Overview

• The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology has released new postpartum guidelines recommending 120 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week and daily pelvic floor exercises.
• The guidelines emphasize benefits such as reduced postpartum depression, improved sleep, and better cardiometabolic health, based on an analysis of 574 studies.
• Critics, including parenting groups like Mumsnet and NCT, argue the recommendations may be unrealistic for new mothers managing recovery and infant care.
• Experts stress the importance of gradual, personalized approaches to exercise and highlight the value of even small steps toward meeting activity goals.
• The guidance also includes recommendations to establish healthy sleep routines, though critics note this may be challenging given the demands of newborn care.