Who are you and what do you do?

I am Alex Chapman, a Physiotherapist and Pilates instructor of 20 years, specialising in women’s health and wellness.
After having my own children 11 and 9 years ago, I realised from my own experience that there is a gap in women’s health services, particularly in relation to guidance and rehabilitation during pregnancy and after birth. This lead me to specialise in women’s health (particularly pelvic health) Physiotherapy. I now treat women of all ages and life phases and cover a wide range of conditions including pelvic pain, bladder and bowel issues, pelvic organ prolapse and problems relating to the menopause.
As part of the Enliven Health clinic, I run a busy Pilates studio in Milton Keynes, teaching a timetable of group reformer classes and both Mat and reformer private sessions.

What do you do to help women postpartum?

Exercise in the postnatal phase should ideally be guided and gradually progressed. Unfortunately women are often pressured into losing weight and returning to exercise asap after birth, which can often lead to issues with pelvic health developing. Having a gradual program to assist in a gentle return to exercise is important.
We offer both ante and postnatal reformer classes and private one to one rehab sessions to help strengthen and mobilise in a safe way after delivery, to help restore core and pelvic floor function.

What is the one piece of advice you would give a person who has had a baby and wants to exercise again?

The best piece of advice is to listen to and nurture your body after having a baby. Don’t put stress on yourself to return to exercise in the first 6 weeks or lose weight quickly. Eat well and healthily, rest when you need to (and when possible), avoid constipation, get plenty of fresh air and treat yourself to a nourishing massage. Self care is absolutely paramount in this time.

After having your baby it is advised that you don’t begin Pilates until you are six weeks postnatal for a vaginal delivery or 8 weeks post C section. An induction session is always required before you start to ensure that we are aware of any issues or limitations and that you are safe to start.

You can find Alex at https://www.enlivenhealth.co.uk