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Josie McKenlay

Please note: this is not a collection of pre/postnatal workouts: it is a theory based training and CPD certification with practical examples of classes and postnatal programme.  It also includes the 4th Trimester Healing Program.

This Prenatal & Postnatal training course is an absolute must for anyone who works with women and movement: Pilates instructors, personal trainers, fitness coaches - if you work with women then the knowledge you will gain is essential.

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Please note: this is not a collection of pre/postnatal workouts: it is a theory based training and CPD certification with practical examples of classes and postnatal programme.  It also includes the 4th Trimester Healing Program.

This Prenatal & Postnatal training course is an absolute must for anyone who works with women and movement: Pilates instructors, personal trainers, fitness coaches - if you work with women then the knowledge you will gain is essential.

There is considerable evidence that exercise during healthy pregnancy has positive effects on both mother and baby. Women, therefore, should be encouraged to initiate or continue exercise during a healthy pregnancy.  And you, the health and fitness professional, are in the perfect position to help mums-to-be give their baby the best start in life as well as enjoy a healthy, happy pregnancy and recovery.

To safely, effectively and confidently include pre- and postnatal women in your exercise sessions, you need to know more than simply which exercises you should avoid, especially as there is a lot of misinformation out there. 

With the indepth information on conditions and contraindications you will be in the best possible position to make a judgement on whether or not you should be teaching a prenatal client or whether they have a condition that needs medical advice, supervision and care.

This course will give you the necessary skills and knowledge you need to effectively train women at every stage of pregnancy and beyond.  You will gain a deeper understanding of

  • Anatomy and physiology specific to the pre/postnatal phases

  • The physiological changes through the trimesters

  • The psychology of working with pregnant and postpartum women.

Topics covered include

  • Benefits of exercise for mother and baby

  • The journey from conception to a new life

  • Conditions and issues

  • Contraindications

  • How to keep your clients motivated

  • General exercise guidelines for all forms of exercise

  • The benefits of prenatal Pilates and how to adapt the exercises

  • Examples of variations and a sample prenatal class

  • Pelvic girdle pain and how to deal with it

  • Helping your client recover from the moment they give birth

  • The 4th trimester core healing programme

  • Ideas for setting up dedicated pre/postnatal classes.

Learn how to help your clients with common problems such as pelvic floor dysfunction and low back pain; be secure in the knowledge that when they discuss an issue with you, you will have the background knowledge and tools to help; be able to reassure them that what they are feeling is normal or be in a position to advise them that they should seek medical help.

By the end of the course you will be prepared to run inclusive classes, work with a wider range of clients in your community and set up dedicated pre- and postnatal classes.  You will also have access to the downloadable manual and a time-saving template for a health questionnaire.

Best of all, you’ll learn how to empower women to be their healthiest and strongest selves during one of the most amazing times in their lives, a time which can also be stressful, isolating and diminished self-esteem and give them and their baby the care they deserve.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Essentially, this course will enable you to adapt exercise, with a particular focus on pilates, safely to your prenatal and postnatal clients.
  • The benefits of exercise for mother and baby
  • Anatomy, physiology and physiological changes through the three trimesters and postpartum
  • The psychology of working with pregnant clients and how to keep them motivated
  • Who you can and shouldn't be teaching and why
  • Possible conditions, problems, contraindications and adverse effects of exercise
  • Exercises to avoid and safe adaptations and variations for exercise in general and pilates
  • How to adapt a class or create dedicated prenatal/postnatal groups
  • Help your clients recover more quickly from the inside, out and help them enjoy this amazing time of their life
  • Health screening and ideas on buiding a pre/postnatal business

Syllabus

Benefits of Prenatal Exercise
Introduction
Welcome
Aims & Objectives
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Test your understanding of the benefits of exercise during pregnancy.

Test your knowledge and understanding of prenatal anatomy & physiology

The changes affecting a woman’s body during pregnancy need to be considered when creating an exercise program for your client or adapting exercises during class.

How well have you remembered these possible prenatal conditions and issues?

