Just because you COULD doesn’t mean you SHOULD – for postpartum exercise

Some days I want to shout from the rooftops, that just because you COULD doesn’t mean you SHOULD when it comes to your postpartum recovery.

FEELING GOOD post birth or postpartum does not necessarily mean you SHOULD. I totally understand that this may seem counterintuitive especially after you have had 10 hours sleep, had your 6 week postpartum check up and feel fabulous in your brand new activewear (below is a recent comment I had in my Community)

Your 6 week check up is NOT the all clear for EVERYTHING

Post birth it is crucial to honour your own postnatal recovery process…which is longer than 6 weeks! Grab my complimentary postpartum recovery timeline for some guidance.

Why progressive steps are needed for a healthy postpartum recovery

Keep in mind a progressive recovery post birth is temporary, but damage can be long term. Please take it easy in those first 6 weeks -12 + weeks post-birth including both vaginal birth & c-section deliveries.

Watch my latest Insta-Reel HERE for some fun and some tips.

Don’t move like this just after your 6 week post birth check up

Over the years women have told me some of the crazy things they did after their 6 week check up (or before):

• Go for a 5 km run
• Walk 10 kms everyday with baby in carrier
• Heavy power lifting
• Box jumps
• Power walk with 2 kids in the pram
• Planking and Russian Twists
• Vacuumed, mopped & scrubbed their entire house

They all said “but I felt so good at the time, so thought I’d be fine.”

BUT then the symptoms started:

• Heaviness / Prolapse
• Bladder leakage
• Back Pain / Hip Pain
• Swelling & redness of c-section scar
• Sprained ankle

I know I sound like the fun police! However trust me when I say, postpartum healing takes time (up to 12-18 months) so it’s essential that you use the first 6 weeks to optimise rest and balance this with controlled, progressive exercises & movement even when you feel like you can do more.

Trust the process

Then you WILL get back to all of the above and MORE. Just because you could doesn’t mean you should, postpartum!

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done or heard of ? Let’s bust the myth of bouncing back postpartum! Connect and share in the BodyFabulous Facebook Community.

Also, if you are not sure how to modify your movement as you journey through postpartum and motherhood please download my complimentary modifications cheat sheet.