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It’s no secret that pregnancy can do a number on your midsection. Although it might be the tautest it’s ever been as you waddle your way into the hospital to give birth, it’ll likely be quite the opposite by the time you’re leaving with baby in arms. But that squishy physique won’t stick around forever; with time and practice, you can reconnect with your core. Tummy time The first time Lisa Reynolds, director of Pilates and GYROTONIC method at East Bank Club in Chicago, tried to activate her core after giving birth, she admits to thinking, Is this thing on? “It felt like I was sending my menta ..read more

Your mantra through any postbaby exercises should be this: slow and steady. The last thing you want is to push yourself too hard, too fast. Remember, it took months (10 if you’re counting) for your body to grow and change into what it is today. Whether you’re striving to get back to your prepregnancy weight or you just want to tone up your former bump, it will take time, and that’s OK. There are no winners or losers because there’s not even a race. At your six-week postpartum appointment, your doctor will likely green light your return to the gym (or whatever your former fitness routine might ..read more

You are amazing—you carried and brought a babe into the world!—but don’t think you have to be supermom. It’s normal to need a helping hand (or three) as you adjust to life with a wee one. Here’s how to find support … With postpartum depression If you have a good relationship with your care provider and you feel comfortable and safe speaking openly with her, then let her know how you’ve been feeling. Another option is to reach out to an advocate who has helped other mothers with postpartum mood disorders. To do so, call Postpartum Support International’s toll-free number 1-800-944-4773 ..read more

After feeding, bathing or carrying baby, open up your chest with these poses from Karly Treacy, certified SmartFLOW yoga instructor and mom of three in Venice, California. Lazy boy chest opener Make a “recliner” by propping up a bolster with two blocks. (One block will be at the tallest level to support the head; the other will be placed at mid-level to support the upper back. The bolster rests over the two blocks.) Sit with your bum directly in front of the bolster, and lie back into your recliner. Turn the inner arms to face the sky, and allow the palms to face up. You can extend the legs s ..read more

On your first foray into parenthood you usually get a lot of stuff. And while all of those bodysuits and carriers and diapers—and even those tiny newborn washcloths—are useful, sometimes what a new mama needs most can’t be gift-wrapped. So, the next time you’re wondering what to bestow on your co-worker or gal pal who has recently birthed a babe, think outside the big box store, and consider one of these gracious gifts instead. (With any luck, she’ll return the favor when your babe arrives.) 1. A squeaky-clean home. Call up a local maid service, and foot the bill for a one-time visit. Whether ..read more

At kindergarten drop off this morning, a fellow mom stopped to show me pictures on her phone. “See, I told you my niece looks just like your daughter!” she beamed. I agreed and smiled back whole-heartedly, carefully studying her friendly face. Then as we parted, I fought back the tears—I had no idea who this woman was. I hung my head to ride out the wave of exhausted bewilderment, only to notice I was still in house shoes. Ah, the joys of long-term sleep deprivation. Had it finally gone too far? You’d think I was in the throes of the up-every-two-hours gauntlet with a newborn, but (although I ..read more

Clue her in You’ve both endured hangovers and breakups, and you learned from experience how to get each other through them. If your longtime gal pal hasn’t been pregnant or perpetually sleep-deprived, though, she may have a hard time knowing what you need now. Fill her in on how you’re feeling and what your current challenges and triumphs are, so she can lift you up, cheer you on and share a pint of Ben & Jerry’s as needed. Split the spotlight Just because everything in your life is new and exciting doesn’t mean what’s going on in hers doesn’t warrant some attention, too. Find ou ..read more

For months—and then weeks, and then days—on end, I looked eagerly at my due date, circled in bold ink on the kitchen calendar. Especially as that date drew nearer, it began to seem like the X on a treasure map, the destination I had spent three long trimesters preparing to reach. And for good reason: Delivery marks a life-changing turning point, the moment when a baby, and ultimately a mother, is born. As tempting as it is to think of the final few weeks of pregnancy as the last leg of a race, what you’re running full-speed toward isn’t a finish line at all—it’s really just the starting gate ..read more

For months—and then weeks, and then days—on end, I looked eagerly at my due date, circled in bold ink on the kitchen calendar. Especially as that date drew nearer, it began to seem like the X on a treasure map, the destination I had spent three long trimesters preparing to reach. And for good reason: Delivery marks a life-changing turning point, the moment when a baby, and ultimately a mother, is born. As tempting as it is to think of the final few weeks of pregnancy as the last leg of a race, what you’re running full-speed toward isn’t a finish line at all—it’s really just the starting gate ..read more