ASK Kristen: Is 4 weeks too early?
6/4/2008 Kristen Horler, CEO & Founder of Baby Boot Camp

A: I know how eager you are to get back to your pre-pregnancy shape and feel great in your bridesmaid dress this summer. The first thing you need to realize is that it took nine months for your baby to develop into a fully formed infant that can live outside of your body. It also took your body nine months to make room for your growing baby and to support her in the postpartum phase (through breastfeeding and/or close physical contact). That's nine months for your organs to shift. Nine months for your rib cage to spread. Nine months for your breasts, hips and belly to grow. Now that your baby is out, your bones, organs, breasts, hips and belly don't go back to the way they were B.C. (before child). The physical changes you can see, such as your breasts, hips and belly show you extra pounds, but it's what you don't see, is so important right now. Your bones, your organs, your ligaments have all shifted to make room for your growing baby. If you hit the road for a run, your internal organs will be tossed around like a cosmo in a cocktail shaker. I don't know about you, but I don't want to wear Depends undergarments under a bridesmaid dress or bathing suit this summer! Increasing your physical activity too soon can exacerbate common postpartum issues such as urinary incontinence. I recommend low and no-impact exercise in your first 16 weeks postpartum. This includes short, easy walking during your first 2-6 weeks postpartum. Once you reach 6 weeks postpartum, all lochia and bleeding has ceased and you receive clearance from your physician or midwife to resume physical exercise, you can begin to gradually increase your F.I.T.ness (Frequency, Intensity, Time).