Life long learning – reflections from a pre & postnatal exercise specialist

Picture by Steve Martin

One thing I love about working in pre & postnatal fitness is that learning never stops.

I came into this field through movement, motherhood and babywearing. As a dancer, movement was always part of who I was. I had also always known I wanted to become a mother, and once that happened, babywearing quickly became the base of everyday life for me. It allowed closeness, freedom of movement, and connection — both physical and emotional.

My professional path into postnatal fitness began years earlier through Kangatraining, a concept that combines postnatal exercise, babywearing and dance. I first discovered it while living in Portugal after graduating in Sports Science, where I was working as a babysitter for a wonderful one-year-old. Her mum introduced me to the idea, and I immediately felt drawn to it. It brought together everything that mattered to me: movement, babies, motherhood, and connection.

Kangatraining has a strong philosophy of supporting mothers to work while staying with their babies, which meant I could only begin my instructor training once I was pregnant myself. Quite a few years after first discovering the concept, I finally had that opportunity. I qualified around two to three months after giving birth and started teaching when I was about four months postpartum. It remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my life — seeing mums smile, watching babies fall asleep during class, and knowing that, for that moment, mothers were able to move, breathe, and have time for themselves.

What life long learning looks like now

Over time, practicing life long learning, the form of learning has shifted shape. There is a foundation of general knowledge that comes with any qualification, but real-life practice always reveals where more depth is needed. I often return to my training materials to refresh details or research specific topics when I feel I could support my clients better with certain exercises or adaptations.

I also keep a growing list of scientific articles and research papers I want to read. At this stage of life, with my youngest child with me most of the time, learning happens in short, sometimes fragmented moments. I don’t often get to dive deep for long stretches — but when I do get the chance, that’s exactly how I choose to spend my time.

Between classes, I take mental notes. What worked well? What felt right for the group? What needs adjusting next time? Because my classes are influenced by babies as much as by plans on paper, flexibility is essential. At the same time, I make sure the fundamental movements and principles are always present. Learning, for me, is not just studying — it’s observing, reflecting, and refining.

How continued learning shapes my coaching

As my knowledge has grown, the way I coach has changed. I rely less on physically demonstrating every movement and more on clear, precise verbal cueing. Teaching in a language that is not my mother tongue adds another layer to this, and sometimes I still revisit course presentations simply to find the exact word I’m looking for.

I feel increasingly confident adapting on the spot. I have more tools available — more options to offer when someone experiences pain, discomfort, or has specific postnatal concerns. Whether it’s common postnatal issues like pelvic floor weakness or abdominal separation, or more individual challenges such as wrist, shoulder, knee or back pain, my goal is always to provide a safe and appropriate alternative.

I believe I can offer a safe space for all my clients to move, regardless of where they are in their recovery.

What I choose not to do

Learning has also clarified my professional boundaries.

I do not run postnatal weight loss programmes. I strongly believe that the postnatal period is about healing, rebuilding strength, and creating a solid foundation. While I fully support healthy lifestyle choices and understand that weight loss is a common goal for many women, it is not the primary focus of my work.

My role sits one step before that. I help mums build a strong, functional core and pelvic floor so that, if they choose to move into more demanding training later on, their bodies are ready and supported. This clarity is important, especially as many mums initially approach me with weight loss as their main goal. I am always honest about where my work fits — and why that foundation matters.

For me, learning isn’t separate from practice — it’s part of how I care for the women I work with.

Who this learning is for

My commitment to ongoing learning is ultimately about the quality of care I can offer. Staying informed about current postnatal guidelines and continuing to refine my approach allows me to make better decisions in class — from how I cue movements, to how I adapt exercises, to how I create a space where mums feel safe to move again.

It means I can support everyday mums in practical ways: helping them rebuild strength gradually, move with confidence, and reduce unnecessary discomfort as they go about daily life with their children.

Learning never really stops — and in pre & postnatal fitness, I believe that’s exactly how it should be.

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