Postpartum Research Review from Bastyr Student

Shelley, the author of the research review below, recently completed her 40 hour practicum at Bodies for Birth and has now officially graduated from Bastyr with a degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science! Ā Shelley set out to learn more about what the current research says about exercise for the postpartum population and has summarized her findings. Read her research review here and more about Shelley and her experience as a student at Bodies for Birth below: Research Reviewed:Ā Postpartum Womenā€™s Perspectives …

Featured Mama: Sarah S

Our journeys to and through motherhood are so completely unique and thereā€™s much to be gained from sharing our stories. Ā With the Featured Mama Edition of our blog, we aim to highlight the power, strength and wisdom within our very own community! We are strong mamas, we are smart mamas! Ā Letā€™s embrace one another with love and support. INTRODUCING, SARAH S! Tell us a bit about yourself: Iā€™m a 39 year old working Mom. I’m currently on maternity leave from …

How Does Mom & Baby Gym Work?!

How Does Mom & Baby Gym Work?! Here are the nuts and bolts: Mom & Baby Open Gym (MBG) runs fromĀ 11 AM -1 PMĀ on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Ā During this time, attendees arrive on their own schedule (with the last entry atĀ 12:30 PM) to participate in a postpartum specific circuit. There are six stations set out in the group class space-each one has all the equipment needed to complete the workout. Each station also has a postpartum circuit on a …

Fitness Gains in Pregnancy

pregnancy fitness seattle

Yes, it is possible to gain fitness while pregnant!Ā Ā I see it all the time and it’s amazing!Ā Ā  During an initial one-on-one, its quite common for me to hear stories of less than optimal fitness routines.Ā Ā Many of us are working too much and finding less time is available to devote to health and wellness.Ā Ā Common stories are of long weekdays spent at desks and efforts to get in some form of exercise on the weekends.Ā  Once there’s a little one or two …

Abdominal Separation FAQs: Part II

Iā€™m often asked about diastasis recti (the medical name for abdominal separation) by both pre and postnatal clients and do believe that education is key when it comes to both minimizing and rehabilitating this condition. If youĀ havenā€™t yet read Part I, you can find it here! Let’s get started with a bit of research: Boissonnault & Blaschak (1988) found that 27% of women have a DRA in the second trimester and 66% in the third trimester of pregnancy. 53% of …

Physical Therapy in the Perinatal Time: Guest Contributor, Aimee Lake, DPT

Physical therapy can be very helpful for maintaining a healthy level of physical activity during pregnancy. It can be helpful for managing and solving some of the physical challenges of pregnancy. It can also be a great resource for preparing for birth and post partum recovery. People often think of physical therapy in terms of getting rid of pain or the rehab thatā€™s needed after a surgery. But as a Womenā€™s Health physical therapist, I like to think of my …

Why Does My Back Ache in Pregnancy?

So, todayā€™s topic is all about the postural changes that occur in a pregnant personā€™s body.Ā  Iā€™ve listed some of the main anatomical changes that occur below to help you understand why you may be suffering with stiff shoulders, neck strain and constant back pain. Welcome to pregnancyā€¦or not! Thereā€™s so much that can be done to minimize or eliminate these aches and pains. Ā The answer may not be exercise, but it may be a combination of complimentary therapies. Itā€™s …

Tara J’s Birth Story: Welcome, Conrad!

Tara J’s Birth Story: Again, my due date came and went.Ā  I was eight days late with my daughter, so tried to keep up my normal routine.Ā  I had finished my last day of work, so “normal” was entertaining my ever growing toddler and trying to get some exercise each day. Three days past my due date I began bleeding.Ā  I had planned to go to yoga that morning so I called my doula to make sure she thought it …

Preconception Health: A Guest Post by Jennifer November, ND

How to be your healthiest self prior to getting pregnant The decision to get pregnant is a big one.Ā  One of the biggest an individual and a couple face. So much goes into the decision ā€” are you ready as a couple? Are you ready as an individual? Is the timing appropriate with your chosen career path?Ā  Are your finances in order?Ā  And, is your health optimal for getting pregnant and growing a baby? The following are some tips to …

Why aren’t sit-ups safe after birth?

Iā€™m going to start by saying that the Fitness Industry, like many other industries, is an ever-changing one. Itā€™s full of trends. Exercises come in and out of fashion, research is done to prove exercises safe or unsafe, and as Fitness Professionals, we listen and make changes to our program content accordingly. Sit-ups, or any variation of this movement where you go into forward flexion ie: when lying on your back, you bring your torso towards your knees to work …