{"product_id":"strong-as-a-mother-isbn-9781632175816","title":"Strong as a Mother","description":"\u003cb\u003eThe definitive guide to prenatal and postpartum fitness! \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOlympian expertise meets pelvic health expertise to empower women of all fitness levels to embrace their strongest, healthiest pregnancy and recovery. This fitness guide is specifically developed to address pelvic floor health and issues such as diastasis recti—the separation of the abdomen muscles—that are commonly experienced during pregnancy.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDoctors frequently warn women to slow down and rest during pregnancy. But years of scientific research—and the personal experiences of Olympic runner Shannon Rowbury and pelvic floor health expert Jessica Dorrington— show that pregnant women's bodies are capable of so much more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eStrong as a Mother\u003c\/i\u003e provides evidence-based, empowering information that challenges outdated notions of pregnancy as a time of limitation. Anyone who has been pregnant has experienced the anxiety of not knowing for sure whether their favorite exercise activity is safe. Now, by combining Olympic-level athletic experience with specialized medical knowledge to manage diastasis recti, pelvic floor health, and overall wellness, this book offers a unique, authoritative perspective that will revolutionize how women approach fitness during pregnancy and postpartum.“\u003ci\u003eStrong as a Mother\u003c\/i\u003e is the guide I wish I had—medically grounded, athlete-tested, and deeply empowering. It gives you clear, confidence-building guidance to keep moving throughout pregnancy and into postpartum.”\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e—Allyson Felix, 11-time Olympic medalist, cofounder of Saysh, cofounder of Always Alpha\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“As essential to me in my pregnancy as a pair of running shoes is in a marathon buildup! I honestly don’t know what I would do without this guidance—it’s transformed my entire pregnancy experience from uncertainty to complete confidence.”\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e—Jordan Hogan, Boston Marathon bronze medalist\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e“The pregnancy book that finally answers ‘what can I actually do?’ instead of listing everything you can’t. \u003ci\u003eStrong as a Mother\u003c\/i\u003e empowers women with expert, science-backed guidance to move with confidence, strength, and trust in their bodies—during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.”\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e—Dr. Rachel Goldman, PhD clinical psychologist and author of \u003ci\u003eWhen Life Happens\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"\u003ci\u003eStrong as a Mother\u003c\/i\u003e has been as essential to me in my pregnancy as a pair of running shoes is in a marathon buildup! I honestly don't know what I would do without this guidance—it's transformed my entire pregnancy experience from uncertainty to complete confidence.\"\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e—Jordan Hogan, Boston Marathon bronze medalist\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\"The pregnancy book that finally answers ‘what can I actually do?’ instead of listing everything you can’t. \u003ci\u003eStrong as a Mother\u003c\/i\u003e empowers women with expert, science-backed guidance to move with confidence, strength, and trust in their bodies—during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.\" \u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e—Dr. Rachel Goldman, PhD clinical psychologist and author of \u003ci\u003eWhen Life Happens\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAs a runner, SHANNON ROWBURY is a 3-time Olympian, 2-time World bronze medalist, world champion, and world record holder. A lifelong advocate for women’s sports, she has worked with Nike and USA Track \u0026amp; Field to update maternity policies to make Track \u0026amp; Field more equitable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJESSICA DORRINGTON is a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist through the American Physical Therapy Association, and the director of Bethany Physical Therapy in Portland, Oregon.Not so long ago, the words “obstetrics,” “pregnancy,” and “athletics” were rarely uttered in the same breath. If you were to rewind to just a few decades ago, you'd find a medical landscape where pregnant women were routinely advised to drastically limit physical activity. The prevailing wisdom prioritized caution above all else, even if it meant months of inactivity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Problem with Playing It Safe\u003c\/u\u003e \u003cbr\u003ePrevious guidelines set by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) imposed strict parameters, such as:\u003cbr\u003e● Limitations on heart rate during exercise\u003cbr\u003e● Restrictions on starting new activities for previously inactive mothers\u003cbr\u003e● Prohibitions on movements deemed too risky\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile these guidelines were well-intentioned, their overly cautious nature left many women feeling uncertain and even fearful about staying active during pregnancy. Fortunately, the medical community has begun to recognize the tremendous benefits of exercise during pregnancy for both parent and baby. ACOG reviews its physical activity guidelines for pregnancy annually and continues to update its protocols. The organization now recommends that pregnant women engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week—it’s worth checking for updates each year. While pre-, peri-, and postpartum fitness remain relatively new fields in medicine, there have been noteworthy advancements in recent years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cu\u003eThe Power of Current Research\u003c\/u\u003e \u003cbr\u003eResearch shows that women who exercise during pregnancy experience remarkable benefits to their physical fitness. Compared to those who don’t exercise, women who exercise during pregnancy: \u003cbr\u003e● Retain three times less weight\u003cbr\u003e● Retain two times less fat\u003cbr\u003e● Experience significant improvement in abdominal tone\u003cbr\u003e● Return to prepregnancy activity levels twice as often\u003cbr\u003eBut exercise during pregnancy isn’t just about staying fit—it sets the stage for a healthier pregnancy, easier recovery, and a strong start to motherhood. Research consistently shows the health benefits that staying active during pregnancy provides for both mothers and their babies.\u003cbr\u003eFor mothers, it:\u003cbr\u003e● Reduces the risk of gestational diabetes by 24–38 percent\u003cbr\u003e● Enhances their ability to handle the physical demands of labor\u003cbr\u003e● Lowers the likelihood of needing a cesarean delivery\u003cbr\u003e● Improves psychological well-being and reduces the risk of depression during pregnancy as well as postpartum\u003cbr\u003e● Promotes better postpartum recovery outcomes\u003cbr\u003e● Eliminates or improves low back pain\u003cbr\u003e● Improves muscular tone and posture\u003cbr\u003eFor babies, it:\u003cbr\u003e● Improves placental growth, volume, and function\u003cbr\u003e● Helps regulate the baby's weight\u003cbr\u003e● Improves muscle tone\u003cbr\u003e● Increases likelihood of a vaginal delivery for beneficial bacterial exposure\u003cbr\u003e● May promote a shorter labor\u003cbr\u003e● Improves the baby's position for birth\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnfortunately, many women are still advised to limit or avoid exercise due to outdated information or fear. It's time to challenge this narrative.