Fitness Adaptations While Trying to Conceive
One season of the motherhood transition is preconception and/or trying to conceive. It is important to know that everything affects everything and the way we intentionally eat, think, and move plays a part in conception. So how does a woman who is actively trying to conceive approach this? …
#MOMCRUSHMONDAY: Meet Joanne
Mom Crush Monday #MCM Joanne walked into my office during her second trimester with her first child. She was a vibrant, funny, and determined soon-to-be new mom who couldn’t wait to bring a life into this world. Joanne initially presented to my office with the common musculoskeletal complaint of …
Train for Birth
As the mama of a toddler and also pregnant with number two, I am constantly staying active. My goal for exercising while pregnant isn’t to race in a 5K or marathon, lift heavy things, or even reach new fitness goals; it’s to train for birth. Birth is a mental and …
Symphysis Pubis Pain aka “Lightning Crotch” or Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
Symphysis pubis pain is un-affectionately known as lightning crotch. It’s that feeling that 20% of pregnant women know all too well—the sharp and sudden pain deep in their pelvis. The feeling of their pelvis shearing, pain that can stop a mama mid-step or leave her gasping for air trying to …
How Slow is Fast Worked for Me
When I began participating in high-intensity group functional fitness classes in the fall of 2014, I knew my husband and I wanted to start a family in the next year or so. Indeed, part of my reasoning for a new exercise routine was to prepare my body for a healthy …
I have PCOS – Now What?
Getting the diagnosis of any syndrome seems like a huge weight to bear, especially something that may affect your fertility and disrupt your life plans. However, with a few lifestyle tweaks, you can create a healthy environment where you can thrive, not your PCOS. We’ll explore what PCOS is and …
The Pill and the Female Athlete
At one point, the Pill was regarded as a major breakthrough for female athletes; being “in control” of their cycle and avoiding pregnancy was not only empowering for women athletes, but it allowed them to be more involved in sports and other athletic endeavors. In fact, many women athletes that …
What is IAP?
Key Differences between IAP regulation, Valsalva, and Bearing Down One thing active pregnant mamas constantly hear is to be careful not to increase intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) because it will cause a diastasis or pelvic floor disorders. This is most common in the mamas who lift and exercise during pregnancy. While …
Links We Love: Linking to Evidenced Based Research and Awesome Sites
At BIRTHFIT we believe resources that give up to date, unbiased, and inclusive information are the best. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of favorite sites and resources for your reference. This list is broken down into each pillar so that you can see how BIRTHFIT can support you in …
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Pregnancy
Have you ever experienced a numbing, tingling, or throbbing sensation in your thumb or first three fingers of your hand while pregnant or postpartum? Have you had trouble performing fine motor skills such as gripping objects or buttoning a shirt? Does it feel like your hand has fallen asleep or …