Postnatal wellbeing - how do I engage my CORE?

This can feel like a bit of a challenge after your tummy has been stretched for 9 months, and the good news is, your core is probably working better than you think if you're able to stand, hold a baby, get out of bed and generally go about life.

 

But maybe you have a few symptoms - back pain, pelvic floor symptoms like leaking or discomfort, or your tummy maybe doesn't feel like it did before.

 

This is all really common, and it's a good idea even without symptoms to do a bit of practice on this to make your core super strong and functional.

 

Practice on your hands and knees with a nice straight back.

Take a breath in and let tummy relax down.

Next, start to breathe out as though you're gently blowing out candles on the ground - at the same time gently pushing your hands into the ground.

Without sucking your tummy up, you might notice your abdomen gently drawing away from the ground.

Continue with this for 1-2 minutes.

Even if you don't feel your abdomen move, keep practicing

Ideally your lower tummy lifts before your upper tummy (think above/below belly button) - but this often takes practice and some extra stretching/releasing of your oblique muscles.

Make sure you relax your tummy and don't walk around sucking your tummy in - as this won't allow your core to work and do its job.

Guess what, this isn't just for postnatal tummies - it's great for anyone's core.

 

More on this In Strong to the Core - my holistic online movement course.

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