Although exercise has many benefits, there are some possible effects of which you should be aware.

Know who you can or can't teach.  It is essential that you understand these red flags.

Everyone needs a basic understanding of what is or isn't safe and how to modify even it it isn't your area of expertise.

Understand how to adapt Pilates exercises for the prenatal period.

Understand the physical, mental and emotional benefits of postnatal exercise and be aware of the risks.

Understand the possible changes to a woman's body and problems arising from the prenatal phase and birth of her baby.  Learn to recognise these changes so that you can help your clients heal.

How you feed your baby from the womb and throughout childhood will affect their health for the rest of their lives.

You can start the 4th trimester core healing programme within 24 hours of giving birth but you need to know all the rules.

The assignments and quizzes are designed to help reinforce learning and are an essential part of the course.  This final test brings together everything you have learned. 

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a strong foundation in prenatal and postnatal anatomy and physiology, which is essential for fitness professionals working with women during and after pregnancy
Offers specific guidance on adapting Pilates exercises for prenatal clients, enabling instructors to confidently and safely modify their classes
Explores conditions and contraindications related to prenatal and postnatal exercise, which helps fitness professionals make informed decisions about client safety
Includes a '4th Trimester Healing Program,' which may be especially useful for trainers looking to support clients in their postpartum recovery
Covers topics such as pelvic girdle pain and pelvic floor dysfunction, which are common issues faced by prenatal and postnatal clients
Offers guidance on setting up dedicated pre/postnatal classes, which may be helpful for fitness professionals looking to expand their business

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Reviews summary

Prenatal & postnatal fitness training

According to learners, this training offers a positive and comprehensive foundation for fitness professionals working with prenatal and postnatal clients. Students highlight the in-depth coverage of anatomy, physiology, conditions, and contraindications as particularly valuable. The course provides practical examples and exercise adaptations, with specific praise for the detailed segment on the 4th Trimester healing program. While primarily theory-based, it equips professionals with the knowledge needed to safely adapt exercises and build confidence. Some mention the CPD certification as a key benefit for professional development. Overall, it is seen as a strong resource for expanding one's scope of practice in this area.
Certified training for professional development.
"Obtaining the CPD certification is great for my professional credentials."
"I needed a CPD certified course, and this fit the bill perfectly."
"The certification aspect adds value for my career development as a trainer."
"It's helpful to have this training recognized as CPD."
"The process for getting the CPD certificate was straightforward after completing the course."
Offers examples and exercise adaptations.
"The exercise adaptations shown were clear and easy to implement in my classes."
"I appreciated the practical examples of prenatal Pilates classes for different trimesters."
"The course provides solid guidelines for adapting general exercises, not just Pilates."
"I can now confidently modify exercises for pregnant clients in my existing sessions."
"The examples helped translate the theory into real-world teaching scenarios."
Equips professionals to work safely.
"I feel much more confident now in working with pregnant and postnatal clients."
"This course gave me the essential knowledge to safely guide clients through this period."
"It provides a solid foundation for anyone wanting to specialize in this area."
"I feel prepared to start offering dedicated pre/postnatal sessions."
"The knowledge gained is essential for any fitness professional working with women."
Detailed program for postnatal recovery.
"The 4th Trimester healing program section was incredibly valuable and practical."
"Learning about the 4th Trimester core healing program was a highlight for me."
"This part of the course gave me specific tools to help new mothers recover safely."
"I found the postnatal content, especially the 4th trimester, very comprehensive."
"The focus on the 4th trimester sets this course apart and is highly relevant."
Provides essential anatomy, physiology, psychology.
"I found the information on anatomy and physiology particularly useful; it really built on my existing knowledge."
"The course provided such an in-depth look at the physiological changes and potential conditions."
"I learned so much about the 'why' behind the exercise modifications, which is crucial for safety."
"Understanding the psychology of working with this population was a valuable addition."
"The detailed section on contraindications gave me much more confidence in screening clients."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Prenatal & Postnatal Teacher Training (CPD Certified) with these activities:
Review Anatomy and Physiology
Strengthen your understanding of the anatomical and physiological changes during pregnancy and postpartum to better understand the course material.
Show steps
  • Review relevant chapters in an anatomy textbook.
  • Use online resources to visualize anatomical structures.
  • Take practice quizzes on key concepts.
Read 'The Fourth Trimester'
Expand your knowledge of the fourth trimester and postnatal recovery by reading this informative guide.
View The Fourth Trimester on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Fourth Trimester'.
  • Read the chapters on physical and emotional healing.
  • Identify key takeaways for supporting postnatal clients.
Read 'Exercising Through Your Pregnancy'
Gain a deeper understanding of exercise guidelines and adaptations for pregnant women by reading this comprehensive guide.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Exercising Through Your Pregnancy'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to each trimester.
  • Take notes on key exercise modifications.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Teaching with Peers
Refine your teaching skills by practicing prenatal and postnatal exercise instruction with fellow students.
Show steps
  • Organize a practice session with classmates.
  • Take turns leading short exercise segments.
  • Provide constructive feedback to each other.
Design a Prenatal Pilates Class
Apply your knowledge by designing a complete prenatal Pilates class, including warm-up, exercises, and cool-down.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific trimester to focus on.
  • Select appropriate Pilates exercises and modifications.
  • Create a class plan with timings and cues.
  • Practice teaching the class to a friend or family member.
Create a Postnatal Exercise Guide
Solidify your understanding of postnatal recovery by creating a guide to safe and effective exercises for new mothers.
Show steps
  • Research postnatal exercise guidelines.
  • Select exercises that address common postnatal issues.
  • Write clear and concise instructions for each exercise.
  • Include images or videos to demonstrate proper form.
Volunteer at a Postnatal Support Group
Gain practical experience by volunteering at a postnatal support group and assisting new mothers with exercise and recovery.
Show steps
  • Find a local postnatal support group.
  • Offer to assist with exercise demonstrations or guidance.
  • Provide encouragement and support to new mothers.

