My Blog

I was delighted to be asked to review two new guides published by YMCA Education.

The first one is about ‘How to return to exercise and get back into shape after giving birth’.

My review, that is on Amazon is:

‘The author immediately establishes her credibility by sharing with us that she is 4 months post the birth of her daughter along with her wealth of knowledge and experience as a specialist in exercise and pregnancy. I like that she refers to her experiences throughout.

The guide is a quick and easy read (whilst baby sleeps, maybe?). It is good that the author emphasises the need for a newly-delivered mother to remember that it took 9 months for her body to change and it will take at least the same amount of time to ‘recover’ – a gradual, kind and appropriate regime is best . She gently encourages her readers to take up small and sensible ways of exercising given safe and medically endorsed guidelines for each individual.

It is good that Deborah also gives clear explanations as to why certain exercises are not advised in early weeks due to physiological aspects and also gives good guidance on what to consider if you are breastfeeding. There is more research that shows how many women are still suffering with postnatal perineal recovery 12 months after the baby is born, e.g. incontinence, perineal healing. New Mums need to be encouraged to seek medical help as this is not ‘normal’ and can be treated. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17335531

She emphasises the benefits of pram walking and also interacting with other Mums. I confess that I raised my eyebrows when she mentions about gym sessions or classes three times a week! This is ideal if you have a supply of baby sitters or other Mums whom you can mutually help out.

Perhaps in the ‘exercising at home’ section Deborah could have mentioned some DVDs or exercise sessions on-line that are easily available and flexible around the naps of the baby. She does signpost the readers to some later in the book.

The written examples of suggested exercises would be good to have some visual prompts, e.g. diagrams.

I love her suggestion of small stickers around the home to remind you to do pelvic floor exercises!

Deborah also has sensible messages about the potential pressure to lose your baby weight. I agree that there are many other pressures to deal with in early motherhood and a huge focus on losing weight can create more problems than it solves.

I am pleased that she also reflects on her initial lack of confidence and emotional struggles in the first few weeks. Her tip to make a note of your positive actions, no matter how small, is useful.

I agree with her comments about the importance of family and friends. They do enjoy spending time with the new baby, generally and it is good to let them do so giving you space and time to exercise.

The one area that maybe could have been included is concerning the baby’s father. I am aware that although there will be some single mothers, the majority will have Daddy about. Resuming a sex life is also a good way to get back into shape!’

The second one is ‘The Need to know Guide to life with a Toddler and a Newborn‘.

As a first time parent many people focus on the pregnancy and birth, with little thought of the realities of daily life with a baby. Next time round a mother (and father) can be worried about how best to prepare their first born for a sibling and then just how do they meet all the demands and still stay sane?

Based on her own and some very appropriate anecdotes from other families, the author shares many useful tips and hints and some of the best ways to help with the changes to the family during the pregnancy, birth and beyond. The general tone is very supportive with some very sensible and realistic ideas.

One new Mum I know who recently had her second baby commented that she never has time to read!

I will highly recommend that she does take a cup of tea and put her feet up for the short while it takes to read this guide. It will be a great investment!’

The only optional addition I would have liked would have been some cartoon-style scenarios to illustrate some of the points. They could really bring it to life even more.’

If you would also like to review a copy please let me know and I shall see what I can do to arrange it.

Elaine