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 Womenās Perspectives …
Featured Mama: Sarah S
Our journeys to and through motherhood are so completely unique and thereās 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 Letās embrace one another with love and support. INTRODUCING, SARAH S! Tell us a bit about yourself: Iām a 39 year old working Mom. I’m currently on maternity leave from …
Featured Mama: “E”
In today’s “Featured Mama” edition, E shares her powerful story and insight for staying flexible when things don’t go as planned! Ā E’s motivation to stay strong helped to facilitate healing and an efficient return to the higher intensity level of fitness that she’s accustomed to in her life. Ā All the effort in pregnancy paid off! As always, we are strong mamas, we are smart mamas!Ā We embrace one another with love and support.Ā Thank you, E, Ā for sharing your story …
MY BIRTH STORY AND EVERYTHING I LEARNED FROM IT
An original post from the blog, Mom Smart Not Hard.Ā Thank you for sharing with the Bodies for Birth community!Ā L was born on a late evening in early July. It was hot and I was very ready to be done being pregnant. I was so excited to have a little baby that I could actually hold after months of feeling her dancing in my belly. I diligently prepared myself for labor by trying to come up with exactly how …
PREPARING FOR LABOR AND DELIVERY: ALLIāS BIRTH STORY
An original post from the blog, Mom Smart Not Hard.Ā Thank you for sharing with the Bodies for Birth community! N was born on a Monday evening in late summer. Like many mothers, getting to the amazing moment of holding her in my arms for the first time was a long process, and quite different than I had envisioned.Ā Letās start at the beginningā¦ EARLY LABOR It being late summer, and me being very pregnant in a house without air conditioning, …
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 …
Top 4 Things to Consider When Choosing a Maternity Fitness Program
Congratulations!Ā Ā You probably just found out you are going to be mom for the first (or fourth!) time.Ā Ā Perhaps you learned during your last pregnancy that you should have stayed more active? Perhaps youāre an athlete looking to safely continue your fitness routine? Either way, you have come to the right place!Ā One only has to āgoogleā maternity and fitness to know there are a lot of choices in the Greater Seattle Area.Ā Ā While there is no doubt studies have shown you CAN …
“I Don’t Need to be Quick Fixed, Thanks Though!”
So, hands up if you saw the NPR interview (what felt more like an infomercial) last week, āFlattening the āMummy Tummyā with 1 Exercise, 10 minutes A Day.ā I first heard about it when I was at a fitness supply store doing some pricing for the new studio. Ā When learning of my fitness specialty, the sales manager excitedly exclaimed, āHey, did you know that thereās one exercise that can totally fix that pooch moms have after birth? Ā I was listening …
Abdominal Separation FAQs: Part II
Iām 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 havenāt 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 …
Abdominal Separation FAQs: Part I
Today Iām talking about abdominal separation orĀ diastasis recti to which it is formally, orĀ medically referred. Ā This separation can lead to the appearance of a “mummy tummy” or “pooch”…the “mommy belly.” Speaking from personal and professional experience, I know that some days it’s easier than others to refer to and interact lovingly with this pooch that may remain! Below are five FAQs I often hear about abdominal separation. Ā This is Part I of a two part series, so stay tuned for …