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cu\u003eBreaking Free from Common Myths\u003c\/u\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIn this book, we'll challenge long-standing myths surrounding pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Some of these misconceptions have persisted for generations, affecting how women approach pregnancy and, in turn, what they can achieve. Here's a glimpse at some of the beliefs we'll examine:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMyth: You’ll get all the guidance you need by listening to your body\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePregnancy changes everything, including the way your body communicates. But what does it really mean to listen to your body when pregnancy alters your usual feedback systems? We'll explore this complex relationship and provide clear guidance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMyth: Incontinence is just part of motherhood\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Get used to leaking—it's just what happens after having babies.” How many times have you heard this? While incontinence is incredibly common, should we really accept it as inevitable? We'll take a deep dive into what's happening with your pelvic floor and what you can do about it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMyth: There's a right way to give birth\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe pressure to have a certain type of birth experience can be overwhelming. But what if the debate between unmedicated and medicated birth is missing the mark? We'll help you understand the full range of birth choices available to you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMyth: You should return to exercise postpartum when you feel ready\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis vague advice leaves many women wondering what “ready” actually feels like. How do you know if you're doing too much or too little? We'll provide the framework you've been missing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMyth: You need to get your body back\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe pressure to bounce back after pregnancy is everywhere. But what if the whole concept is flawed? We'll introduce a different way of thinking about your postpartum body.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMyth: Core work should wait until you’re postpartum\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e“Don't work your core during pregnancy.” \u003cbr\u003e“Avoid all ab work.” \u003cbr\u003eSound familiar? The truth about core training during pregnancy might surprise you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMyth: Strengthening your pelvic floor will make you susceptible to a C-section\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePelvic floor changes facilitate vaginal delivery, and the pelvic floor faces high demands during pregnancy. We’ll explore how to keep your pelvic floor strong and flexible for birth.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMyth: Pregnancy limits athletic potential\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCan you maintain your strength during pregnancy? Should you? The latest research challenges traditional thinking and reveals some unexpected insights about exercise during pregnancy.\u003cbr\u003eMyths like these have influenced pregnancy and postpartum guidance for decades, but new research and evolving understanding are revolutionizing how we view pregnancy fitness. Throughout this book, we'll examine these beliefs in detail and provide you with evidence-based information to help you make your own informed decisions. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA New Understanding of Pregnancy Wellness \u003c\/u\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis book isn't just another pregnancy guide—it's a paradigm shift. While many resources focus on your baby's development, we aim to help you understand the changes happening in \u003ci\u003eyour body\u003c\/i\u003e. This includes learning safe exercise parameters, maintaining core strength, and preventing common issues such as leakage. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere's what makes our approach different:\u003cbr\u003e● \u003cb\u003eTailored Guidance: \u003c\/b\u003eWe recognize that every pregnancy is unique, and our advice adapts to your changing needs throughout each trimester. (However, keep in mind that it’s not meant to replace your physician’s guidance.)\u003cbr\u003e● \u003cb\u003eEmpowerment Through Knowledge:\u003c\/b\u003e By understanding the reasons behind our recommendations, you’ll feel confident in your choices.\u003cbr\u003e● \u003cb\u003eFocus on Strength:\u003c\/b\u003e We’ll show you how to build and maintain strength safely during your pregnancy instead of viewing it as a time of limitation.\u003cbr\u003e● \u003cb\u003ePreparation for Motherhood:\u003c\/b\u003e Our approach extends beyond pregnancy to set you up for a stronger postpartum recovery.\u003cbr\u003e● \u003cb\u003eExpert Perspectives:\u003c\/b\u003e You’ll benefit from the combined insights of elite athletics and clinical combined orthopedic and pelvic health experts—a unique blend you won't find elsewhere.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cu\u003eRedefining Pregnancy Fitness\u003c\/u\u003e \u003cbr\u003eIt's time to rethink pregnancy fitness. Gone are the days of vague warnings or unnecessary restrictions. You and your pregnancy journey deserve better than one-size-fits-all advice or outdated limitations. With accurate information and proper guidance, you can embrace an active pregnancy that prepares you for the demands of childbirth and lays the foundation for a confident transition into motherhood.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the chapters ahead, we'll guide you through each trimester with clear, evidence-based recommendations tailored to your changing body. You'll learn how to work with your body's natural wisdom and build the strength you need for childbirth and beyond. Whether you're an experienced athlete or just beginning your fitness journey, this book will provide the framework to help you thrive during pregnancy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRemember that your pregnant body isn't fragile—it's powerful and capable of remarkable adaptations. By understanding these changes and learning how to support them, you can approach your pregnancy with confidence instead of caution. Let's empower you with the right knowledge and tools and discover what your body can do.","brand":"Sasquatch Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48233588228325,"sku":"NP9781632175816","price":18.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781632175816.jpg?v=1767737445","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/strong-as-a-mother-isbn-9781632175816","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}