Hannah Etlin-Stein RMT

Back when still had a black ceiling.

The new postpartum exercise guidelines were released last year and what I love most about them (amongst many things!) is that they give folks permission to start moving whenever they feel ready to start.

The ‘no movement before 6 weeks’ rule is outdated and while of course tissue healing IS important - we know that can happen alongside movement!

Over the past 10 years what I’ve seen is the pendulum has swung so far towards strict ‘rules’ around movement postpartum (and during pregnancy too!) that the end result and what I see with the folks I work with is a fear of movement.

A fear of doing something wrong.

A fear of not starting back with the exact right exercise at the exact right time - while at home they’re rocking their babies for hours, bending over the crib countless times, carrying car seats, etc etc

This creates a disconnect from our bodies.

The new exercise guidelines give folks permission for movement to resume shortly after birth if they feel ready - while acknowledging that others may take up to a year to feel ready. Because healing times are highly individual!

They also emphasize the importance of pelvic floor physiotherapy, sleep and community support.

Ummmm yes please!

Building awareness and having great support is central to understanding your own healing journey!! Let’s chat !