Exercise after birth: your body needs time to heal

Cork teacher Rachel Fanning went to see a women’s health physiotherapist following the birth of her son. She's now back running but at a slower pace - and she no longer times herself

Rachel Fanning doing pilates during an online pilates class at home in Co. Cork with her son Fiachra. Picture: Denis Minihane.

When is it safe to go back to exercise? And how do I do it? These are the most common questions mums who’ve recently had babies ask women’s health physiotherapist Fiona Healy.

Healy works in private practice in Killarney and also gives postnatal exercise classes online with The Bump Room, a team of physiotherapists offering online and in-person support, motivation and reassurance to new and expectant mothers – it’s done through movement, education and advice.