Move with Abby

The reality of being a mum and owning a business: pumping breastmilk at the studio while I answer emails, call clients and eat my lunch. The juggle is real.

Celebrating my clearance to return to exercise (after a thorough assessment by a women’s health physio ) at 6 weeks postpartum with a Mama & Mini Reformer class .nz

A week away to reset and recharge👌🏽

Holidays used to be about cramming in as many adventures as I had time for and getting home happy but exhausted. This one was all about relaxing - reading, napping, daily movement and spending quality time with hubby and the bump 😌

⚠️ Ectopic pregnancy

This photo was taken the day I officially opened .nz - I was 8 weeks pregnant, awaiting unexpected emergency surgery for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.

What had begun as an extraordinary few weeks as I navigated the thought of becoming a new mama and launching the studio quickly went downhill. Cramps and bleeding led me to being admitted to hospital and what was initially diagnosed as suspected a miscarriage took a turn. Rather than implanting itself in the uterus like it should have, the embryo had implanted in my Fallopian tube, where it was unviable and a significant risk due to the possibility of internal bleeding if ruptured. For someone with minimal symptoms, the treatment for an ectopic pregnancy is a chemotherapy drug to dissolve it. Unfortunately, mine had begun to rupture and my only option was surgery to remove the affected Fallopian tube. I sat in hospital prepped for theatre feeling completely helpless, quickly coming down from my high from opening the studio that morning.

I have no idea how I managed a brave face post-surgery as I threw myself back into work and running a new business, teaching Reformer Pilates classes with a smile on my face when all I wanted to do was curl into a ball and cry.

Often we hear about happy pregnancy stories, and I now have a new appreciation for the things that have to fall into place for this to happen. I had hoped that because I am healthy that getting pregnant would be a walk in the park - my first pregnancy has been anything but. I’m sharing my experience because I want to normalise speaking about the side of the pregnancy journey that is loss, fear, grief and helplessness. I know sharing this may make some uncomfortable; I feel vulnerable putting this out there. It’s hard enough going through something and feeling like you’re the only one, but I have found that opening up about sh*tty things that happen to us creates a space where others feel they can share their story, and that brings us together.

So to the want-to-be mama struggling with fertility, and to the would-be mama who loses a baby or a part of herself along the way - I see you and I hear you. You’re not alone 🤍

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When you’re tired. I hope you rest. 🤍

Tonight’s Live Restorative class with streamed from New Zealand did exactly that - it let me rest when I needed it 🇳🇿❤️

Why do we wait until we struggle before we start helping ourselves?

People tell me over and over they don’t need help with their mental health - and then when they struggle they’re in panic mode; trying to journal and meditate and do anything and everything they can for instant help.

Why do we wait until we struggle before we start helping ourselves?

We train/stay active now - we don’t do it when we’re ill. We do it to prevent illness and to better our health.

What about our mental health? It should be the same principle.

It should be the same with Yoga, with mindfulness and with mental health.

You might not think you need it. But; prevention is better than cure.

Whether it’s physical health or mental health; do it when you feel good; not only when you feel like you need it. Do it to prevent lack of mobility, to prevent declining health, to prevent anxiety - not just after you’re injured, after you’re ill or when you’re already anxious.

Why do we wait until we struggle before we start helping ourselves?

We don’t want you to only come to us when you’re already struggling. We want to help you avoid the struggle in the first place. 🤍

BRB, I’m busy prioritising rest and relaxation ✨

Sync your daily moves with your monthly cycle.

I’m beyond honoured to be a part of the inspiring team of wāhine involved in - a new online platform for all your movement and wellness needs during the different seasons of your cycle.

Launching April 1st. Sign up to the waitlist and get your first week free!

Have you checked out SISU Reformer Pilates & Movement Studio yet?

Our boutique loft houses six Reformers and an array of small props so we are equipped with all the tools to deliver effective full body workouts that leave you with a healthy body and a happy mind.

Send me a DM to grab your first 3 classes for $50, or if you have any questions.