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 …

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 …

Featured Mama: Jenny Boe

Our journeys to and through motherhood are so completely unique and there’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 Let’s embrace one another with love and support. Introducing, Jenny …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Exercises to Avoid with Abdominal Separation

post baby body training seattle

What exercises should be avoided when abdominal separation is present? Postnatal-specific core-based exercise is THE best form of exercise for new moms to be doing, because it focuses on pelvic floor strength and activation of the deep abdominal muscles.Ā  These are the two main areas of the abdominals that as an Pre/Postnatal Instructor I want to focus on building back …

Abdominals During Pregnancy

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE ABDOMINALS DURING PREGNANCY? With all the pressure outward and downward as the size of belly grows, you may be wonderingā€¦ā€What happens to the abdominals during pregnancy?ā€Ā  This quick read provides insight into all that is happening as your body adapts to pregnancy. The six-pack muscle (Rectus Abdominis) runs from your breast bone to your pubic bone …

Easing Back & Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy

Back pain and pelvic pain are seemingly synonymous with pregnancy. Ā Once baby arrives, Ā your pelvis may ache,Ā your pelvic floor may be fatigued and healing and you will likely feel somewhat disconnected from your core as recovery begins. Ā Staying strong throughout pregnancy is vital…and partaking in safe, appropriate postpartum training is equally important. Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, referred to as Pelvic Girdle …

Postpartum Exercise Guidelines: Return to Sport Safely

Exercise postpartum can be just as confusing as during pregnancy and maybe even a bit more overwhelming since you are now juggling motherhood and caring for your little one–whether it’s your first or your fifth! I remember being so anxious to move my non-pregnant body, but also being completely exhausted, overwhelmed and struggling to recover from a very physical birth …