Ante & Post Natal Pilates

Antenatal and postnatal Pilates classes can help you cope better with the aches and pains of pregnancy, improve your posture and get you back into shape after the birth of your baby.

As a mum of three children, including twins, I understand what it's like to be working right up to your due date as well as then juggling a toddler and a pregnancy and then a toddler and a baby!

Everyone's pregnancy is different and your experience of pregnancy and labour will be unique to you. I can adapt your exercises to help you in the areas you need the most support. I've experienced a tricky labour and birthed in a midwife led unit as well as a hospital and so together we can talk through any concerns you might have. Having used local hypnobirthing, cranial osteopaths, sleep fairies and all the mum and baby groups, I can support you in other ways too with tips on where to go for help if you need other people's advice.

Pilates is a fantastic way to get your body ready for labour. Perhaps you are already doing it or you have never tried it, whatever your starting point, you will benefit from mobilising all your joints to get yourself ready for looking after your precious newborn.

I believe that there’s no better way to strengthen your body to cope with the additional weight of pregnancy and prepare your body for labour. It’s also a safe way to heal your abdominal muscles post birth and repair your pelvic floor.

With a specialist extra qualification in ante and post natal pilates, I'm able to adapt exercises to suit your ability, and if baby wakes up, I'm a brilliant baby bouncer and speedy nappy changer so you can get the most out of our time together!

Pilates pre baby has many benefits, including:

Helping your posture so you can carry baby safely and comfortably which can alleviate any back pain through improving your alignment
Maintain or increase energy levels ready for birth and the busy newborn phase
Strengthen your pelvic floor strength and control
Working on the muscles that support your pelvis and abdominal area where baby is growing
Improved general body strength
Giving you much needed 'me' time to concentrate on your wellbeing

After baby is born and you have clearance from your GP or Consultant to exercise again, give me a call and we can work out a plan together.

Postnatally, pilates is famous for being a gentle and effective way to ease your way back into exercise targetting the weakened abdomen to aid muscle restoration as well as mobilising the spine to align your posture. I have undertaken extra training in diastasis recti strategies to support you in finding core strength again safely and effectively.

Working in safe, friendly and understanding way, it's fine to have baby with you whilst you work with me. Postnatal pilates is a healthy way to reconnect with your body, the benefits include:

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles that can loosen during pregnancy and birth
Improving a diastasis recti that might be present and general abdominal work
Improving posture that has been affected by pregnancy as well as learning again how to use your deep core muscles around your tummy, back and pelvic floor to set you up for success and strength
Relaxation! Give yourself the space and time to find your mind body connection (again, my experience of shhhhhhing a baby, rocking a rocker and winding two babies at once can be invaluable here!)

I only teach ante and post natal ladies in a 1:1 or 2 friends together so we can absolutely focus on you at this precious life moment. I provide all the kit and come to your home. Message me today to find out more - tell me your exciting news and we can discuss how I can get you gently on track to where you want to be.