Experts express concern over advice for new mothers on exercise and sleep routines

Parenting organisations have strongly criticised new recommendations for postpartum exercise and sleep habits, with concerns that the advice may overwhelm new mothers. The guidance, which suggests that mothers should engage in two hours of exercise per week and avoid screens before bedtime during the first three months following childbirth, has drawn backlash for its perceived lack of practicality.

Mumsnet, the popular parenting network, expressed that the advice seemed overly optimistic about the realities of caring for a newborn. The guidelines, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, were developed by Canadian experts who reviewed 574 studies on the health of new mothers. Their recommendations aim to improve both the physical and mental health of new mothers by encouraging at least two hours of moderate exercise each week, daily pelvic-floor exercises, and reduced screen time before sleep.

While the experts, from the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, argue that these guidelines address a significant gap in postpartum fitness advice, British organisations have raised concerns about the feasibility of these suggestions. Justine Roberts, CEO of Mumsnet, warned against making new mothers feel pressured to follow these recommendations, highlighting the difficulty of establishing a sleep routine amidst the challenges of newborn care.

Katherine Walker, of the NCT, agreed that pelvic-floor exercises are important but stressed the need for caution regarding more strenuous activities. She noted that recovery times after childbirth can vary greatly, with some mothers requiring more time to heal after a C-section or forceps delivery. She cautioned against pushing new mothers to exercise too soon, suggesting that walking could be a gentler way to regain strength.

Janet Lindsay, from Wellbeing of Women, echoed this sentiment, advising that exercise should only be undertaken when mothers feel ready and should be tailored to their personal recovery. The overall message from these experts is that while exercise can be beneficial, it must be approached with care and not added pressure during a time of significant adjustment for new parents.