After you've had your baby, you'll want to get back on track with postnatal exercises. Your physical therapist can evaluate you for postural problems or abdominal weakness and then put you on a program to gradually strengthen those muscles. The program may include pelvic floor exercises to prevent incontinence (difficulty with bladder control).
Simple attention to little details in everyday life will make a big difference in your comfortable recovery. Your baby's changing table, for instance, should be at waist level, so you don't have to bend forward and strain your back. In fact, try to keep from the waist as much as possible. If you stand a lot, try resting one foot on a stool or box. This will give your back added support.
*Sourced from: American Physical Therapy Association (www.APTA.org). "For Women of All Ages. A Physical Therapist's Perspective on Women's Health." 50M/3-07/PR-38