As moms, we can understand the most universal challenge of finding balance. While this comes differently to each of us, babywearing happily helps us juggle it all while keeping what matters most the very closest. If “physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness” (-Joseph Pilates), then instructor Jenny Redford of Jenny Redford Pilates is helping build a really happy you. Follow this special Solly Pilates series for her four top tips for healing and ultimately feeling strong after baby. 
You hear a lot about what you can do to “get in shape after baby”. Everyone seems to have a magic trick or tip, but the truth is getting in shape starts with recovery. There is so much at play from hormones to fluids to musculature to basic structural stability, and your body needs a lot of TLC before it can snap back (a term I cringe a little bit saying). If you allow yourself the chance to heal, getting in shape (and getting strong!) will happen much more naturally. The three main factors I always emphasize are sleep, nutrition, and movement. Sleep, we know, is when our cells regenerate, regulates our hormones, and is key to stress management. Nutrient dense, energy-rich foods are vital to managing energy and moods and milk production. When it comes to movement, it’s actually not as complicated as you may think but it is incredibly important. How you move will affect how your body heals. Many chronic aches and pains have to do with how we’re moving and the changes our body has gone through. For most women, experiencing any of these tends to limit your ability to get back into shape with your usual routine. So, you have to heal first. And here’s what you can do:
Your mom told you to stand up straight, but she probably had no idea how important it was. Slouched posture, especially after baby, puts a lot of pressure down and out- on your very weak pelvic floor, your stretched out abs, and your already compress spine. Constant pressure down and out will result in organs & muscles going down & out (prolapse, incontinence, diastasis recti & hernia). This is thanks to gravity and physics. Good posture is not a military, rigid posture. In fact, you should be fairly relaxed. Think of stacking your bones. Ankles, knees, hips, ribs, shoulders, ears. The bones of the front of the pelvis should be flush with each other to find “neutral”. When sitting it’s especially important to pay attention to this. You can prop yourself up as much as you need to with pillows. As you gain more strength and control in the core, you can hold a lifted posture with more and more ease.
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