Exercise Postnatal: Recommendation & “is this trainer right for me?”
You’ve had your baby, almost ready to get back to work and your Doctor has cleared you to return to your fitness routine. However, they never mentioned what you might need to keep an eye out for or they said there isn’t any concerns you need to adjust for your abdominal separation or your concerns with pelvic floor leaking.
Speak to a specialist.
I always recommend anyone regardless of the issues to seek a specialist. Luckily, we are in a saturated area and there are pelvic floor specialists that are easily found around us. Here are a few of my colleagues and other recommendations from past client’s experiences.
Julie Gillespie, DPT (West LA)
Jennifer Mon, DPT (Pacific Palisades)
Orign PT (aka BeBe PT) (Brentwood)
Rehab Specialist Inc. (Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Encino)
Marcy Crouch, DPT (Rancho Palos Verdes)
Quozette Valera, DPT (South Bay, Long Beach)
Carri Dominick, DPT (Long Beach, San Pedro)
Speaking to a specialist is the best option as they know the most about what to look for externally and internally to find what may be causing your pain, leaking, weakness, etc related to your pregnancy and child birth.
Understand your body.
Childbirth comes with many variations of experiences and each mother goes through her own journey. Learning from your pelvic floor specialist, the outcome of your pregnancy and childbirth and how your body is feeling will help you become more aware of how to adjust your fitness program to fit your body and it’s needs.
Ask Questions.
If you do have a specific diagnosis ask questions. What to avoid? How do I know I can advance my work? Should I do xyz? Etc. Again, everyone has their own experiences and that means you will need a personal approach to your fitness and health goals to match what is happening in your body.
Fitness Certifications DON’T have any prenatal or postnatal training.
If you have been working with a personal trainer, yoga instructor, Pilates teacher, etc before your pregnancy they likely do not have any training for your needs. All base certification training’s do not cover any medical recommendations and modifications. They may cover a general mindful approach to what they are legally capable of doing but they will not have any real training in injuries, prenatal, postnatal, etc training unless they have continued on with either a Bachelors in Kinesiology, multiple (yes multiple) additional certifications and work experience. All three will give you the best possible trainer who knows their anatomy inside-out, is aware of injuries and prevention and using work experience to use their education to do hands on training under supervision.
In Review
See a specialist
Understand what your body is feeling
Ask questions
Find a certified and experienced trainer
I hope this has helped you in finding help for your postnatal training and exercise routine. After seeing your specialist you can find other recommendations for trainers with experience in your area.
Are you ready to return to fitness?
If you are interested in working with me find me in Los Angeles, from Santa Monica, Culver City Palms, and Pasadena. My introductory package includes 3 private Pilates sessions at a highly discounted rate. I look forward to helping you!