Wellbeing after Miscarriage programme

Shakira

Hello! I’m Shakira, a women's health expert specialising in pre and postnatal health. I have worked with women 1-2-1 and in group workshops for over a decade. I have a Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification with a specialist qualifications in pre and postnatal health and an advance qualification in functional training for postnatal women.

I’m so happy I was able to be part of this Tommy’s project, sharing expert advice on reconnecting with your body, building confidence, strength, energy and mobility. Plus, we have hopefully taken the overwhelming world of workouts and made them easy to follow and fun to do.

The weekend that we filmed this content will be something that stays in my memory forever. It’s rare to feel so instantly comfortable on set and alongside the fun of exercising with friends, those days were a true testament to the power and strength of women supporting other women. I left feeling truly inspired and in awe of all of the experts and crew we worked with.  

I hope you find joy in working out with us in a way that feels fun and refreshing. I’m looking forward to going through the next few sessions with you.

Jenni

Hi, I'm Jenni,

I am a physiotherapist and I offer trauma-informed support for physical recovery after baby loss through The PABL Project.

I spend a lot of my time working teaching Pilates and working as a physio, which I LOVE. When you work through the Core Connection content you can be reassured that you’re in safe hands. I am registered with the HCPC, a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and part of the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy (POGP) professional group.

Please know that I’m sending you so much love as I lead you through the Core connection sessions. I know that we can’t change your loss but I would love to bring some glimmers of hope through the work that we do together.

Nicky

Hi, I'm Nicky,

You’ll see me in the Move and Core Connection sessions, showing you easier versions of some of the moves. I love connecting with people through humour and fitness, helping people embrace health and find joy.

My goal is to inspire others to prioritise well-being and find strength in everyday moments. It’s an honour to support Tommy’s and similar causes that uplift and strengthen families.

Denise

Hello, I’m Denise Caskie, a qualified counsellor and EMDR therapist. I have worked in mental health for over 15 years providing talking therapies to adults, children and young people.

I now work with people who have experienced pregnancy loss or the death of a child or sibling. It is a great honour for me to do this work and to support people to understand their own grief and loss journey, find their own ways to express their emotions and celebrate their loved ones. We are stronger and kinder than we think. We just need the confidence to believe it.

It has been wonderful to work in partnership with Tommy’s and share this experience with Shakira and Jenni bringing mental health and physical health together in one program. This is so important.

I hope that anyone who follows the Mind videos will find the information useful and take the opportunity to experience a little rest and relaxation.

Safety information - Move and Core Connection

These exercise sessions have been designed for those who have experienced pregnancy loss up to 24 weeks. 

They are suitable if you are totally new to exercise or if you haven't exercised for a while. They build up gradually to moderate intensity exercise (you breathe faster but can still talk).

The Move and Core Connection content has not been created for people who have experienced baby loss after 24 weeks of pregnancy. This is because your body needs different support to recover. You may still be able to do the programme, but only after a qualified health professional has said it is safe for you.  

We ask you to start at the beginning and build up slowly and safely. 

How long after my loss can I start?

You can start the Core Connection and Move sessions from 2 weeks after your loss, as long as your bleeding and other symptoms of miscarriage have stopped (or very nearly stopped). You should also feel physically well enough to start gentle exercise.

If you have had a second trimester loss (late miscarriage), it might take longer than 2 weeks to feel ready. 

If you have been told not to exercise after your loss by a healthcare professional then you must wait until they have said that you can start. 

Get advice from a healthcare professional before trying the exercise sessions if you have a health problem, pain or recent injury or operation.

You should also get advice before exercising if you have:

• leaking wee or poo or needing to rush to get to the toilet on time,
• a feeling of heaviness, dragging, bulging or pressure in your pelvic floor area,
• separated stomach muscles which gives a sense of weakness in this area, or
• pain in your lower back or pelvis.

Stop immediately if you experience any pregnancy loss related bleeding or cramping, feel pain anywhere in your body or become unwell. If you are concerned about any symptoms, or they do not go away, call your GP or NHS 111.
 

Safety agreement - terms and conditions

Tommy’s does not accept any responsibility for any individual or group of individuals, who may be participating in the Core Connection or Move sessions. Anyone taking part in the Core Connection and Move sessions does so at their own risk.

To take part in the Core Connection and Move sessions, you must wait at least 2 weeks after your loss, your bleeding must have stopped (or very nearly stopped) and you must be in good overall physical health. If you’ve been told on health or medical grounds that you should not take part in moderate intensity physical activities, then you should not be joining in with these workouts.

By taking part in these exercise and fitness sessions, you agree to the above terms and conditions.