Focus on Pre and Post Natal Physical Activity

Connecting Physical Activity and Health

In this month’s newsletter we focus on our work supporting pre and postnatal physical activity. Over the past couple of years, we have been working closely with Better Births Lincolnshire, ULHT Maternity Services and the physical activity sector to upskill the workforce and advocate the benefits of being physically active before, during pregnancy and the postpartum period with an aim of increasing physical activity levels from conception to reception age.

Pre & Postnatal Physical Activity Network In mid-October we held our first Lincolnshire Pre & Postnatal Physical Activity Network meeting where 12 physical activity providers from across the county came together to discuss current opportunities, barriers faced by new and expectant mothers in accessing provision and thoughts for the future. The next meeting is taking place on 7th December and we would be keen to hear from anyone who is currently delivering sessions/activities specifically for expectant and/or new mum’s, or anyone that holds a qualification in the subject, or shares our interest in ensuring these women have access to suitable and accessible physical activity in Lincolnshire. If you would like to hear more about this work, please get in touch with Donna Sutton.

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Upskilling the Workforce: Pre and Postnatal Physical ActivitySince the start of our work in this area we have so far funded 20 physical activity instructors across Lincolnshire to undertake their Level 3 Pre & Postnatal Exercise and Nutrition qualification to upskill and gain the knowledge and understanding to develop safe and effective sessions for each stage of pregnancy and during the postnatal period. With a few more funded spaces available we are working with local providers in the sector to fill gaps in provision across the county. Specific focus areas moving forward include the East Coast and South Lincolnshire.Training OpportunitiesOther training opportunities include the Health Education England (HEE) e-learning for healthcare module Pregnancy and Postnatal Period: Being Active. Once you have completed the HEE module you will become eligible to become a physical activity Ambassador for Lincolnshire through the Active Pregnancy Foundation Ambassador Training. The training costs £175 but there may be a couple of funded places available through Active Lincolnshire. Follow the link below to find out more about the above training and other upskilling opportunities or get in touch with Donna Sutton to enquire about a funded place.

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Mablethorpe Modelling Blog by Matt Evans Our Active People and Place Manager, Matt Evans, reflects on a recent visit to Mablethorpe, and asks the question “What does a place need in order to embed physical activity within its local health and care system?”

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Let’s Talk: Pregnancy and Fitness Jamie-Lee, Group Exercise Co-ordinator at Active Nation Lincoln, delivers multiple Les Mills classes every week from their Birchwood and Yarborough locations. In this post Jamie-Lee who is currently heading towards the end of her own pregnancy talks about her recommendations for pregnant women and physical activity. Follow the link to read more and watch her video.

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