I look 5 months pregnant...but... Post Reply

[GES77]

I gave birth 3 months ago! HELP!!!!

I have NO fitness and have an abdominal hernia (approx 4 finger split, thanks to big babies, which my doctor insists needs operating on!). I am stuck in a catch 22 where I would feel better if I lost a fair bit of weight, but am too scared to exercise because I don't want to further damage my jelly belly.

I am doing Slimming World but weight loss is pretty stagnant as I need to move more. Walking is rubbish as my older children walk like snails!

Please can someone recommend a trainer, or class or even best type of exercise I could be doing?

Many thanks

[kiwimummy]

Hi, i've been in a similar situation. Susan of http://www.bammuk.com/ is fantastic. Also, lots and lots of walking or swimming worked for me.

[erinisle22]

Pilates helped me reduce my gap. I go to Jane Wake's classes http://www.baby-a-wake.co.uk/ - she is excellent and really really keen to get you stronger but at your own pace. She checked my stomach muscles all the time (still does although now 15 months on, I think she has given me up to a 2cm gap! My own fault for not doing my heel slides!) and after an emergency c-section, I actually now feel stronger than I did before I gave birth. So I really really recommend.

[emsken]

Try Pilates ?! It's very good for your core muscles!

[twingirlsmama]

I did pilates throughout my twin pregnancy right up to 39 weeks and have done it since. having a strong core definitely got me through pregnancy without any back problems and my rectus abdominis thankfully returned to pre pregnancy condition.
I now train with Elizabeth Kamm who has a particular interest in post and pre pregnancy. I must say that having done over several years a lot of PT one to one with men trainers, there is a difference in that she is much more understanding of a womans needs. You don’t need hardcore exhausting workouts to get back in shape. Boxing to get your heart rate up, lunges & squats are fantastic to get your butt looking perky again, reasonable 3 kg’s weights for working your arms. Nearly everything she does focuses on core and pelvic floor and her constant encouragement and lovely banter throughout a session is great.
I found her advertising on here too – lovefitbetty. Even if you do a couple of sessions so that you can be sure you are doing things right its well worth it. Perhaps get her do do a routine you can then do on your own and maybe have her once a month to check in and make sure you are doing things correctly and havent developed any bad habits.
Im starting another 10 session block – hopefully my 2 90 mins a week will kick start me for summer – if it arrives!

[jamielloyd]

Yes having a strong core, back and strong glutes are a must if you want to prevent pelvic pain.

I am APPI Pilates trained and have over 9 years experince in training Mums.

GIve me a call for a FREE consultation....

buggybells@gmail.com

[hjm]

Try Vern Hill http://www.vh-pt.co.uk/ who specialise in pre and post natal training. They are amazing and will know exactly what it's ok for you to do and not to and will push you without pushing you too far. It's also really good fun and a good way to meet other new mums.

[cosmopolitanmum]

my trainer is fantastic and specialises in pre and post natal fitness. http://www.fredfitnesswithstyle.co.uk/

[mummyof1]

I would really recommend Rosa Whitehead http://www.pilatespluswellness.com - i have had both 1:1 lessons and attended her classes and although took a while - have really seen and felt a difference. Had tried many Pilates classes before without feeling anything or enjoying - have finally found great classes and teacher.

[Clare Lupton]

Buggy Bells or 121 training with Jamie Lloyd is great for rehab of the body - http://www.jlpersonaltraining.com Really great results, sorts your core out fantastically & is so safe.

[EmilyBea]

Hi there,
Have you tried Fit For a Princess outdoor workouts - they specialise in women's fitness and have a huge amount of experience working with pre-and post natal mums. You can take the little one along in the buggy and get a great kick out of working out in the great outdoors this summer! They work on a pass or drop in system so its really flexible and SO much cheaper than a personal trainer or gym. Plus you'll meet loads of others mums in the area. They also do Cardio pilates and kick boxing so you can mix it up. Check it out www.fitforaprincess.co.uk
If you'd rather workout from the comfort and privacy of your own home they also do some amazing online workouts.
Give it a try, I love it so do loads of other women I know...

[suelewisantenatal]

I am a Women's Health Physiotherapist and I regularly see patients with Divaricated Recti -separated tummy muscles - on a 1:1 basis - which could be covered by private health care. It is essential you are shown how to do the correct abdominal exercise. I also run Post natal and Pilates classes .
Do contact me if I can help.It can take time to recover (1year sometimes or longer if you are breast feeding )
Good luck Sue Lewis
suelewisantenatal@hotmail.com or call 020 8946 8561

[Suslik]

Hi there. There are various exercise classes in the park a few if which are child-friendly. i used to do Buggyfit but if your kids are older than say 2, you'll probably struggle to move them along fast enough. you can of course come just for the stationary part of the class where they do various exercises in one place - go to their website and call the instructor direct so she can explain to you class structure at your nearest park and whether this could work for you.

But more importantly, don't rush things! My other post-natal instructor used to say '9 month in - 9 month out' - its perfectly normal to stay out of shape for a long while especially after second and further children, and the older youi are, and of course since you have a problem with tummy. once your life starts being 'normal' you will find your way back into your 'normal' shape that is what your body is used to. it took my a great deal longer than 5 months to get back to my pre-pregnancy shape but i definitely got there at the end, with not too much exercise.

maybe you can team up with a mum you know so they can stay with kids in the playground for half hour while you go running/walking and you then swap?

[GES77]

I just wanted to update...

I made contact with a few of the recommendations on here and ended up choosing Elizabeth Kamm (lovefitbetsy) - she is just wonderful! She is gentle, understanding, focused and has really understood my post baby issues.

As a result, for the first time in two years (after 3 pregnancies in quick succession and terrible PGP/SPD) I am honestly pain free. No sore hips, no failing back and I probably now look 3 month pregnant...so getting there with focussed, specific core exercises.

Elizabeth is great company and the sessions are fab.

Please, please get in touch with her if you want help from someone who really understands a women's body pre and post pregnancy.