After the bump

Motherhood is a special experience, but the entire process often leaves a woman drained. But it need not be so.
Enrich your life after a baby by leading a healthy lifestyle, eating the right foods, getting enough rest and pampering yourself. Experts tell you how to enjoy your motherhood without compromising on the much-needed ‘me time’.
Take up a dance class: Letting your hair down can be a great stress buster.The music perks you up and the moves helps burn some calories. Flamenco, Jive, Salsa or Kathak... choose whatever catches your fancy. Else, just dim the lights and groove to your favourite tune.
Indulge in Tel malish: The body naturally assists pregnancy by releasing a hormone, relaxin, which makes the joints more flexible. Since relaxin remains in the body for several months even after delivery, don’t overstretch muscles and joints. Pamper yourself with a relaxing oil massage everyday. Warm mustard oil is great for the hormonal changes that the body undergoes during this phase.
Become a water baby: Once the doctor agrees, find an hour to go swimming. Water has a destressing effect on your mind. It’s a full body-low impact exercise that does not jar the joints. If you are adventurous, take up an aqua aerobics class that strengthens muscle and tones the abs.
Stroll with the baby: This one can be done only after the baby is three months old. Take him/her to a garden and get some help to handle the baby while you walk around. The smell of wet mud and green grass has a soothing effect. Talking to him/her about the trees, flowers and grass can also be a bonding exercise.
Munch on garden cress seeds: High in iron and low on fat, garden cress seeds are a must-have to get back in shape. The iron makes up for the loss of blood that is common during childbirth. Have it as breakfast, with milk and jaggery. Garden cress is commonly known as halim or asalio.
Enjoy some pilates: This is another one that needs the go ahead from a doctor. Mat work pilates strengthen and destress the pelvic and deep abdominal muscles. Also it is a good workout to relieve low back pain, common with new mothers.
Read up, listen up: What you read and listen to has a direct impact on the baby’s mind. Pick up audio CDs such as White Mountain or Avataran. Also, soothing chants and mantras work well for new mothers. Read up feel-good novels. From Robin Sharma and Deepak Chopra’s words for the soul, to PG Wodehouse’s charming novels to even the Harry Potter series... read anything that makes you feel good and positive.