Today, in the final part of this three part series, I’m going to discuss exercise, and in particular, the right exercise new moms need to be doing to help to shift their “mummy tummy.” If you do no exercise at all and consume a poor diet, then your “mummy tummy” is pretty much there to stay. Harsh words I know, …
Prenatal Exercise Guidelines: My Top Three Tips!
Exercise during pregnancy. By now, most of us know that we should be doing it, but how? What’s safe? What’s most beneficial and where can you go for reliable advice and instruction? If you know me, then you know that I am a firm believer in individualizing your exercise program during pregnancy and postpartum both. In fact, I require a …
Diaphragmatic Breathing in Pregnancy & Postpartum
“Damn it! What?!” I exclaimed, exasperated as my little one called for me for what felt like the 80th time in five minutes. I again went to his side imploring, “I am right here, Honey, I’m just trying to cook dinner and I need to write a blog post about deep breathing tonight!” I immediately started laughing at the irony …
Reasons Why You Can’t Lose Your Mummy Tummy–Part II
Ok, so this is part two of a three part series of articles concerning your “mummy tummy”. Recently, I discussed how new moms often feel a bulge or layer of fat around their mid-section, and no matter what they do, they can’t shift it! That’s the pillow-like feeling I referred to—and it can be a bit of a surprise postpartum. …
How do I lose my Mummy Tummy?
PART I How are you feeling about your postpartum belly? Personally, I’ve always been conflicted. Physically, mine felt like a pillow for quite some time and I even remember resting my arm on it while I nursed my newborn son! What an odd feeling that was! A belly that had been full and taught for so many months was now …
The Importance of Hydration
The Importance of Water Intake During Pregnancy “How are you doing with your water intake? Are you staying hydrated?” These questions have been rolling off my tongue during this remarkably hot Seattle summer. Hydration is always important at any stage of life, but especially important during pregnancy. So here’s a quick Q&A regarding this important topic: How much water should …
Breastfeeding and Exercise Tips
Breastfeeding and Exercise Tips This topic has been on my mind as we are two weeks in to the May Mom & Baby Series. While instructing Mom & Baby, I always keep breastfeeding in mind—allowing fifteen minutes at the start of each class for preemptive nursing and of course, time throughout and following class as needed. As the mama of …
Diastasis Recti–An Overview
Diastasis Recti: Defined What is this big, scary sounding term and how does it or could it effect you, your pregnancy and ability to recover postpartum? Diastasis Recti is a term for the weakening and subsequent separation of the connective tissue at the midline of the abdomen secondary to increased intra-abdominal pressure. In simple terms, it’s the separation of the …
Diaphragmatic Breathing: “Ahhhh”
We know that life begins with the first breath and ends with the last. But it is how we breathe in between the first and last that greatly impacts how well we live this life. Nancy Zi, The Art of Breathing I am often asked, “What’s the best exercise I can do the prepare my body for childbirth?” …
Getting Quiet
I took five minutes yesterday to get quiet. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. It felt like 40 and I swear it added a year back to my life. I gained a sense of calm, peacefulness, a centeredness and focus I hadn’t felt in weeks or maybe months. I took that calm with me on a jog and noticed the trees, …