You will never have your Pre-Baby Body back….You know why? Because you had a BABY!
Your body has just created a life, do you get that? It i s so common to hear these 6-7 words straight after birth. To be honest, I’d be a millionaire if I got a dollar for each time I did hear it.
So why is this so important? Is it because that’s what we read and see in magazines and online? Is the perception that what we just went through was not at all a big deal? Is it that we feel pressured into thinking we are failing if we don’t ‘’Bounce straight Back? Is it because we don’t feel worthy if we have a few extra squishy bits? I don’t know the exact answer, but what I do know is that the energy wasted with these thoughts are probably do more damage then good.
What I have seen happen with my very own eyes is women starve themselves to lose weight, they start exercising before they have been cleared let alone checked for any DRAM or Pelvic Floor disfunctions. They are trying to squeeze into old clothes and posting how great it is to be back in their jeans (and good for you if this has happened, no judgement here just stating the facts)
The fact is, your body didn’t just go through a 20 hour labour or a 5 hour labour or whatever hour labour. Your body has been through a life changing experience. A traumatic experience even if the circumstances weren’t traumatic. Your body just birthed a fricken human life, give yourself a break.
So what are some key steps after giving Birth that can be taken to assure a safe return to exercise?
-Rest (not that I’m a master at this)
-Fuel your body well
-Light movement for the first few weeks (gentle walking is plenty at this point)
-Take notes on the changes your body is experiencing, this could be key to underlying post-birth issues
-Ask for help when you need it, there is no SHAME AT ALL
-Speak with your physicians regularly
-Attend your post-natal checkups and most importantly,
See a Women’s Health Physio or Women’s health specialist to help check for DRAM; and or Pelvic Floor issues such as Prolapse and Pubis Symphysis Diastasis / "Flaps" pain.
-Before starting to exercise seek support from your physio and a Personal Trainer who have accreditations in Post-Natal Exercise Training for maximum benefit and smooth rehabilitation if required.
So, what is DRAM?
As a woman's abdomen grows during pregnancy, Diastasis Recti of the abdominal muscles (DRAM) can occur.
This is a separation of the abdominal muscles along the line of connective tissue that runs down the center of the abdomen.
If DRAM is Not rehabilitated correctly, it can lead to long term difficulties and can affect your day-to-day living.