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A growing collection of evidence based articles written by a pregnancy and postpartum fitness specialist and pelvic floor physical therapist. Posts created to help to settle your uncertainties and bring confidence when it comes to exercising during pregnancy and postpartum.
5 Tips on Exercising While Trying to Conceive
We’ve developed five general principles we follow when developing a program for those TTC. These principles center around the goal of aiming to prepare the body for the physical changes and potential pain problems that can come with pregnancy.
By focusing on these principles we can help to build a foundation that may help lessen the severity of or prevent some common pregnancy issues.
Part 2: How my first year of motherhood is shaping where Materra Method is headed next
The confines of motherhood (in particular early motherhood) made it challenging for me to consistently exercise in a way that nourished my body and mind.
Here are a few of those challenges I ran into in my first year of motherhood and how I’m now adapting what we do at Materra to truly meet moms right where they are.
Part 1: How my first year of motherhood is shaping where Materra Method is headed next
I’ve been reflecting on my first year as a mother. This reflection has led to some exciting changes at Materra. Read about the first (and maybe biggest) change here!
Postpartum Running Q + A with Pelvic Floor PT
So, you just had your baby and are cleared to exercise. You want to return to running but aren’t sure how to do it. We’ve got you!
Labor & Delivery Considerations: Preparing for delivery
The final stretch! You have finally reached the stage of active labor where you can start pushing and you are that much closer to meeting your sweet baby. Consider the following tips on posture and positioning and breathing patterns during the second stage of labor.
Labor & Delivery Considerations: Preparing for the first stage of labor
It’s go time! You are in active labor and ready to finally meet your little one. Consider the following tips on posture and positioning, movements, and breathing patterns during the first stage of labor.
Baby Friendly Workouts: Is it safe to exercise while baby wearing?
For some, baby wearing alone might feel like plenty, but what if you’re really itching for more traditional exercise. Is it safe to exercise while baby wearing? The answer is yes it can be, but as with anything there is some nuance here.
Top 5 Tips for Returning to Exercise Postpartum
Ready to return to exercise postpartum but not sure where to start? I got you. Here are my top 5 tips to keep in mind as you step back into exercise after giving birth.
How Can I Make Sex Less Painful After Giving Birth?
Between the hormonal changes and physical demands that occur during pregnancy, to the experience of labor and delivery, a lot has gone on down there. These tips may help improve painful sex after giving birth and empower you to feel confident in your postpartum body.
Let It Go Part 2: Five tips to help break the habit of sucking in your stomach
Years of unconsciously sucking in your stomach can make it a hard habit to break! Here are five tips to get you started.
Let It Go Part 1: Why sucking in your stomach does more harm than good for your core and pelvic floor
The unspoken pressures to have a “flat stomach” can lead women to unconsciously suck in their stomach or over grip the abs. This habit can be a limiting factor in healing and increase your risk for injury to the core and pelvic floor.