Ditching ‘Bounce Back’ Culture: Gentle, Realistic Postpartum Fitness
At the beginning of a new year, many moms feel pressure to ‘bounce back’ physically and jump into a fitness routine they may not be ready for, or even want. Whether you’ve never exercised before or were running marathons prior to pregnancy, today’s guest is here to share how you can use movement to support your sleep, mood, and overall well-being—on your own terms, and in your own (sometimes non-linear) way.
In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, host Lalaina Rabary sits down with Rosie Stockley, founder of MAMAWELL, an online fitness platform that offers resources to women through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
Together, Lalaina and Rosie unpack the myth of bouncing back to your pre-baby body. Rosie believes that this term is unhelpful to moms, as it denies the reality of the huge physical and emotional changes that happen during pregnancy and birth. She also explains how recovery and fitness can look very different from one mom to another. There are many variables—including birth type, physical characteristics, and other health or lifestyle factors—that influence how quickly or slowly realistic fitness goals can be achieved.
One thing Rosie emphasizes is the power of starting small: pelvic floor exercises and walking are great places to begin if you’re able. Ultimately, the name of the game is slow, incremental progress—and a non-judgmental mindset. That last part is key. There will be days when you’re exhausted or facing higher demands and just can’t get a workout in. It’s all about giving yourself grace and trying another day.
Episode Highlights
About the Guest: Rosie Stockley
Rosie Stockley founded MAMAWELL to provide women with education and insight into their bodies in the pre- and postpartum period (and beyond), and the benefits that exercise can bring, both for strength and energy – mentally & physically.
She runs classes and workshops & has online fitness programmes for both pregnancy and the postpartum period: The MAMAWELL Method. Her community on Instagram @mamawelluk are engaged daily – whether in live workouts, well-researched information, or conversation.
Rosie is well known for her holistic, intelligent approach to training the body and addressing the individual needs of each woman. She writes extensively, speaks, and sits on panels that highlight the importance of fitness for mental health, the benefits of strength throughout pregnancy and beyond, and how to find balance and energy in our busy, multifaceted roles as women.
Connect With Us
About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.
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Narrated by Abbe Opher
Music by Sokratis Seirlis
Instagram: @koalakids.fm