Gentle stretching exercises

Press, 6 October 1988, Page 11

Gentle stretching exercises

Here are some exercises to get fit after childbirth. Remember, stretch your body gently, as if it were an elastic band. (1). Lie in the foetal position with the baby in the crook of your arm. Relax. Open up, lie flat and roll on to other side. Exhale when stretching, inhale when curling up.

Do all exercises six times or more. (2). With both feet on a low table, lie back and flatten out your middle back. This relieves the pressure on your back. Tighten up the abdomen, lift your head, place the baby on your tummy looking at your knees and using it as an extra weight. Your

tummy is encouraged to go in. Try six or more. (3). To trim up thighs, lie on the floor, lift hips and tighten bottom. Then in the same position, pushing back against the floor, cross feet and lift hips, putting the weight on the upper back and feet. Squeeze bottom and thighs. If you like it, hold

the baby up above you. (4). To loosen up the back sit on the side of a low table with knees out. Lean forward with baby in front of you. Move slowly back. (5). This is a good exercise if you are feeding. Pick baby up and hold over one shoulder. Put her down on lap. Then raise her over.