postnatal recovery

After the marathon of pregnancy comes the ultra endurance test of motherhood itself! Becoming a mum is a huge shift, both physically & mentally, so acknowledging the change in our bodies and minds, and continuing to make time for our recovery and emotional adjustment can be very helpful.

Sometimes pregnancy can change our physique permanently. Our expanded ribcage and pelvis may not go back to where they are for example. But it’s all part of the amazing job our body does to grow and give birth to a baby! It’s not always easy to ignore societal pressures to ‘bounce back’ to pre-pregnancy size or weight, but try to think about your postnatal recovery in terms of ‘bouncing forward’ to embrace the new you!

Postnatal fitness can really help after having a baby for a number of reasons. It can:

• re-strengthen your body after the marathon of pregnancy and childbirth
• prepare you for the long journey of motherhood to come – building strength & endurance for carrying your baby, pushing the buggy, etc and then needing to be more active as your baby becomes a toddler / child
• boost your mood with endorphins and offering valuable ‘you’ time, as well as easing the anxieties of early parenthood
• provide the perfect antidote to the hours spent holding or feeding your little one with stretches for your neck, shoulders and back

However, going too fast or too hard risks causing permanent damage, so finding specific postnatal specific classes or exercises that protect your recovery and taking a gradual approach is well advised. Postnatal instructors should ensure that you’re working safely and tailor exercises to your stage of recovery. Mum specific classes also mean you’ll meet other mums with little ones, and build another valuable social support group.

Postnatal exercise should also take into account a few common issues experienced after giving birth. For example, while the abdominal separation (diastasis recti) created by pregnancy is still in the process of closing, it’s really important that you don’t work too powerfully into the abdominal muscles, and modify common exercises to work safely until you have managed to close the gap. So no planks, crunches, sit ups, roll ups, excessive or fast twist movements and strong back bends until that gap is closed.

Moreover, the continued presence of relaxin in your body (especially if you’re breastfeeding), makes it easy to overstretch and strain your muscles and ligaments if you overdo it. It also creates a looseness in joints such as your knees, ankles and hips that high impact exercises such as running can put too much pressure on.

Your pelvic floor also needs to be rebuilt after supporting the weight of your baby – even if you’ve had a c-section! And it’s something that needs lots of work to make sure you feel comfortable going to the toilet, having sex and also to protect you from leaks! This is big picture stuff to ensure a healthy and happy future for you!

Our bodies have been through enormous changes during pregnancy and childbirth. They need time to heal before trying to return to pre-pregnancy physical exercise. But look after yourself and take the right approach and you can come out the other side as a fitter, stronger and healthier you!

If you’d like to find out more about our tailored postnatal fitness classes, check out https://busylizzy.co.uk/postnatal-fitness-classes/

Proud supporters of Great Ormond Street Hospital and Kicks Count.

Established in 2011, Busylizzy is the U.K’s leading boutique fitness club for new and expectant parents. Just like a gym, members pay a monthly membership fee and come together to enjoy fitness and fun classes with like minded new friends throughout their maternity leave. Classes take place in local family friendly studios and online. Busylizzy has blueprinted a series of different classes for parents to enjoy each week – from Mummy&Me Pilates to Baby Massage, Mumstobee Yoga to Bootcamp. There’s something for everyone from pregnancy to 2 years. The only way to get the Busylizzy Experience is to visit one of our clubs and see for yourself. Make your maternity memorable. 

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