helping you from bump 2 baby and beyond

Firstly, a huge congratulations! Pregnancy to postpartum is the most exciting experience but as a Mum of 2 little ones myself I know that it is one that can carry a lot of anxiety and other emotions.  We have so many changes we have to adjust to, both physically and mentally, whilst also worrying about our new little bundle of joy whether they are still inside or outside.

What’s included

When it comes to being pregnant or post-natal, we have some additional considerations we need to make. Rather than just walking through exercises, we will also go through a number of things at the start of our journey together, dependent on your circumstances, such as:

• Breath work

• Pelvic floor considerations and exercises

• Safely working the core

• Diastasis Recti (ab separation) considerations and rehabilitation

• Posture check and adjustments

• Mobility and stretches

• Safety considerations or adjustments

• Nutrition

Little ones welcome

This time is so precious and the main thing is needing to make sure both you and baby are looked after as best as possible. I also understand some may not be ready or able to leave their baby for many reasons so I am more than happy for you to bring your little one with you and will try to help out as much as possible, including having a play pen available, so you can still get that all important me time!

Benefits of exercise in pregnancy

Exercise is recommended for most healthy and uncomplicated pregnancies and births and comes with many potential benefits including:

• Improving your overall mood, energy levels, sleep, strength, general fitness levels

• Preparing your body for the demands of labour

• Reducing the risk of high blood pressure

• Reducing weight gain during pregnancy

• Easing constipation

• Improving posture

• Reducing back pain

• Possibly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

After birth exercise can help in:

• Reducing the risk of postnatal depression

• Aid the return of normal weight

• Relieving stress and improving sleep quality

• Help to rehabilitate muscles that may have been affected during pregnancy including pelvic floor and abdominal muscles (Diastasis Recti)

• Help your body cope with the demands of motherhood

Are there risks to exercising in pregnancy?

I appreciate some people are worried that exercise could hurt your baby and that you should not lift anything during this time.

I can however assure you that provided that certain factors are not present (which we will discuss) and exercises are adapted and selected appropriately, then there have been no identifiable risks associated with exercising during pregnancy.

That is why I am here. To help you exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period in a safe and controlled way ensuring you are comfortable and confident throughout. Not only am I qualified to do so, but I have also been there myself, twice, and have experienced the benefits of exercising in pregnancy and returning to exercise after giving birth which can be quite a daunting experience.

In order to ensure that your programme is as safe as possible, I also ask all clients to undertake an in-depth questionnaire about you and your pregnancy / birth which we will then discuss in more detail in our consultation.

Whilst anything to do with pregnancy or postpartum usually hikes up prices, I certainly don’t believe in that as you have enough expenses to think of right now. So please head to my Personal Training and What I charge pages to see how I work as the same applies to this.

Free mums walk & talk group (surrey mums meet)

I also run a free group for Mums to help us get out of the house, exercise and meet other people. Click here to find out more.

Exercise in pregnancy information sources

I have included some guidance from the UK Chief Medical Officer regarding physical activity in pregnancy below that you may find useful. Further information can also be found on the NHS website if this is something you would like to look into yourself.