Hand on heart, exercise helped ease my postnatal depression. It wasn’t until we moved interstate, away from our support network, that I found myself in a state of despair. After the birth of my third child my mother, who was visiting us at the time, sat me down for a chat. She knew something wasn’t right and encouraged my return to exercise. Our conversation was centred around how much I loved exercise and how it gave me a reason to get out of the house and focus on me again.
So it began.
This is how I eased my postnatal depression through exercise.
Where to start
I highly recommend as a first move, to go and see a Women’s Health Physio so they can asses your pelvic floor. This step will make sure you don’t have diastasis recti (abdominal separation). They will do a thorough assessment of your physical state and work with you closely during this postnatal stage if required.
Abdominal separation is very common and just means that once identified, your exercise can be tailored to protect and heal your body. It’s important that we assist both your body and your mind after pregnancy and birth.
Walking
Find a place you can walk your baby in the pram. You’ll feel amazing after you get out of the house and breathe in the fresh air. If you’re able to walk with a friend, that’s a great way to also fit in an adult conversation. We all know how valuable these are.
I found the best way to plan a walk is to go straight after a feed, or when your baby is ready for a sleep. It doesn’t always work out like this, and some days you can’t get out at all, but that’s okay too.
Walking will give you a new perspective and help with balance; an important stage in getting back into life.
Read more about: 5 hacks to get you back into exercise
Group fitness classes (gym)
This alone ticked quite a few boxes for me. Some of which I’d highly recommend you consider. It’s a great way to mix with other women and regain that time for you. Making new friends, feeling part of something, and being able to do this with your baby in toe, is extremely achievable. When choosing a class, some of the things you should consider include:
- Do they have a creche facility?
- Ensure trainers are experienced at working with women who are postnatal
- Do they have a beginner program?
- Can you build up your fitness slowly?
Be kind to yourself
Start off slowly.
Aim for 1 to 2 exercise sessions a week, and build up from there.
Within a few weeks, I found that I had a purpose to get out of the house each morning. It would help me get up, be organised, have a shower and have a place to go & invest in myself. I was building a routine that benefited my mind and I felt that I had more control and more clarity as each day passed.
Be supported
My passion grew so much that I knew I could be a pillar of support, guidance, and encouragement for other women going through the same thing. I went as far as studying to become a personal trainer and created my own fitness business. I now help hundreds of ladies through my group fitness classes. We foster a community of like-minded ladies, who all know how tough, mentally & physically exhausting motherhood can be 🧡.
Some days are going to be easier than others. However, when you find a place that feels safe and supportive, it’s going to be a huge benefit to your well-being. The best bit is you’re doing something for yourself, and your gorgeous baby doesn’t have to miss out.
Kirby Bree – owner/founder
Description: With a strong desire and passion to help women discover their best self Kirby Bree Fitness launched women’s only fitness in Lake Macquarie. Kirby’s passion and drive to create an environment, unlike any other within the local community has seen women transform their lives and mindset through her group fitness classes.
Phone: 0427255491
E: kb@kirbybreefitness.com
