If you're newly pregnant, you're probably watching your diet carefully, getting plenty of rest, and preparing for the arrival of your new baby. You're also thinking about the big day itself and what the experience of labor will be like. Even if you're following a regular fitness program, you'll want to do everything you can to strengthen and prepare your body for the rigors of labor.

Maternal Fitness features clearly illustrated exercises that focus specifically on the muscle groups you'll use throughout labor, especially the transverse abdominals -- the stomach muscles that play a critical role during delivery. A powerful set of transverse abs can speed labor and delivery and make for a quick recovery. By learning how to strengthen your abdominals and relax your pelvic floor muscles, you'll be able to push more effectively.

While the Maternal Fitness program is designed specifically for the big moment, it also has other benefits, from minimizing backache and fatigue to giving you a welcome head start on getting back into shape after childbirth. Developed by a professional trainer who is also a registered nurse and childbirth educator, the Maternal Fitness program is safe for you and your baby and easy to do. Once learned, it can be incorporated into any workout.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 19 reviews)

Very informative book

Julie presents the information in an easy to understand format without talking down to the reader. She teaches effective pushing technique by helping the reader find, strengthen and use the correct muscles. She also provides a nice light workout and stretching routine.
While the number of "acceptable" birthing positions she mentioned was a bit limited, reading other natural child birth books will provide additional gravity friendly options.

October 20, 2008

Seeing benefits after one weekend!

I didn't get this book until my fifth month of pregnancy when I was searching for something to help relieve my back pain. I came across this book and after a single weekend of doing the introductory BAKS exercises, I'm feeling noticably better. I wish I had followed this program during my first pregnancy, b/c it teaches you to visualize the act of giving birth (like squeezing toothpaste from a tube), teaches you which muscles to use, and gives you the safe and effective exercises that develop those muscles. At the rist of TMI, I noticed the difference with my first bowel movement! I'm actually starting to look FORWARD to having a baby because I feel like I'm going to be prepared. I know HOW to push and I'm excited about developing my strength over the next few months so that labor isn't as exhausting as it was the first time around. I plan to write another review in December after the baby is born.
August 11, 2008

Great Information

This book has some really good information and wonderful tips for preparing for the marathon of labor and delivery. Once you learn the basic moves they can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. I have not been able to make myself do it every day but I can see how important it is. My lack of motivation is certainly not the book's fault! Now if I can just get off the couch...
May 20, 2008

Very Detailed plan of Exercises

I liked this book, because you dont go straight to the exercises. It tells you what youll be working on and why. You dont get to the exercises until chapter 8 or 9 I believe, but it shows you how to properly breath and other things, it was a great find for me.
May 15, 2008

Great Maternity Fitness Book!

I started reading Julie Tupler's book at the end of my 2nd trimester and started with her BAKS Basics workout for a week or so while on business travel. I can't say my back pain went away but it certainly helped.

I've also been doing her maternal fitness workout (takes longer - about an hour +) and it's a tough workout that you can do at your own pace - with just a few things, at home. (Need some light weights and a resistance band).

I love that she offers pages you can photocopy to have on hand with you - makes it easy to follow once you know the routine or if you have to travel like me.
April 18, 2008

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