Where are we?
Why exercise when you are pregnant?
How do I deal with Back Pain in pregnancy?
When can I start or stop exercising in pregnancy?
How often should I attend pregnancy exercise class?
When can I start exercising after the birth?
When can I exercise after a cesarean section?
What do I do with the baby at the classes?
What if my baby cries during class?
How long can I continue attending Mother + Baby Exercise Class?
What do I bring to class?
What do I wear?
Who are the Physiotherapists?
How much does it cost?
Are there any Health Fund Rebates?
Do I need to book?
Where are we?
Classes are held at the Fitness Centre, Royal Hospital for Women, Barker Street, Randwick NSW 2031, Australia. Please see the hospital’s website for contact information, maps and transport and parking information.
Why exercise when you are pregnant?
For pregnancy: We all have pre-pregnancy levels of fitness. From which ever level of fitness you are at when you fall pregnant, you need to maintain it through the nine months, or indeed in some cases, improve strength and flexibility.
Labour: Being up and about and walking around for the duration of your labour requires strength and endurance.
For new motherhood: The persistent bending and lifting that comes with motherhood requires core stability, strong legs and strong backs. Needless to say following birth, tummy muscles and pelvic floor muscles need urgent attention.
How do I deal with Back Pain in pregnancy?
Back pain in pregnancy is almost “a given”. You are fortunate indeed if you have none. Back pain is often described as sciatica but is not the real sciatica that originates in the spine. It is pelvic pain from your loosening pelvis.
At the class you will learn what you can or cannot do, how to remedy the problem and most important how to minimize or prevent it in the first place.
When can I start or stop exercising in pregnancy?
Start from 12 weeks and exercise to the day you go into labour.
How often should I attend pregnancy exercise class?
In the perfect world it would be great to do 3 classes a week. However, this is not possible for everyone for a number of reasons, so attending class once or twice a week is fine. In addition, try some of the exercises alone at home. My book can be used as a guide.
When can I start exercising after the birth?
On day one if you like after a vaginal delivery. You will see the hospital physiotherapy staff on day one and then once home you can come as soon as you please.
Pelvic pain may persist for weeks often months following birth. If this is you, exercise once again will help reduce discomfort and pain.
When can I exercise after a cesarean section?
Wait for at least 2-3 weeks and then come as soon as you are comfortable. You will be guided by your own pain levels and carefully supervised at all times. Call Jane to discuss this if you are not sure.
What do I do with the baby at the classes?
Baby can stay in the pram, capsule or bean bag. Once they are a few months old a good option is to lie them on a mat in the centre of the room where they become distracted by the activity within the room and are often fascinated by the presence of other babies around them. As well, sitting them in the bean bag in front of a mirror is an old fashioned favourite as they become absorbed by their own image.
What if my baby cries during class?
Arrive in time to feed baby before a class to eliminate hunger as a reason for baby crying. Bean bags are available for baby to lie in, but always and only under supervision. Toys and the distraction of the activity of the class help settle a crying baby too. It is also OK for baby to cry in during the class. You may stop to feed at any time but if baby continues to cry, every mum is in the “same boat” , each baby has its turn, so do not worry “what if my baby cries”.
How long can I continue attending Mother + Baby Exercise Class?
Until your baby starts crawling. Once your baby becomes mobile they are a distraction in the class mostly for you.
What do I bring to class?
A drink bottle.
We supply the mats, balls and body blades.
What do I wear?
Comfortable stretch gear, no shoes required, small towel optional to go over mat.
Who are the Physiotherapists?
Classes are conducted by physiotherapists with over 20 years experience working with pre and post natal women in Sydney’s obstetric hospitals. We have a close working relationship with the midwives and doctors, having provided physiotherapy services in women’s health in private practice for over 20 years. We are proudly supported by Sydney’s leading obstetricians.
How much does it cost?
For either the Pregnancy or the Mother + Baby class: $18 per class, $160 pre-paid for 10 sessions. 6 months use-by date for 10 sessions. It is possible to “roll over” the pregnancy ten session to the post natal if any classes are left over.
For the Over-50s or Grandmothers class: $9 per session, $80 pre paid for 10 sessions. 6 months use-by date for 10 sessions
Are there any Health Fund Rebates?
Applicable with some funds with physiotherapy cover. Please make your own enquiry with your particular fund.
Do I need to book?
Bookings as such are not made as all of the classes have an open-house drop-in policy. Please call 02 9327 4294 if you have a medical history that may affect your ability to join our exercise classes.
