Get Fit Tips after Baby

January Newsletter Article; Getting in shape was hard before the baby, what can I expect now?

Fitness Recommendations for New Moms
By Kim Gustavson

Many people start the New Year off with resolutions aimed at getting back
into shape and losing weight. New mothers are no exception. However, after
giving birth, women need to be cautious before resuming vigorous exercise,
since many joints are still loose and prone to injury.

Guidelines for New Mom

At your six week postpartum check up, your obstetrical health care provider can give you the okay to resume exercising. Before that time, walking is an excellent form of exercise and your baby will enjoy the fresh air as well.

Set realistic expectations- your body took nine months to get ready for birth so be patient if it takes several months to return to your pre-pregnancy weight.

Eat a light snack or meal an hour before exercising.

Stay well hydrated when you exercise, especially if you are breastfeeding

For comfort, nurse your baby before exercising and wear a supportive sports bra.

Begin exercising slowly to prevent injury. Don't try and jump right back into your old fitness routine.

If you experience pain, stop the exercise and ask the instructor or trainer for help. If you are working out on your own, stop the exercise and try it again in a few days.

Babies love walks in the stroller and the fresh air is good for you both.

Double-check the instructions on jogging strollers and bike carriers as each one is different and some can be used at four months, others not until a year (for a bike carrier). Slings and front carriers are great as well.

Babies love it when their parents exercise! Dance, use stretch bands, play

anyway the spirit moves you. Your baby will be thoroughly entertained watching you. In addition, you are a great role model of the importance of exercise.

Sing when working out with your baby. Your baby will love it and you'll be

sure to breath properly and use your abdominal muscles correctly.

Mom and Baby fitness classes, like those offered at DayOne, are an ideal
way to spend time with your baby while stretching and strengthening your
body. Check DayOne’s website for current locations and schedules.

Kim Gustavson MA, Instructor

Kim has a Master's Degree in Education from San Jose State, a CA Teaching Credential from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a BA in Psychology from Ithaca College, an AFAA Advanced Personal Trainer Certification and she is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer/ AFAA Aerobic Instructor. She spcializes in Pre/Post Natal Fitness for people of all ages and fitness levels. She teaches mom and baby postnatal strength training at DayOne.

Tips for Reading to Your Baby

December Newsletter Article; Do you have any tips for reading to your baby?

Tips for Reading to Your Baby

By Nancy Held RN, MS, IBCLC, Vice President of Clinical & Educational Services

When should I begin reading to my baby?
It’s never too early to begin reading to your baby. Research has demonstrated the value of early and frequent reading aloud to babies and increased verbal and reading skills in kindergarten and beyond.

How do I keep my baby’s attention when reading aloud?
Since your face is your baby’s favorite toy, it is helpful to position your baby to be able to see both your face and the book at the same time. By turning the baby so her body is at a 45 degree angle on your lap, you encourage her to see both your face and the book while you read, allowing the her to see your expressions and what your mouth looks like when you make different sounds.
What kind of books do young infants enjoy?
Babies enjoy board books with simple drawings, and high contrast colors (black, white and red are easiest for babies to see).
According to Mem Fox, author of Reading Magic, Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change their Lives Forever, books with rhythm, rhyme, and repetition with capture your baby’s interest and promote a life long love of reading.
Babies enjoy listening to your voice, so whether it is a board book, nursery rhymes, a magazine, the newspaper or a book of poems that you choose to read, your baby will be captivated if you use expressions and excitement in your voice. Read slowly, with pauses, so your baby’s excitement builds in anticipation of the next page.
Should I read to our baby at bedtime?
Absolutely! It can be very helpful as part of a bedtime routine to consistently read a few short books before bedtime. Babies love repetition, so if you read the same books at bedtime, they can become a part of your ritual. However, anytime is a good time to read a book aloud to a baby, so keep books throughout your apartment or house, in your diaper bag and in your car.


What are some of DayOne’s favorite books for babies?
White on Black (Tana Hoban)
Goodnight San Francisco (Adam Gamble)
Hug (Jez Alborough)
Moo Baa La La La (Sandra Boynton)
Each Peach Pear Plum (Janet & Allan Ahlberg)
Urban Babies Wear Black (Michelle Sinclair Colman)
Are You My Mother? (P.D. Eastman)
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Bill Martin)
Yum Yum Dim Sum (Amy Wilson Singer)
Owl Babies (Martin Waddell)
Where’s Spot? (Eric Hill)
Maisy’s Favorite Things (Lucy Cousins)
Dr. Seuss’s ABCs (Dr. Seuss)
Olivia Counts (Ian Falconer)
My Toys, Mi Juguetes (Rebecca Emberley)
Bread and Jam for Frances (Russell Hoban)
Ten Little Fingers Ten Little Toes (Mem Fox)



Recommended Reading for Parents
Reading Magic, Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever, revised edition, by Mem Fox. 2008. NY: Harcourt Press.