Pilates

The Pilates principles can be used to help support safe and nourishing movement during this transformative time. While some of the more traditional ab-intensive Pilates exercises might not be the best choice for most pregnant and postpartum people, the Pilates principles can be used to help support safe and nourishing movement during this transformative time.

Supporting you & baby.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period is a time of significant and rapid change for the body. With an ever-changing center of gravity, stretched abdominal muscles, more pressure on the pelvic floor, and healing from delivery, it can be helpful to have movement strategies specific to your body that you can carry into all other parts of your life.

A Pilates-inspired practice can help both the mind and body through:

  • Improving posture and balance

  • Preparing for labor and delivery

  • Promoting a smoother postpartum recovery

  • Strengthening the core and pelvic floor

  • Reducing common pain and discomfort related to pregnancy and postpartum

  • Improving breathing (it’s related to everything!)

  • Promoting relaxation, regulating the nervous system, and reducing anxiety

  • Increasing circulation and reducing swelling

  • Encouraging a mind-body connection

  • Reducing the likelihood of developing diastasis rectus (abdominal separation), incontinence, or prolapse during pregnancy, and healing from these conditions postpartum

 
 

What do sessions look like?

One-on-one sessions cover a variety of topics and are tailored to your specific body. Depending on where you are on your perinatal journey and your personal goals, movement sessions might include some combination of…

  • General guided fitness sessions using props you have at home or in your office;

  • A personalized list of safe, trimester-appropriate exercises that can help you reach your perinatal fitness goals;

  • Assistance troubleshooting pregnancy muscle imbalances, aches, and discomforts;

  • Information on how your unique posture, movement, or breathing patterns could help or hinder healing from common postpartum dysfunctions like diastasis, prolapse, or stress incontinence;

  • Guidance on preparing the body for labor, along with movement ideas to use in the labor room.

Who is the instructor?

Parker Chakales is one of our labor and postpartum doulas. She has been teaching Pilates for over a decade with a special interest in prenatal and postpartum Pilates. Parker is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) with additional certifications as a Pre- and Post-Natal Pilates Specialist and a Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist. Parker’s unique experience as a Pilates instructor and a doula makes her a great addition to your pregnancy/ postpartum support team.

Can you fix my diastasis, prolapse, leaking, etc?

Every body and every situation is different. I often help clients manage and even reverse these common postpartum issues. However I am not a physical therapist and thus my scope of practice with certain pelvic issues is limited. If needed, I can refer you to a reputable pelvic health physical therapist. Working as a team we can take your healing to the next level.