The third session of the Maternity Space for expecting mums was a truly engaging and insightful experience, with a focus on holistic health—addressing both the physical and emotional needs of pregnant women. The session kicked off with a grounding meditation, allowing the participants to relax and connect with their babies. This gentle start helped set a calming tone for the rest of the session.
Maternity Mates: A Lifeline of Support
The first part of the session introduced the vital service provided by Sister Circle’s Maternity Mates. Many of the mums had questions about receiving support during pregnancy, and the introduction to this service captured exactly this. Maternity Mates are trained volunteers who provide emotional and practical support to pregnant women throughout their journey—from pregnancy to birth and the early stages of motherhood.
Maternity Mates can assist with everything from navigating healthcare appointments to providing a listening ear. For those without a strong support system nearby, this service can be especially helpful. The takeaway message was clear: You don't have to do this alone. The session encouraged the women to explore and utilize support services, emphasizing that seeking help is a strength, and often requires courage.
The Importance of Staying Active in Pregnancy
The second half of the session focused on physical exercise, with two central questions:
What physical challenge did you face this week, and how did you manage it?
What’s one thing that brought you joy or peace this week?
These questions opened up an honest conversation about the realities of staying active while pregnant. Many women shared common challenges like fatigue, back pain, and difficulty moving around as their bodies change. There was a shared sense of understanding and encouragement in acknowledging these challenges.
However, despite the challenges, several mums found joy in small wins—like a meeting friends after a long time or even finding out they were expecting that week. These moments reminded them of the importance of gratitude for the present, even in the smallest ways.
Safe Exercise Tips for Pregnant Women
In response to the shared concerns, we discussed key exercise tips for pregnant women. The group was reminded that staying active during pregnancy can make labour easier and improve overall wellbeing, but it’s important to do so safely and at a pace that feels comfortable. Here are some of the tips that were highlighted:
Keep up with daily activity: Whether it’s walking, yoga, or even dancing, keeping active in small, consistent ways can help the body adapt to pregnancy changes.
Don’t exhaust yourself: Listen to your body. Slow down if needed, and always check with your maternity team if you’re unsure about a certain exercise.
Keep it conversational: If you can hold a conversation while exercising, you’re in a good range. If you’re breathless, it’s time to dial it back.
Start slowly if you weren’t active before: Pregnancy is not the time to take on strenuous new activities. Begin with gentle exercises like swimming or light walking.
Exercises to Focus On
We also emphasized the importance of exercises that strengthen the stomach and pelvic floor muscles. These can help manage back pain and improve postnatal recovery. For example, simple pelvic floor exercises can help prevent incontinence and ease the strain on the body caused by pregnancy and childbirth.
Participants were encouraged to try these exercises at home and integrate them into their daily routines. Here's a video to introduce you to pelvic floor exercises:
Moving Forward
As the session wrapped up, it was clear that the mums left feeling empowered—not just in terms of physical movement but also in knowing that there’s a support system out there for them. Whether it’s through services like Maternity Mates or taking the time to focus on self-care and gentle movement, the key takeaway was to lean into both physical and emotional well-being during pregnancy.
We'd like to thank all the expecting mums who have attended the last three sessions of The Maternity Space and made it a success.
If you’d like to learn more about Maternity Mates or get support, visit Sister Circle’s website.
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