People just need to use common sense. If you didnt work out before pregnancy then to suddenly start during pregnancy does not make any sense.

It’s definitely safer to build back up after pregnancy.

My first was an emergency c-section and it took me many weeks to recover. There’s no way I could’ve jogged 3 weeks after. Even walking briskly was out of the question. It’s great she’s able to be so active, but she really shouldn’t promote it and recommend 15-20mins. She’s not a doctor!

Interesting article to see the different viewpoints.

I feel sorry for Michelle. I guess it’s part of her job but there seems to be a section of the media quick to jump on anything that’s not perfect these days and incite outrage. Michelle posted what she is doing and did say that others should not do exactly the same as she is a fitness expert. That said, promoting any kind of jogging so early after birth is worth debating. I started running 8 months after my last child was born and now months later finding out that even that was too early for my body and am not allowed to run again till the physio gives the all clear. Sometimes I think we forget the trauma and changes our bodies go through and that it takes quite a while too slowly strengthen them again (pelvic floor in particular).

To be fair, Michelle was asked what she did and I perceived it as an individual feeling good about what works for her.
Each individuals birthing experience is different ( physically and mentally ) Those that have had a C section / traumatic experience ( I feel for you ) but surely common sense would prevail and you would not undertake such activities at 3 weeks post natal? Would you not consult with your GP, Midwife or health care provider prior to attempting such undertakings?
I myself have had 8 children ( lucky to say all natural births, with 1 set of twins ) I’ve always been active during and after pregnancy. (I’ve breast fed my babies and have always included them in my regime – done pelvic floor exercises the day after birth) Returned back to playing sports as soon as I felt my body was up to it. The running I would do were short quick bursts ( suicides – line touching ) alternating with side steps / skipping / knee highs. These were all done with my children.
My point is, please use common sense, listen to your body and always seek medical advice before tackling anything your not sure about.
Love Yourself 🙂

It’s a bit concerning indeed when Michelle encourages exercises which aren’t medical recommended !

I think Michelle is a professional in her field and I have disliked a lot of the negative attention she has received. I do think though she isn’t a professional for what is right for women who have babies or are pregnant. I think she should keep that in mind as things are very different for a woman’s body during and after pregnancy.

Hmmm… it’s a worry when we idolise or follow celebrities. Always be guided by the medical professionals and what works for you. There’s no way following my traumatic birth I could have done anything remotely resembling light exercise for a very long time. This is a dangerous area.

Ah….so she hasn’t caught on to pelvic-floor safe gym routines and mama recovery movement yet? Wow. Gentle cycling was what all my physios recommended after birth. I went to a pelvic-floor safe gym and did recovery pilates, modified yoga, spin, modified aqua aerobics (always having one foot on the pool floor) but no weights, running, or rowing. It is possible that Michelle has a v-jazz of steel with watertight features, but like she says- she is not a mere mortal. And she also clearly does not know very much about modern birth recovery practice. Be well mamas! Take care of you.

an interesting read to see another point of view.

Wow this article is crazy. I cannot believe Michelle bridges would encourage women to exercise 3 weeks after birth.

Lke gs

Honestly Michelle Bridges can’t win. She was asked what she did for training after the birth of her child. And she told them. She wasn’t recommending what other mums should do. Give Michelle a break.

My wife Jackie gave birth to two 3kg twin boys after her second pregnancy! She had an 8cm tear in her abdominal wall. She started a Pilates based program with a qualified physiotherapist who is also a mum of two. It worked so well and they became such good friends that they are now business partners and the directors of:
Body Beyond Birth.
An online program helping mothers get on track safely before and after childbirth.
Please check them out!
http://www.bodybeyondbirth.com

34% body fat is required to successfuly breast feed – “breast feeding womens assocuiation”
why would you interfere with the most important nutrition you can give your child for vanity.
in traditional chinese medicine – 3 weeks rest is absolutely essential to the reconstructure of bones which have softened for the birthing process.iF not adhered to you end up with hysterical women later on in the journey of life.
whose taking care of babe- when your out jogging Michele- luxuries most families dont have, all abut making mum feel guilt for being human and not a gym junkie. what about the hormonal imbalances and cortisol stress caused by over excelling too soon let alone , focusing on innner health.sure way to wreck your lower back if weak
gentle yoga stretching, pelvic contractions-
the new power breed – this is a time to surrender to bonding with your infant. get off your ego Bridges
unimpressed again with your lack real knowledge as with your adultry

Im sure we all want to get back to our original weight/shape once bubs is here. Its all good to say I\’m going to but when push comes to shove good luck at Excersising. How many of us mums have said \’oh im going to do this or that before and after bubs is here\’ and than reality sinks in that you wont have the time or as much energy to do what it was what u wanted to.
Good luck Michelle. we\’ll love to see or definetly here how much time and energy you\’ll have in those first few weeks to keep fit.
Hope im not sounding to harsh. I thought I\’d be getting back into the fitness the fitness regime asap but once baby 3 came along oh did that all change

She is so different to everybody else – remember she kept training well into her pregnancy, only taking 2 weeks off from memory. So her muscles are completely different to the normal mums out there. Marvel at what she does if you like – and remember she is only answering the questions put to her. Just do what you need to do to be a great mum – that’s the important thing.

when i hit the three week post natal point i was in not mind set to even exercies.. i was more into enjoying my son and the family time… i agree with the physio,,, tone it down and not go joggine.. let your body rest after doing the amazing thing of growing and birthing this little creature… and let it have a little holiday beforee you get back into it..

thank you for this article, it really is hard to know what you can and can’t put your body though during and after pregnancy