Helping yourself feel healthy is one of the best things you can do for your baby. A little exercise will tone your muscles. You'll feel stronger and more energized. You'll also feel more awake and aware. Don't worry about your weight right now. Your goal is to feel healthy.

You may have been told to do pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels) during pregnancy. These exercises strengthen the muscles that are strained by carrying and delivering the baby. You can start doing them again as soon as you feel ready. Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles (the ones that control your urine stream) for at least 3 seconds, then relax for 3 seconds. Do 10 contractions three times a day. Increase your hold by 1 second each week. Work your way up to 10-second holds or up to 50 to 100 Kegels a day.

Exercise helps you get in shape. It also makes your muscles stronger, so it's easier to lift the baby. As an added benefit, exercise gives you a sense that you're doing something good for yourself. Take your baby for a short walk or spend 10 minutes stretching. If you were active during pregnancy, you can probably begin light exercise as soon as you feel ready. But be sure to check with your doctor before you begin, especially if you had a cesarean section.

For the first month, think about regaining energy and feeling good, not about losing weight. Losing weight too soon can make you feel more tired. Instead, focus on caring for your baby and eating balanced meals. You may lose some weight without even trying, especially if you're breastfeeding. Once your energy level is back to normal, you can begin to lose weight. A gradual weight loss of 4 or 5 pounds a month is safest.

You'll want to be comfortable during the first days after delivery. Wear a robe, pajamas, or sweats—whatever feels best. Soon you may want to look more like your prepregnant self. Do your hair and wear makeup, if you normally do. A loose-fitting dress may feel good. But don't reach for your jeans. It's likely to be a month or more before you can wear them. If leaking breasts are a problem, put pads inside your bra and dress in layers. If you're breastfeeding, shirts that open in front and pullover tops are good choices. A scarf or shawl can be used as a drape if you breastfeed around other people.

Remember to schedule your postpartum visit. You should have contact with your doctor within 3 weeks of delivery. You may need to see your doctor sooner if you had a cesarean section or have high blood pressure. You should have a complete postpartum visit with your doctor within 12 weeks of delivery. Also contact your doctor if you have:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding. This means that you are soaking through one or more pads in an hour. Or you pass blood clots bigger than an egg.
• Fever
• Pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or a color change on your breast.
• Problems urinating or haven't had a bowel movement after 1 week
• Depression or anxiety that is new or getting worse
• Pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or a color change on the leg
• A severe headache
• Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet
• New vision problems (such as dimness, blurring, or seeing spots)
• Severe belly pain
• Pain or urgency with urination
• Vaginal discharge that smells bad

Call 911 if any of the following occur:

• You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself, your baby, or someone else
• You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood
• You have a seizure

The Postpartum Support International HelpLine (800-944-4773) may also be helpful.