Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative experience, but it comes with its own set of physical changes and challenges. For pregnant women and new mothers, taking care of your body and regaining control over it is essential for a healthy pregnancy and a smooth postpartum recovery. We speak with Noella Green, Selph’s new exercise physiologist about the importance of regaining movement and control over your body pre and post-pregnancy, and how our “Back to Movement and Out of Pain During Pregnancy and Postpartum” 4-week program can make a world of difference.
Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation. Your body adapts to support the growth of a new life, and this process involves a myriad of physical and hormonal changes. While these changes are necessary and beautiful, they can also lead to challenges, discomfort, and limitations in your mobility and control over your body. The most common changes include weight gain, an altered center of gravity, muscle weakness, and ligament laxity, which can affect your balance and stability.
Postpartum recovery is a crucial phase in a mother’s life that often doesn’t receive as much attention as the pregnancy itself. However, it’s a time when your body needs support, care, and patience to heal and regain strength. Focusing on postpartum recovery is not just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring that your body is in the best condition to care for your newborn and to preserve your long-term well-being.
Regaining Movement and Control
- Pelvic Floor Health: The pelvic floor muscles play a vital role during pregnancy and childbirth, but they can become weakened or stretched during this time. Pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can help you regain control and strength in this area. Physical therapy with a trained specialist can also provide tailored exercises and guidance.
- Core Strengthening: Pregnancy often results in abdominal separation, known as diastasis recti. It’s important to focus on strengthening your core muscles through safe and targeted exercises. Consult a professional or a postpartum fitness specialist for guidance.
- Gradual Exercise: After childbirth, your body needs time to heal. Slow and gradual re-entry into physical activity is essential. Begin with gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming and increase intensity as you feel comfortable.
- Posture and Alignment: The changes in your body’s alignment during pregnancy can lead to aches and pains. Pay attention to your posture and consider seeing a chiropractor or physical therapist to help realign your body.
- Emotional Well-being: Pregnancy and the postpartum period can take a toll on your emotional well-being. Surround yourself with a support system, practice self-care, and consider seeking counselling or therapy to address any emotional challenges you may be facing.
Selph 4-week Program
Our ‘Back to Movement and Out of Pain During Pregnancy and Postpartum’ program is a comprehensive 4-week offering tailored to meet the unique needs of pregnant women and new mums. The program is designed to address pain, discomfort, and physical challenges associated with pregnancy and postpartum recovery. It includes a range of services provided by expert practitioners, making it a one-stop solution for women seeking to regain control over their bodies.
Remember, the journey of motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s about celebrating every step, every milestone, and every moment of postpartum recovery. By taking a holistic approach to your well-being, you can give yourself the best chance at a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life as both a mother and an individual.
Embrace this journey with love, and your body will respond in kind, allowing you to flourish and thrive in the many roles you’ll embrace in the years to come.