Cadenshae's Top 10 Postpartum Exercise Tips.

Nikki C is wearing the 'Smoothie Crop Bra' in confetti/white and the 'High Waisted Bike Shorts.'

Cadenshae - the global leaders in activewear for pregnant and nursing mothers - are on a mission to ensure new mums have the correct information when getting back into exercise post birth.

Daily movement is one of the most important things humans can do to keep themselves both physically and mentally strong, and this especially rings true when a woman becomes a mother. Keeping the body moving is crucial for both the health of the mother and their baby.

Before establishing the global brand for mothers, Cadenshae founder Nikki Clarke was a highly sought after personal trainer. Whilst setting up the maternity business, Clarke became a mother four times over and now has the expertise and know-how to coach women during this special and unique time in their lives. 

Clarke says many new mothers reach out for advice on exercise at this time of year.

"With an influx of babies being born around the New Year, many mothers are starting to think about exercising again and getting their bodies moving."

"It's my absolute pleasure to help them out, as it's so very important they get proper advice after having a baby. You have to be careful and go slowly."

Here are Nikki Clarke’s top 10 tips for returning to exercise postpartum:

1. Firstly never compare yourself to others. You’re on a completely different journey to anyone else...with a different body, baby, pregnancy and birth story. The timeframes given below are just an example. Some mothers begin moving a few weeks after birth, others may take six months. There is no right or wrong. Do what feels right for you and your body.

2. Focus first on healing and recovery, not exercise.

3. Enjoy moving at a lesser intensity postpartum. Allow your body to ease into exercise, don’t push too hard, too soon.

4. A few days after birth, start out by focusing on your pelvic floor muscles, your abdominal muscles, your breathing and your posture.

5. Focus on fuelling your body with nutritious food and keeping well hydrated. 

6. Between 2-4 weeks post birth, you may feel like getting out and about for a gentle walk, no uphills though, just something light and easy. 

From left to right: Hollie is wearing the 'Cruise Long Sleeve Top,' in tui blue, Michelle is wearing the 'Scoop Tee,' in lilac and Nikki J is wearing a 'Rise Up Tank.'

7. At around six weeks postpartum, add some squats, lunges, support presses and pulls. You can now do some uphill walking if you wish, but don’t walk for more than an hour each day.

8. At eight-12 weeks postpartum you should be feeling more yourself (apart from the sleep deprivation), and if you’re into weights, you can add them in for some interval training. Climbing stairs is also a good idea. Each time you exercise, keep an eye on your baby. If they’re fussing, you may be going too hard, too soon, and this could be affecting your supply...scale back a bit if this is the case.

9. After three months some mothers start to move more freely and begin feeling stronger and ready to increase the intensity. For others this may come after nine months. Remember, you do you! Even a five minute walk a few times a week is better than nothing. 

Nikki J is wearing the 'Evolve Bra' in flourish.

10. And of course, you can’t do any exercise unless you’re in supportive, comfortable gear. I highly recommend checking out Cadenshae for some medically endorsed activewear to suit any body type! 

Nikki Clarke says all women should consult their health care professional before undertaking any type of exercise after birth. 

"You have been through a lot, pregnancy and birth is no small feat, so you need to take care and pace yourself!"

Written by Ellen Chisholm in conjunction with Nikki Clarke.