Postnatal Exercise
#DryKnickers
Campaign
All new mums should get the postnatal information they need to fully physically recover after having a baby. The right knowledge will give them dry knickers, a strong body, and no worries about whether their body can!
The Problem
The information provided to new mums in postnatal care is shockingly inadequate. This is not OK! As a former midwife, I’ve seen how mums are often given a brief leaflet and told to "do your squeezes." Some might have had a professional touch their stomach and say, "You're good to exercise," but what does that even mean? What exercises? How often? And how can mums ensure they stay safe while exercising post-birth? The vague and unsupportive approach is not good enough.
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This lack of information for women in their postnatal period leaves many women being afraid to exercise, suffering with weak pelvic floors, lower back pain, and a body they don't feel confident in. This affects every aspect of their lives—from career challenges to missing out when their little one takes their hand wanting them to join them on the trampoline, and in their confidence and mental health. I am so so sorry this is happening. It is not good enough, it needs to change, and I am going to bring about this change – because new mums everywhere deserve better.
The Vision
I want new mums, who feel lost or scared in their bodies and are unsure how to heal physically, to have a go-to place for the support and information they need on their journey to regaining strength after birth.
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My vision is for mums to receive clear, helpful guidance on understanding their bodies post-birth and how to nurture them back to strength. It's about making sure they know that jumping into a regular exercise class isn’t always the best route for recovery. Instead, they need accessible, nurturing, free online resources to help them feel confident and empowered in their bodies.
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This information should be available whenever they’re ready for it. Some mums will want this information in pregnancy, or the early weeks of having a baby. But, for other mums their physical recovery will not become something they want to learn about until their children are older. Every mum deserves to access this support at any stage.
The How
A free online workshop (link here for workshop info and to sign up).
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It took me some time to realise the need for this, but it works beautifully. The workshop runs live every other month and is also available on replay, making it accessible whenever it suits you. It’s free, online, and packed with the information mums need for physical recovery. They leave feeling empowered, informed, and ready for the next steps.
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The inspiration for doing this came from new mums themselves. After holding a few pelvic floor workshops (which cover much more than just pelvic floor), the responses were overwhelming. Mums messaged to tell me how much they got from the workshop, how it has changed their life, and how it was exactly what they needed, and what has been lacking in their postnatal care.
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So now I am on a mission to get that workshop in front of EVERY single mum in the UK (and maybe beyond!)
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I know this is so needed from feedback like these shown on this page....
The Woman Behind
the Campaign
That's me, Karen Ellis! Once a midwife, now a Postnatal Rehabilitation Coach. I empower mums to have a fully functioning body that will support them for the rest of their lives, so they can feel powerful, strong, badass and have all the fun.
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My own motivation to stay strong is to climb mountains as an old lady and play footie with my grandchildren. My vision is that every single woman will know how they can achieve this post baby too.
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I run my business single-handedly from my home near Saltburn on the East Coast of England, where I live with my partner, our two children each (that’s four between us – it’s busy!) and our furry four legged cockerwhip Rosie.
How You Can Help
Spread the word! Drop me an email if you can hang a poster or distribute leaflets. Follow me on my socials, tag mum friends, share and interact with my posts. Basically get behind me on this. Follow my journey and reach out to me if you can help along the way. Let’s get this message out there!
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Buy a pin badge or "buy me a coffee." I want to keep this workshop FREE for all mums'. This feels so important to me. I want all mums', no matter what, to be able to access this workshop. I never want finances to get in the way of that. However, running this campaign costs money such as printing posters and running social media ads to get the workshops in front of new mums'. So, I have created a pin badge as a way to raise funds to do this. It’s a pretty cool pin badge that you can wear or gift, and a great conversation starter about the campaign. (It isn't actually on sale yet. This is coming very very soon!!)
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When you “buy me a coffee” through https://www.buymeacoffee.com/karenpostrehab it helps fund Facebook and Instagram ads to tell more new mums about the workshops. It costs about £1 for each mum who signs up to the workshop. So by “buying a coffee” for £5 you are sending the info that you found super helpful to 5 other mums and supporting me on my mission. How cool is that—£5 can help 5 mums!