The Healing Power of Movement: Why Every New Mum Needs Gentle Exercise

Before I had my first baby, movement was something I did because I loved it. Yoga, walking, stretching—it made me feel strong, capable, and connected to my body.

Then motherhood happened.

And suddenly, my body didn’t feel like mine anymore. It had changed in ways I wasn’t prepared for. My core felt weak. My posture was different. Every time I lifted the pram or carried my baby, I felt aches in places that had never hurt before.

And yet, when I looked at postnatal fitness options, all I could see were workouts designed to “bounce back” or “get your pre-baby body back.”

But what if I didn’t want to go back?

What if I just wanted to feel good again?

That’s when I realised—postnatal movement isn’t about bouncing back.It’s about rebuilding, recovering, and reconnecting with yourself.

Why Movement Matters for Mums

So many new mums put movement on the back burner—not because they don’t want to exercise, but because:

❌ They’re exhausted. The thought of “working out” feels impossible on two hours of broken sleep.

❌ They don’t have childcare. Most gyms and studios aren’t baby-friendly.

❌ They don’t know where to start. After birth, movement feels different, and many mums don’t know how to rebuild strength safely.

But here’s the thing: movement isn’t just about fitness—it’s about feeling better.

💛 It supports postnatal recovery. Movement can aid healing, rebuild strength, and ease everyday aches.

💛 It boosts mental health. Gentle exercise is shown to reduce postnatal depression and anxiety (British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2022).

💛 It increases energy. Even gentle movement can help fight fatigue and lift your mood—even on your most sleep-deprived days.

And most importantly?

It helps you feel like YOU again.

Why Traditional Fitness Spaces Don’t Work for Mums

One of the biggest challenges new mums face when trying to move again is that most fitness spaces weren’t designed for them.

🚫 Most gyms don’t allow babies in classes.

🚫 Many postnatal programs focus on weight loss instead of recovery.

🚫 There’s no flexibility for unpredictable baby schedules.

And so, too many mums just stop moving altogether.Not because they don’t want to—because the barriers are too high.

How Nest Glasgow Makes Movement Work for Mums

That’s exactly why I created Nest Glasgow.

We’ve redefined what postnatal-friendly movement looks like.Instead of expecting mums to fit into traditional fitness spaces, we built a space just for them.

✅ Babies are welcome. No need for childcare—you can move while your little one naps, plays, or feeds.

✅ The focus is on recovery, not weight loss. Movement should feel healing, not punishing.

✅ There’s no pressure, no expectations. Whether you’re six weeks or six months postpartum—you’re welcome exactly as you are.

One of the best things about Nest Outdoors—our free, baby-friendly strength and steps class in Glasgow Green—is that it gives mums a chance to move without the pressure of a formal workout.It’s about fresh air, gentle movement, and conversation.

One mum told me after a session:

“I thought I was too tired to exercise, but I left feeling more awake, more alive, and more like myself than I had in weeks.”

That’s what movement should feel like.

The Emotional Side of Postnatal Movement

Movement after motherhood isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional.

🤍 It’s the first time you reconnect with yourself after giving birth.

🤍 It’s a reminder that you are still strong, still capable.

🤍 It’s space to breathe, to feel, to process.

And for many mums, it’s the first time they’ve been in a room where they feel seen, supported, and understood.

At Mumma's Space, we go beyond movement—we create a place where mums can talk, share wisdom, and reflect on their motherhood journey.Because sometimes, you need more than movement—you need community too.

It’s Time to Redefine Postnatal Wellness

For too long, mums have been told that postnatal fitness is about getting back to who they were before.

But we’re not going back.

We’re moving forward—stronger, wiser, more in tune with our bodies than ever before.

If you’re a new mum wondering if it’s time to start moving again, I want you to know:

✨ You don’t have to wait until you “feel ready.” You are ready now.

✨ You don’t have to do it alone—there’s a community here waiting for you.

✨ You don’t have to push yourself—you just have to start.

Ready to Move With Us?

If you're looking for gentle, baby-friendly classes in a welcoming, non-judgemental space:

👉 Book a class at Nest Glasgow

👉 Try our 2-week unlimited pass for £29

👉 Join our free Nest Outdoors group

Come move, breathe, and reconnect—with your body, your baby, and yourself. 💛

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