Expert advice for providers working with mums
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Find out how you can support new and expectant mums
The resources and information provided below aims to support people, services and health professionals to further encourage and support mums to be more active during and after pregnancy
Do you work for a health provider, wider whanau ora service? Are you facilitating ante- or post-natal groups? Or are you an exercise provider working with mums?
If so, you play a critical role in helping mums lead healthy and active lifestyles. But it's important to understand the unique health needs of new and expectant mums to ensure you offer the right advice, or you know who to turn to if you or your maternal clients need further support.
Below are some resources to help you understand the value of physical activity for pre- and postnatal women, and key information to ensure you're supporting women using your service with the latest knowledge and best practice advice.
The message from experts is loud and clear: Physical activity has huge benefits during pregnancy and post-partum.
Let's talk pelvic health
Pelvic floor muscles often become weaker during pregnancy and childbirth, causing incontinence for some women when they sneeze, cough or exercise. Being open about these impacts and supporting your pre- and postnatal clients with advice can help remove the stigma that may hold them back from exercising during and after pregnancy.
"Talk about your pelvic health with ease, as you do talking about your knees," Kirsty Watts, specialist in the safe return to exercise
Hear what our experts have to say about pelvic health, and pelvic floor information that may be useful for your clients.
Goals of physical activity
How to know if your pelvic floor needs attention
Returning to exercise post-birth, and preparing your pelvic floor
Common pelvic floor issues and exercising
For more support in your area, talk to Emily Burmester, Sophie Arnold or Frances Tague (details below).
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our leaders in maternal health
If you're after further information, or would like to refer one of your clients, then get in touch with one of our leaders in maternal health
WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY
Penny Stevens
Penny is a registered nurse with the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Service (PIMHS). Penny works with women who have moderate to severe mental health symptoms during pregnancy and up to 12 months after birth of baby.
A referral to PIMHS can be sought via a GP, midwife or Plunket nurse.
Emily Burmester
Emily is a women’s health physiotherapist. Emily provides physio care and support for pregnant mums, those who have just had a baby and ongoing support for their post-natal journey.
Samantha Sutton
Samantha Sutton is a pelvic health physiotherapist, and qualified to help mums continue with their choice of physical activity pre- and post-partum, safely. Samantha is available for face-to-face and tele-health consultations.
Sophie Arnold is currently on maternity leave.
CENTRAL BAY OF PLENTY
Kirsty Watts
Kirsty is the founder of Bootiful Fitness and has a wealth of experience training pregnant and postnatal women. She is qualified in pre and postnatal fitness, and is a Registered Exercise Professional of New Zealand (REPS).
Frances Tague
Frances is a physiotherapist and clinical pilates instructor at Te Ngae Physiotherapy and Pilates. She has a clinical interest in women's health,
Tim Gutteridge
Time is a registered social worker with Te Ngako Perinatal Mental Health Team, Rotorua (Lakes DHB Perinatal Mental Health Team). Tim and his colleagues provide support to mothers and babies and pregnant women who have mental health issues.
“Maintaining physical health is one of the cornerstones of good mental health and can also be a means of recovery when experiencing mental illness during both the ante-natal and post-partum period” - Tim Gutteridge
Useful links and information
- Ministry of Health's advice during pregnancyy
- Maternal Health at Sport BOP brochure
- Maternal Green Prescription home exercises
- Physiotherapy NZ - Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Pelvic Health - Bay of Plenty DHB
- Positively Pregnant app to support the health and wellbeing of pregnant women
- Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa website and useful videos
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy workshops and training with Russ Harris
- Possums: for parent with babies breastfeeding resources
- Circle of Security International Early Intervention Programme for Parents and Children