Sue Fleming's latest installment in her Buff series of fitness manuals for women is for those who wish to restore their physique without risking harm to themselves or their newborns in the period following childbirth. Fleming bases her book on research on the physiological changes experienced by postpartum women, as well as on personal testimonials and studies that show exercise programs begun shortly after childbirth to be the most successful weight-loss strategy. Fleming develops a generously illustrated, week-by-week fitness program of stretches and conditioning exercises, which are gradually supplemented with aerobic options as the body recovers. She includes special instructions and guidelines for women given episiotomies or Caesarean births, those with diastesis (abdominal-muscle separation), and those who breast-feed their infants. Fleming's program even includes exercises that can be performed with the baby on the mother's stomach or legs, in a stroller, or held in her arms, thus coupling exercise with bonding--the ultimate in maternal multitasking. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.