Career center

Learners who complete Prenatal & Postnatal Teacher Training (CPD Certified) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Pilates Instructor
A Pilates Instructor guides individuals or groups through exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, posture, and body awareness. This course is perfect for those wanting to specialize in prenatal and postnatal Pilates. It provides the knowledge to adapt exercises safely for pregnant and postpartum clients, covering anatomy, physiology, and common conditions. You will be able to confidently offer prenatal Pilates classes. The course also addresses contraindications and modifications, ensuring client safety and well-being. With practical examples, this course helps you excel as a Pilates Instructor working with this special population.
Fitness Coach
A Fitness Coach develops and implements exercise programs to help clients achieve their health and fitness goals. With its focus on prenatal and postnatal fitness, this course can help you specialize in working with pregnant and postpartum women. It teaches how to modify exercise programs to suit the specific needs of these clients, considering physiological changes and potential contraindications. This course will equip fitness coaches with the skills to create safe and effective exercise plans, addressing common issues like pelvic girdle pain and low back pain. A fitness coach will be able to confidently support women through all stages of pregnancy and beyond.
Personal Trainer
Personal Trainers work one-on-one with clients to design and implement customized fitness plans. This course enables personal trainers to confidently train pregnant and postpartum women, offering safe and effective exercises. You will gain a deep understanding of the anatomical and physiological changes during and after pregnancy. The course highlights contraindications, modifications, and specific conditions, ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby. In addition, the course will help the personal trainer customize workouts for each client.
Group Exercise Instructor
A Group Exercise Instructor leads group fitness classes, motivating participants to achieve their fitness goals. This course equips group exercise instructors with the knowledge to create inclusive prenatal and postnatal classes. The course goes beyond simple modifications, providing a deep understanding of the physiological changes during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as potential contraindications. The course provides a group exercise instructor with variations and sample class formats. This course will help offer safe and engaging classes that cater to the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum women.
Wellness Coach
Wellness Coaches work with clients to improve their overall well-being through lifestyle changes and healthy habits. The course helps wellness coaches specialize in prenatal and postnatal wellness. This course’s training discusses the benefits of exercise for both mother and baby, and also covers nutrition. Through this course, wellness coaches can learn about the fourth trimester and how to empower their clients to be their healthiest selves during this time of significant change.
Health Educator
Health Educators promote wellness by developing and implementing health programs. This course is relevant for health educators who wish to specialize in prenatal and postnatal health. The course provides essential knowledge of the physiological changes during pregnancy and postpartum. This course may help a health educator be well-informed regarding conditions, contraindications, and safe exercise guidelines, enabling them to provide evidence-based information to expecting and new mothers.
Movement Therapist
A Movement Therapist uses movement to improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This course may be useful for movement therapists who wish to tailor their services for women during and after pregnancy. This course could help movement therapists to understand the specific needs and challenges of this population. The anatomy, physiology, and psychology of working with pregnant and postpartum women will allow you to better serve this demographic.
Rehabilitation Specialist
