"I have never been one for exercising religiously, but when I fell
pregnant for the first time in March ’08 I decided I needed to make more of an effort to look after my body and be as
fit as possible for labour. | I really enjoyed
the FitMama classes: I got a bit of “me” time, I met other pregnant ladies, and I learned techniques for looking
after my body which I could use outside the classes as well as in them. Once I had identified what my pelvic floor muscles
actually were and why it was so important to exercise them during pregnancy, it was easy to spend five minutes each day working
on them. I also
used many of the exercises and relaxation techniques Marie taught us in labour, and found that these helped me to feel a little
more in control and able to deal with the pain. When it came to the pushing stage – often said to be the most physically
demanding part of labour – I can honestly say that this was the easiest part for me. My little girl, Lily, was born
naturally after only half an hour of pushing – apparently not bad for a first labour. I honestly am amazed at how well my body has recovered
since the birth, and definitely attribute this to keeping in shape during my pregnancy. I am regaining my figure far sooner
than I’d dared to hope, and most importantly my pelvic floor is in very good shape indeed so there are no toilet-related
issues, which I’d heard can often be the case! I’m so enjoying being a Mummy and am really looking forward to the time when I can
give Lily a little brother or sister."
Claire Ellis, and
baby Lily |
 |
|
"Thank you so much for your help and support over the last 4 months.
When we had our first session I was 2 weeks post partum and had a huge problem with the separation of my abdominal
muscles which my midwife had pointed out to me, you could fit 3 fingers into the gap!
| Over six sessions (staggered over 4 months) you built the exercises
up with me slowly but surely - week by week the separation lessened until today during our last session you were able to confirm
they had knitted back together which was an amazing feeling and felt like a huge achievement for me! You set a programme specifically
targeting my situation - in between our sessions (with such a hectic life with my new baby - and in between colds) I didn't
go mad with practicing the exercises but I was able to break them down and perhaps do a few every other day when I had the
energy! I now feel
ready to move on and start doing some more regular light exercise now my tummy's back in order and can start to feel like
I'm getting my old body back!"
Fiona Miller |
|
|
I didn’t find out about Fit Mama until I was about 25 weeks gone, but it’s true that you really
can start at any stage in your pregnancy – I’d just suggest that you do it sooner rather than later as it’s
so damn good! | I found the classes
great fun, a good way to meet other local mums-to-be, and always came home feeling calm and energised. It’s amazing
how NOT exercising can drain your energy. And the real proof of the pudding, of course, came along with the first contractions….
I was incredibly lucky and had a short (4.5 hour) completely natural labour with no pain relief, and I’m sure that this
was at least partly due to the fitness and stamina I’d built up over those last few weeks of pregnancy. The tai-chi
moves were particularly helpful in the early stages, keeping me calm and focused, and the breathing and relaxation techniques
I’d learnt were invaluable when push came to… well, push. I’m looking forward to starting the post-natal
course with Finlay in tow once we’ve had our 6-week check!
Alison Jones and Finlay |
|
