Take Care Of You, So You Can Take Care Of Baby. Pilates Can Do That!
by Vanessa Fulladosa

Women all over the country have tried multiple ways to alleviate the pressures of pregnancy: taking prenatal vitamins, eating enough fruits and veggies, exercising, reading hundreds of mommy books, Lamaze classes, decorating the baby room; and most of all, worrying about what to expect during labor.  Not only do we want healthy babies, but we also need to be healthy mothers so that we can have enough energy to take care of our little bundles of joy.  A great way to conquer those endless worries is to strengthen mommy with Pilates. 

Here are some questions answered by Articulations Pilates Instructor, Tricia Hill, and her prenatal client, Andrea McCormick; and postnatal client, Jennifer Peach.

In what ways is Pilates an important tool for prenatal and postnatal mothers?
Hill explains that, “Pilates is a great way to improve core strength.”  Core strength is very important for the mother since she has to carry the baby using her core muscles.  Women who do not strengthen these core muscles can suffer from soreness and tenderness in the lower abdomen, due to the weight and pressure of the baby.  Controlled and professional instruction demonstrates the mother on all fours slowly “scooping the baby up” and curling the back to help strengthen these muscles.
Another important reason for mothers to practice Pilates is to strengthen the lower back.  Many women have chronic back pain during and after pregnancy, and many become subject to bed rest throughout the pregnancy.

It is important for mothers to continue strengthening their body after the pregnancy to keep up with the constant needs of the baby.  This leads to our next question.

What exercises help with everyday life during and after pregnancy?
A major key in a Pilates program is to encourage the mother to never lie on her back.  All Pilates exercises face towards the ground, but never lying directly on the back.  Encouraging mothers to avoid lying on their back prevents large amounts of pressure on the abdominal cavity, which could then decrease blood flow to the major organs and consequently decrease blood flow to the fetus.

A majority of Pilates movements are designed to encourage body awareness.  Pilates is easily blended in with our everyday lifestyle.  With the constant discipline to sit up straight, lying on your side, and learning to breathe well, a mother can be off to a great, healthy, pregnant lifestyle. 

Speaking of breathing, how do Pilates breathing techniques help with pregnancy?
Postnatal client Jennifer Peach knows for a fact, that during labor, her Pilates breathing techniques played a big role in her amazing and unforgettable performance towards mommy hood!

“During labor, my body had enough energy to last through all the contractions and pushing without feeling exhausted,” says Peach.  She also mentioned that during the start of labor, the breathing techniques helped her relax and endure the whole process.  An avid Pilates client for five years, Peach is impressed with how much stamina and energy she has throughout the day.  While being a first time mother, her stamina seems to have conquered all the fatigue expected with being a mother of a newborn.

If it is difficult for a person to be consistent with an exercise routine, even after pregnancy,  what makes Pilates different?
While watching an instruction, one can see how the body can really gain a lot from Pilates during pregnancy.  I thought a mother was supposed to just vegetate on the couch, have weird food cravings, and gain lots of weight.  Seeing what Pilates has to offer almost seems like getting a spa treatment while exercising!  The mother sits in a private studio with soothing guided instruction, aromatherapy, light controlled breathing exercises, and relaxing music in the background.  At the end of the session, no wonder the mother cannot wait for her next Pilates appointment.

Mothers are very consistent with their Pilates instruction because it isn’t back breaking, or exhausting.  “It sort of sneaks up on you and you realize the difference it has made in your everyday life.  The goal is to help lead a healthier, happier lifestyle,” mentioned Hill. 

Motherhood should be enjoyable, not stressful or exhausting.  Pilates is a great way to strengthen and prepare the body for pregnancy.

You already took care of baby with decorating the baby room, receiving endless baby shower gifts, and buying five hundred “onesies.”  Now mommy needs to start preparing herself for when baby comes!

For more information regarding Pilates and pregnancy, contact Tricia Hill at Articulations Pilates Studio in Riverside, (951) 784-7343.