The number one thing I tell my postpartum parents?
Getting the all clear at the 6-week postpartum check-up doesn’t mean you should jump straight back into exercise.
If you are someone who wants to return to exercise consider prioritising the following first:
1. Prioritising REST above all else, don’t rush! Just because you have hit the 6 week postpartum mark does not mean you need to return to exercise. Stay in your baby bubble as long as you like, it’s not a race! So much healing occurs in the 6-12 months following birth, your body was made for birth and it was also made to recover
2. See a practitioner (osteo, physio etc.) who can offer one-on-one return to exercise sessions. 1:1 support is so helpful in supporting your individual and specific needs. i.e. are you connected to your breath and pelvic floor during everyday movements e.g. sit to stand
3. Can you lengthen and activate your pelvic floor?
“Breath in - feel a light weight drag you pelvic floor down”
“Breath out - feel a gentle recoil or lift of your pelvic floor muscles”
This is so important before you look at returning to exercise!
4. Start with walks - by yourself, with a friend or with the pram!
5. Try a parents and bubs class at pilates or your local gym. These classes tend to cater for return to exercise better than a regular class would.
6. Remember just how incredible and capable your body is!