We have successfully begun delivering a GRx Maternal programme in Palmerston North. The programme is a collaborative approach with the Diabetes Trust aiming to ‘Improve women’s health during pregnancy and the postnatal period through promotion of healthy eating and physical activity’. For more information email Katrina : katrinag@sportmanawatu.org.nz or call/text 021 765 685
See below some feedback provided by our Maternal participants:
LAUREN: ‘I’ve been a part of the Green Prescription maternal programme since July/Aug 2021, as referred by my midwife Cheryl Benn. I didn’t know what to expect when I was first told of the programme by my MW, but I was looking for some motivation and helpful direction in my pregnancy and health after becoming pregnant with my 4th baby a lot sooner than expected and still recovering in many ways from my 3rd. I knew I wasn’t as healthy as I wanted to be for this pregnancy but felt a bit stuck in an all or nothing mindset…and my version of “all” (hardcore HIIT workouts etc) wasn’t going to be an option so I wasn’t doing anything’.
‘My initial meeting with Katrina was so informative and she set the tone for the rest of our time together, kind, knowledgeable and incredibly supportive. I appreciated her clear instruction and the tailored at-home exercises for me. She helped me to see that listening to my body, gentle movements and just doing something was still incredibly helpful for me and baby’.
One of the best aspects of partaking in this programme has been my weekly aqua session. This is time I’ve had just for myself (which doesn’t happen that often with 3 kids at home!) and I’ve enjoyed the physical movement, learning new gentle exercises, and Katrina’s ever-friendly support. I will miss these pool mornings a lot, but I’ve learned skills that I’ll be able to implement now myself through the end of my pregnancy and postpartum.
Physically I feel so much better for moving and being active. My blood pressure has only gotten better since working with Katrina and my midwives are pleased with how baby and I are doing regardless of what my weight or BMI looks like on paper. I am so thankful for these last few months and have felt incredibly supported. It’s been a joy, thank you!
JODY: ‘I have had the pleasure of being involved in Green Prescription because of developing gestational diabetes during my first pregnancy. It was recommended to be by my midwife and followed up very quickly by Katrina at Sport Manawatū. Katrina was very friendly and welcoming with a wealth of knowledge and was very happy to work with me to help me control my diabetes be it through more knowledge around nutrition, with many helpful resources, or through movement. I was very keen to get into the water and once we were out of lockdown was able to thoroughly enjoy sessions with Katrina down at the Lido. I would highly recommend this to any pregnant person needing support with either their nutrition or movement during their pregnancy as Sport Manawatu provides fantastic tools, support and knowledge and I feel many would benefit from such a programme. My only wish is that I could’ve known about and been involved in it from earlier in my pregnancy as I enjoyed it so much.’
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