The FitMum-to-be and FitMum programmes
Pregnancy & Post Natal Classes
Chartered Physiotherapist & Pilates Instructor Catherine Browne
Pregnancy Classes: The “FitMum-to-be” Programme
The “Mum-to-be” Programme is a fusion of physiotherapy exercises, Pilates, Yoga and functional movements for a safe and effective exercise class during pregnancy. It will help improve your overall health, combat fatigue, tension and stress, and prepare you for the birth of your baby. Research shows exercising during pregnancy increases blood volume, oxygen and nutrients to your baby.
The “FitMum-to-be” Programme aims to:
- Help minimise pelvic pain and joint discomfort
- Improve labour stamina
- Promote awareness and correction of common postural changes associated with pregnancy
- Improve mobility and strength of the mid-upper back which is an area that often gets stiff and weakened during pregnancy
- Strengthen the gluteal (buttock) muscles which in turn promote low back and pelvic stability
- Improve function of the pelvic floor and lower abdominal muscles
- Increase energy levels and combat fatigue
- Limit fluid retention
It is also a great meeting place for mums-to-be which is sociable and supportive, promotes relaxation to ensure you get a good’s night sleep.
These classes are not currently running. In the meantime you can see our Women’s Health physiotherapist Sylvia Farrell for individual sessions
Postnatal Classes: The “FitMum” Programme
Whether it’s for diastasis recti (abdominal separation) or pelvic floor strengthening or just getting back into exercise, the “FitMum” Programme is designed around your needs as a new mum. The “FitMum” Programme incorporates physiotherapy exercises, Pilates, Yoga and functional movements to aid your postnatal recovery. This is a very important and busy time in your life. You want to spend that time wisely and get the greatest return from the effort you are putting into your exercise.
The “FitMum” Programme aims to:
- Restore function and co-ordination of your pelvic floor and abdominal muscles:
Your recovering core doesn’t respond well to pressure. Some exercises such as sit up’s increase pressure. Too much pressure can impact on the pelvic floor which can result in urinary leakage.
- Improve functional movement patterns
Getting you fit for life as a Mum!
New mum’s need functional integrated strength in many positions. Many daily activities are done in standing-shopping, carrying, lifting bags/baby-seats, cleaning, laundry- the list is endless! This class builds your overall strength and gets you fit for life as a mum!
- Increase energy levels
- Improve overall cardiovascular fitness
- Accelerate recovery and return to your pre-pregnancy body
- Positive physical and mental effects of exercise
Classes at EBTC have small numbers to ensure close supervision. Along with her women’s health experience, Catherine is a trained Pilates instructor with the Stott Pilates Institute and has considerable experience in leading antenatal and postnatal exercise classes.
It is vital that everyone who attends our classes undergoes a full assessment. The purpose of this is to make sure that you are suitable for the class and that you will benefit from attending. This initial one-off session also allows the physiotherapist to identify your individual needs.
Why is it important to carry out an Initial assessment prior to joining the pregnancy & postnatal Pilates classes?
Sylvia – our Chartered Physiotherapist specialising in Women’s Health places a huge emphasis on the initial assessment prior to joining the pregnancy or postnatal class. This assessment is essential for many reasons:
- It allows Sylvia to screen each person individually, find out their personal ‘pregnancy or post pregnancy story’, and ensure that they are safe to enter the class.
- Sylvia looks at each person’s individual needs, their strengths, weaknesses, areas of tightness, areas they would like to work on and any injuries or pain. As the class numbers are small, she can then take this information into the class setting and ensure that the exercises are tailored to the needs of the participants.
- It allows discussion of your goals, and the development of a plan to then work towards these.
- Education and knowledge are crucial when it comes to exercising during pregnancy or in the postnatal period. The assessment ensures your safety and comfort to allow you to get the most from the class.
- During pregnancy and the post-natal period, ladies can experience a very wide range of symptoms. It is not a one size fits all approach!
That’s why we start with a 1:1 session so that you can proceed with confidence, sure in the knowledge that you are exercising in a safe and beneficial way, with a programme that is individualised to your needs.
These classes are not currently running. In the meantime you can see our Women’s Health physiotherapist Sylvia Farrell for individual sessions
Call 091 727777 or email us via the contact page to book an appointment with Chartered Physiotherapist in Women’s Health – Sylvia Farrell.
