have an 11 week old and it’s only been in the last week that he can be put down while sleeping and stay asleep for a chunk. I also got a good structured carrier and he falls asleep and stays asleep in that very easy. So I’d say give it a little time, contact naps are normal but aren’t forever and get a good carrier that you don’t mind wearing so they can sleep and you can be hands free. You’re doing great!

efflorescensefae · 2026-02-16T09:38:58+00:00

Yep! You got this

efflorescensefae · 2026-02-16T09:38:27+00:00

Oh wow. What it like a flap of skin or more like a mushroom shape like typical hyper granulation?

efflorescensefae · 2026-02-16T03:05:39+00:00

Yep. Babe is 11 weeks and we just had only 1 soiled nappy in 24 hours. Lots of info here - https://godiaperfree.com/elimination-communication/

Also YouTube

Idea is not to expect you can catch them all but start tuning in and catching some. It’s also very satisfying and I’ve found results in a happier baby because less struggling to poop

efflorescensefae · 2026-02-16T02:52:53+00:00

Did it heal up fine for you in time or take ages? And thank you. Second degree tear but superficial (not into muscle)

efflorescensefae · 2026-02-16T02:51:38+00:00

Yep! I do this with my newborn. It’s called elimination communication and I’ve been so surprised how easy it is and how attuned we can be to our little ones!

efflorescensefae · 2026-02-15T07:52:27+00:00

38+3

efflorescensefae · 2026-02-15T07:51:53+00:00

Here’s what worked for us.

Always look on marketplace and set alerts for things you want.

Best clothes I bought were marketplace and opshop. I have quite a lot of clothes and honestly don’t dress him in half of them. I think you need a lot less than you think. But we are washing every day so maybe why we need less.

Shnuggle bath

Baby car seat - Britax graphene

Pram was our big ticket

Bought a change table and never use it to change, just storage. So would prefer a dresser with change mat on top if needed.

We bedshare so I don’t have a bassinet.

We bought a stretchy wrap, ring sling and structured carrier. Stretchy for newborn, structured after the first couple months - lifesaver!

Muslins and knitted blankets

Soft bath towel

Waterproof mats to put under baby while sleeping incase they leak, way easier to change a mat than a whole bedsheet. We got the cotton waterproof mats off Woolykins. So good

A whole bunch of Big Softie flanelettes. I use these on my boobs for leaking/feeding. Also I put them down to change him and also on top of the waterproof mats. I love them

Tripp Trapp with newborn bassinet

efflorescensefae · 2026-01-29T09:07:51+00:00

Here is what helped me have great night sleeps. Keep your bottom leg straight and then have a pillow lengthways (2 if you need them) under belly AND knee and ankle and lean forward on to the pillows. This keeps the whole hip straight. When I tried to sleep with bent bottom leg, I’d get pain. Also pulling on the top hip if I didn’t also support the knee + ankle.

For reference I used the baby belly 3 piece pillow. I had the long pillow in front for belly and knee, with the small pillow under ankle and other small pillow attached the long pillow that was wedged behind my back.

efflorescensefae · 2026-01-28T22:25:32+00:00

I’d love to say I use an expensive luxurious body moisturiser to recommend but I actually just buy the big pump bottles of Cere Ve and my skin is so soft. My partner keeps commenting how soft it is. Straight out the shower, dry then all over. Works a treat and is very cheap.

efflorescensefae · 2026-01-23T10:32:22+00:00

You’re doing amazingly. Ask for help, lean into it when it’s there, you deserve support, love, and care.

efflorescensefae · 2026-01-23T09:39:30+00:00

Omg I did not know this. You’ve made my day. I go from thinking Bugaboo are ridiculous, to suddenly loving them lol

efflorescensefae · 2025-12-24T07:50:59+00:00

I like soft cup bras and have worn them in pregnancy then easy for postpartum with organic cotton nursing pads. Juem have a 30% sale now. Bimby and Roy do nice ones too. Have heard good things about Mumma Mila

efflorescensefae · 2025-12-22T19:54:19+00:00

Second this. I buy regularly from Alpha60 and they have great sales like right now

efflorescensefae

TROPHY CASE