Written by guest blooger, Autumn Bonner, co-owner and co-founder of My Tailored Fitness.

Happy New Year Moms!  Now that the family is gone, holiday cookies are eaten, and presents are all opened, you are probably settling back into your normal life as a mom.  If you are like most people, you are probably thinking about 2014 and how you’d like to make it even better than last year.  One of the areas you might like to improve in the New Year is your health.  Let’s face it: as a mom, caring for yourself usually takes last place.  You make sure your baby’s needs are met, take care of your spouse/partner, and after that, if there’s time, you take care of yourself.  Sadly this often leaves us disappointed…with how our clothes fit, with how often we get to exercise, and with our lack of energy.

To be the best moms we can be, we must take care of ourselves. The good news is that by carving out just 20 minutes a day you can make some big changes this year!  It’s also important to know that your exercise routine can go hand in hand with your breastfeeding goals!  Research proves that exercise does not impact the quantity or quality of your milk supply.  All you need to do is make sure to eat at least 1500 calories per day and a few more to make up for the calories you burn on those days when you exercise. Here’s a great post dedicated to exercise and breastfeeding with some helpful tips. Exercise has so many other benefits for a new mom like relieving stress, helping you sleep better, and boosting your immunity, so it is definitely worth making a priority!