by BabyCenter Guest Blogger posted in Pregnancy

By Beverley Simpson
When I was pregnant with my eldest daughter Gwendolyn, I believed the usual advice: just work out the way you always have and breastfeeding will get your body back. I thought that advice would carry me through an easy delivery and quick recovery. But of course, that?s not what happened.

Instead, my body became one I didn?t recognize or feel good in, and I was left with zero guidance on how to navigate this new normal. Despite the years of experience as a trainer and a manager at commercial gym, I relied on my doctor to explain what I could and couldn?t do in order to get back into shape. But at my 6-week clearance check, my doctor cleared me to return to everything normal without any further instructions, and without even giving me an internal exam. Unfortunately, the 6-8 weeks postpartum check isn?t always a green light for every mommy boot-camp out there. That's why, after giving birth to two girls, I determined the need for real fitness guidance for moms.

One thing we all can assume is that moms aren?t fragile. We just grew, carried, and birthed a beautiful tiny human. That said, there are postpartum considerations to be aware of when returning to exercise. My intent and hope is that after reading these tips, you will feel confident in your plan.
10 important postpartum tips for getting your body back
1) Rest As Much As Possible
Rest is critical and should be your focus for at least two weeks postpart...