Access a copy of the postnatal information leaflet you received in your welcome email. Click here to access the leaflet

Kegals is the name given to pelvic floor exercises.

Access the audio file here

Access the video here

Access videos of the individual exercises in your postnatal fundamentals series here. Perfect if you want to work on a particular exercise. Click here to access the videos

This is intended for those who are at or near the end of their Postnatal Pilates classes and are looking at moving into regular Pilates classes, with Be:Poised Pilates or via continuing self practice. These videos focus on some of the most commonly performed traditional Pilates exercises and show you modifications & variations to bridge the gap between postnatal restorative work and the full, challenging Pilates Mat work. Click here to access the videos

A short blog with hints and tips for postural awarensss during functional activities during motherhood. Click here to read the article

Here is a blog I wrote about returning to running after having a baby. A must read for all those keen to get back into running! Click here to read the article

Your C section is a significant abdominal surgery. To reach your baby your surgeon will have cut through multiple layers of skin, fat and fascia; cutting and or disrupting musculature, tissues and organs to safely deliver your baby. You are likely to feel quite sore around the incision site, as well as potentially experiencing other symptoms such as pain from trapped gas (a result of the open surgery), tightness, numbness or hypersensitivity. Symptoms such as tightness, tugging sensations, dull aching (especially after “overdoing it) can persist into the longer term for some women, as well as general tightness/discomfort of the lumbo-pelvic area including hips and low back.

C Section massage techniques can help with some of these symptoms.

Firstly, scar desensitisation can help with both numbness and hypersensitivity and can be done yourself. Indirect desensitisation is a great place to start, especially in the early days or if you don’t feel comfortable touching your scar yet. The process is the same as for direct desensitisation but instead of touching the scar you are touching the skin above and below the scar.

Direct desensitisation involves gently touching the scar and surrounding areas with different textures and materials, such as a clean soft feather, a piece of silk, cotton wool, towel or flannel, and even just your hands. You can work in gentle strokes, circular motions back and forth or gentle tapping - whatever works for you. Start with the most gentle material and try about 5 minutes each day. Once you feel ok with that material try another material and so forth.

Secondly, C section massage can be great to release some of those sticky adhesions that can be causing tightness or pain. For massage we want to ensure the tissue is healed first. There is a great video by Lynne Schule at the Institute for Birth Healing - click here to access the video

If you would like to see a soft tissue specialist for more in depth assistance have a look at the links and referrals to see the contact details of some great local specialists

Sometimes I recommend getting in touch with other local people with specialisms that can help you. I thought it would be helpful to include a link to frequently recommended people and services here. Click here to access