Getting back into shape

Hi everyone! Welcome to Shiffa’s new website complete with my “blog” section. I am currently 9 weeks post baby. Although the green light for exercise is usually given after 6 weeks, I am finding it hard to fit in ½ hour of anything these days! I have purchased some post natal exercise DVD’s that focus on light stretching but have only been able to use them twice. With 4 children, your attention is constantly in demand. What I am trying is to take a “family” walk around my neighbourhood, with the baby in a sling so at least I can get some fresh air. Its important for a new mom to try and get out, so she doesn’t feel cooped inside all the time.

I firmly believe that ALL women can go back to their pre pregnancy shape once they’ve had their baby. It takes time (after all it took 9 months to have the baby) and you should expect to go back in a year’s time.

It starts when you are pregnant. Take care to eat the correct foods and put on a healthy amount of weight. I make sure that what I eat is good for me and the baby. Yes I have chocolate, cookies, cake etc but all in moderation. I try that all my carbs are the whole wheat variety (brown rice, spelt bread etc) and I always include nuts, flaxseed, avocados and olive oil to my diet. These will help nourish your baby (especially the nervous system) and your skin from the inside. I also continued exercising when pregnant. One of the best yoga DVD’s for pregnant women is by Shiva Rae.

I also used my Pregnancy Body Oil religiously from the time I knew I was pregnant. The oil contains evening primrose, avocado, apricot among others ingredients to help minimize stretch marks. It also helps the skin to become more elastic, so that after stretching it can “bounce” back fairly quickly. I also use it for a month post baby as well. After 1 month I switched to using Shiffa Energizing Body Oil to help firm and tone my skin. I am eating well - please no diets post baby, your body has been through a lot and for 9 months has been giving nourishment for your baby, its time to nourish your body and replace all that it had lost, and diets will not achieve that.