Rehabilitation Specialists help patients recover from injuries or illnesses through exercise and therapy. This course may be useful to rehabilitation specialists who work with women during their pregnancy or following the birth of their child. The course covers pelvic girdle pain and core healing, equipping a rehabilitation specialist to aid clients in recovering more quickly. The course includes the fourth trimester core healing program.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists evaluate and treat patients with health problems resulting from injury or disease. While a physical therapist typically requires a graduate degree, this course may supplement that training with knowledge about prenatal and postnatal care. The course offers information about anatomy, physiology, and conditions that arise during and after pregnancy. With increased understanding of conditions and contraindications, a physical therapist can be well-informed to provide holistic treatment and advice.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. While training to become an occupational therapist requires a graduate degree, this course may add to an occupational therapist's knowledge base and help them to better serve pregnant and postpartum patients. This course can help an occupational therapist adapt exercises and provide advice.
Registered Dietitian
Registered dietitians advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal. While specific to prenatal and postnatal exercise, this course touches on nutrition. Understanding the benefits of exercise for mother and baby may assist registered dietitians in creating personalized and holistic plans for their clients during pregnancy and postpartum.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. This course may be useful for massage therapists who work with pregnant and postpartum women. It covers anatomy, physiology, and common conditions, providing a foundation for safe and effective massage therapy. The course may help a massage therapist adjust their techniques to address the specific needs and concerns of pregnant and postpartum clients.
Yoga Instructor
Yoga Instructors guide individuals or groups through yoga poses and breathing techniques. This course may be useful for yoga instructors who wish to specialize in prenatal and postnatal yoga. The principles discussed in the course may assist yoga instructors in modifying poses to suit the specific needs of these clients, considering physiological changes and potential contraindications. A yoga instructor can use the knowledge in this course to create safe and effective yoga classes for all stages of pregnancy and beyond.
Childbirth Educator
Childbirth Educators prepare expectant parents for labor, delivery, and newborn care. While exercise is not the primary focus of childbirth education, this course may provide childbirth educators with knowledge about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy and postpartum. This course may supplement their understanding of the physiological changes and considerations for pregnant women and new mothers. The course may help childbirth educators share some basic exercise guidelines with their clients.
Doula
Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support to women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. This course may be useful for doulas as it provides insights into the physical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum. While doulas do not provide medical advice, the course may help them to be better informed when discussing physical health and well-being with their clients. The course addresses specific issues like pelvic floor dysfunction.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Prenatal & Postnatal Teacher Training (CPD Certified).
Provides a comprehensive guide to safe and effective exercise during pregnancy. It covers the physiological changes of pregnancy and how to adapt exercise routines accordingly. It valuable resource for understanding the benefits and risks of exercise for both mother and baby. This book is commonly used by fitness professionals working with pregnant women.
Focuses on the unique needs of women during the postpartum period, often referred to as the 'fourth trimester.' It provides guidance on physical healing, emotional well-being, and restoring vitality after childbirth. It offers a holistic approach to postnatal care, complementing the exercise-focused content of the course. This book is valuable as additional reading to provide a more complete picture of postnatal recovery.

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