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The Village X LØUCO Health X Avalon Pilates – Women’s Postpartum Health & Wellbeing Event

Thursday 13th March 2025, Avalon Pilates Studios, Earlsfield

Event Summary

This was a good one 😊 We chatted to four brilliant women’s health experts about how to look after and think about our physical health – our recovery, our hormones, our nutritional needs – after babies, as well as the things to be thinking about when returning to exercise postpartum. We learned about the critical role of protein in our diets – not just to build muscle (a common misconception!) but to support hormone production (oestrogen & progesterone are key during pregnancy & postpartum!), to support energy levels & reduce fatigue (something every new mum could benefit from) and for neurotransmitter synthesis (for regulating mood & brain function) amongst other things. Helping us to up our daily protein intake, LØUCO dished-out the most delicious protein energy balls before we the Avalon specialist trainers got us moving our bodies with some spicy Reformer Pilates and Barre work – all tailored to support strength & conditioning whilst postpartum. Rose Nannies watched the smalls so our mums could work-out baby-free before enjoying ‘cakes & (protein) shakes’ whilst chatting with the experts and making new friends. A brilliant start to our Education | Movement |Community series…. Keep your eyes peeled for more like this from us!

Topics Covered

  • Return to exercise after babies – when, what, how!
  • Pelvic floor – anatomy, symptoms, the importance of proper ‘rehab’, when to see a specialist
  • Postpartum nutrition – restoration from a depleted state, the importance of whole foods, fuelling your body properly at the start of the day, thyroid dysfunction, sugar highs & crashes, tips & tricks for eating better when poor on time
  • Protein – the important role protein plays in our bodies; different protein level requirements depending on age, stage & goal; how to consume sufficient daily protein; protein supplements – the benefits, what to avoid & dispelling misconceptions

Expert Speakers

Rachel Prince

Rachel Prince

Mum to 2, Rachel is a respected Women’s Health and Fitness Coach specialising in Pelvic Health, an ambassador for the Active Pregnancy Foundation & co-founder of LØUCO. As a leading specialist in pre- and post-natal corrective exercise, Rachel brings in-depth expertise in women’s health, particularly in strengthening core and pelvic floor muscles to help women recover safely and effectively. With a strong foundation in evidence-based techniques, Rachel is skilled at addressing issues like diastasis recti and pelvic floor dysfunction. Rachel’s holistic approach focuses on rebuilding functional strength, allowing women to regain confidence and achieve lasting results without the fear of injury or setbacks.

Clare Bourne

Clare Bourne

Clare is a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist & most importantly a mum of 2. She worked in the NHS extensively before moving into private practice and has a particular passion in supporting women during pregnancy and after birth, helping them to seek treatment for any pain or pelvic floor dysfunction they experience. Having lived pregnancy and the postnatal experience Clare knows what a precious but also vulnerable and sometimes lonely experience it can be.

Dr Jo Mennie

Dr Jo Mennie

Dr Jo is a Women’s Health Doctor with over 15 years of experience in medicine and research, co-founder of LØUCO, and mum to 1 small person. Holding a PhD in Women’s Health she is a leading authority in the field and her expertise is widely recognised, with multiple published scientific works and recognition from Tatler. Jo is passionate about translating cutting-edge epigenetic research into practical, effective solutions that support women’s physiology, hormonal balance, and long-term health – not just for them, but for future generations.

Isobel Austin Little

Isobel Austin Little

Isobel is a registered Nutritional Therapist (DIPCNM, BANT, CNHC) and Certified Fertility Practitioner at the Fertility Nutrition Centre. She supports couples wherever they are on their fertility journey, through pregnancy and the postpartum period. A mother of two herself, Isobel supports mothers throughout pregnancy, helping them to feel their best and avoid pregnancy-related conditions, helping them prepare for labour and the postpartum period. Her support extends beyond reconnecting clients with food; it touches on all areas of their lives, from how they live to how they breathe, move, de-stress, and sleep, reconnecting them with their bodies, helping women work with their hormones, preserve their fertility and get the most from their life. She practices personalised, evidence-based nutrition, providing the tools to support you and your family’s health for the future.

Feedback
hear what people are saying about our event:

“That was absolutely brilliant… panellists were unreal, the food was great, the Avalon reformer class was insane, the goody bags…. – it was all so well put together it was just brilliant. Everyone I met was wonderful – the biggest shout out, it was really incredible!”

“Another great event… thank you… right up my street”

“Had such a great time, thought it was brilliant! Loved the speakers. Definitely ordering the protein… Such a fun and empowering event”

Suggested Resources

If you are concerned about any aspect of your mental or physical health, or experiencing challenges, or keen to learn more – we’ve put together some suggested sources of information & support

Returning To Paid Work

Online Resources:

  • Mentor Mums
    • Matching you with a like-minded mum in a similar profession for free mentorship support you during your return to work after having children

Books:

  • The mother of all jobs Christine Armstrong
    • How to have children, and a career, and stay sane(ish)
  • The BlendTobi Asare
    • How to successfully manage a career & family
  • Mothers Work! Jessica Chivers
    • How to get a grip on guilt & make a smooth return to work
  • The Equal Parent  Paul Morgan-Bentley
    • How sharing the load helps the whole family thrive

Podcasts:

  • Comeback Coach Jessica Chivers
    • Life beyond work
  • The Spring Back GuideLaetitia Gordon-Fuse
    • Go back to work happy after babies

Overwhelm & The Mental Load

Online Resources:

Books:

  • Fair Play Eve Rodsky
    • A game-changing solution for when you have too much to do (and more life to live)
  • Set boundaries, Find peaceNedra Glover Tawwab
  • Raising a happier mother Anna Mathur

Podcasts:

  • Therapy Edit Anna Mathur
  • MotherkindZoe Blasky
  • Dirty Mother PukkaAnna Whitehouse
  • Made by MammasZoe Hardman & Georgia Dayton

Postnatal Sex & Relationships

Online Resources:

  • Online Workshop
    • How to not let having kids ruin your sex life from the Havelock Clinic & Dr Karen Gurne

Books:

  • Get Your Mojo BackClio Wood
  • The Science of Sex Dr Kate Moyle

Podcasts:

  • The Sexual Wellness Sessions Dr Kate Moyles

Supporters

A big thank you to all of the businesses that contributed to making our event such a memorable occasion!

Childcare – We were lucky to have the wonderful Rose Nannies with us helping to manage the smalls so that our mammas could engage in the sessions and have some hands-free time.

Goody bags – perhaps our best goody bags yet! Filled with brilliant bits aimed at helping our mammas take better care of themselves… a big thank you to all the wonderful brands who contributed:

If you would like to contribute to participate in a future event please contact [email protected]

Gallery

Palmer Photography

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