Charlotte InAlignment

Parenting whilst also reparentkng myself is one of the hardest thjings and I am constantly learning about myself as I navigate motherhood.

Some days I’m so proud of myself

I can remain calm, I can model regulation

Other days, not so much

I am just trying to have the same compassion for myself that I show to my children, and in the really hard times, hold the thought that we are learning together

Does anyone have any tips to survive this toddler stage?

Something that I was terrified about when I was pregnant was my abs “splitting.”

I understood very little about the anatomy of a pregnant lady and just thought any core exercises would tear my abs apart

Abdominal separation is a completely normal part of making space for your growing baby, and infscr research suggests it affects almost everyone by late pregnancy, so it’s common, natural and nothing to fear

Usually any gap will naturally heal after around 8 weeks post partum however for many of us this isn’t the case.

What’s really important is your post natal care because pregnancy stretches the linea alba (the tissue that connects the abs) so we need to build core control in movements that put pressure on that tissue and the abs.

After birth, the body needs time and appropriate rehabilitation to restore strength, coordination and pressure control.

Good postnatal care can:

-Rebuild the deep core and pelvic floor together
-Improve diastasis control and reduce doming
-Support posture and everyday lifting
-Reduce feelings of weakness or instability
-Help you return to exercise safely and confidently
-Identify concerns such as a hernia or pelvic-floor dysfunction

It’s not simply about “closing the gap” or getting a flat stomach.

The goal is to create a strong, functional abdominal wall that can cope with breathing, lifting, exercise and daily life.

And on that note, having some form of a gap is common and isn’t necessarily a problem, especially if the midline feels firm and manages pressure well.

More important than the width is:

-How deep your fingers sink
-Whether the midline feels firm or slack
-Whether your tummy domes during exercise or getting up
-Any back pain, weakness, leaking or pelvic heaviness

I am two years PP and notice when doing certain exercises if I don’t focus on my breath and pulling my ribcage together I can still see doming (eg pull ups and even getting up off the sofa) but it’s never too late to put the work in and get stronger!

My post natal courses are opening again for September

For more info comment “course” in the comments below and il send you info ⬇️

What a joy and privilege it has been working with these two incredible women

Claire:
I’ve known Claire for a few years as she came to my mat classes back when she was pregnant with her first child, and then continued during her post natal period.

Fast forward and I was looking for someone to join Laura for 2:1 and Claire got in touch.

She’s since done 10 sessions, seeing her through to her final trimester. She’s managed PGP, a busy job in the NHS, all whilst running round after an 18th month old! Getting stronger and more confident each session, a real pleasure to teach.

Laura:
And Laura, well the amazing Laura has been with me for her entire pregnancy (it’ll be 25 sessions!) and has gained strength week after week.

Again as a busy working mum, Laura is sat at a desk day to day and so the reformer has helped her stay pain free and strong throughout the pregnancy

During our sessions we love nothing more than chatting about birth, putting the world to rights and just getting excited about their next chapter

If you’re needing support during your pregnancy I have three spaces upcoming.

Please drop me a message to find out more 🧡

How blessed am I to have built a job where I don’t feel like I’m working (well except for content creation ergh IYKYK LOL)

I feel so incredibly lucky that I get to live out my life’s purpose, of helping people move well and feel confident and I get to do it from my basement 🥹🥹

As much as I help my clients, they help me everyday to grow and better myself

Thank you to each and every one of you who come to me, keeping my small business busy and my heart happy

Everybody is welcome in my studio!