Reconnecting yourself to the changes that have taken place postpartum is an important stage in your return to non-pregnant you! Within the first 6 weeks your body will adjust to having given birth- so try to be kind to yourself during this time. (This may take as long as 12 weeks if you have a more difficult labour or c-section)
If you feel ready to exercise within the 6 weeks postpartum frame, there are still plenty of ways you can feel like you’re making a difference;
Go for a walk. Pushing a pram around can make for tough work so go easy and start off with short, slow walking.
Begin your pelvic floor exercises! You can get to work with these as soon as you feel ready- there really is no time that is too soon to get started. You may not be able to connect at all in the early days, but just considering the connection can be the start of great things.
Once you find your connection, it may only be a flicker. Please do not push yourself- just allow your body to guide you. You should work up to 3 times a day, in sitting, standing and laying down.
For details and information on connecting and releasing your pelvic floor, please visit www.pelvicphysiotherapy.com Visit the Pelvic Floor area on the site- There is also an Exercise Link on the Homepage.
6-12 weeks of being a New Mum!
The Mother & Baby Pilates class at NYstudio is great for recovering in the early stages, following the birth of your baby. Coming to a class helps you gain confidence and get you out and about, meeting other new mums! You get to bring baby along with you so you don’t need to worry about finding a sitter while you exercise, or you can leave little ones at home- it’s really up to you.
You will need to get clearance from your Midwife or GP to return to exercise and this will depend on the type of labour you have had; The general guidance is given below but the decision is ultimately with your medical professional and you must have the OK to exercise before joining class.
When can I come to class?
6 weeks for a normal delivery with no, or minimal stitching
12 weeks for any mum who has had C-Section, forceps or grade 4 tearing.
Mother & Baby Pilates Class is aimed at building on the fundamentals of the Pilates technique, and adding challenge once bodies are ready and exercises are adapted to include baby as much or as little as you both want; We don’t actively use babies within exercises, but they don’t need to be ignored by your side if they are curious!
Once you understand how to work safely, you are welcome to tag along into any of the general Pilates sessions if you prefer to be ‘baby free’ or if there is a more suitable class time on the timetable.
If you attend class already, you may benefit from our New Mums exercise sheet, so that you can practice at home. If you are a client, please email us for this pilates@nystudio.co.uk