Absolutely Hertfordshire interviews Michelle Baynham, founder of Mother Fit, to discover a fitness and wellbeing community like no other
What originally inspired you to launch Mother Fit?
With two girls, born 18 months apart, I found myself struggling after the birth of my second daughter, and was diagnosed with postnatal depression. The ‘juggle struggle’ of two children so close in age, a house renovation, and keeping up with everyday tasks became too much, and I turned to exercise as my one constant, and a way in which to carve out some ‘me’ time in our very busy schedule. As a result, I found this not only helped me physically, but worked wonders for my mental health.
Believing it’s essential to get moving whatever stage of pregnancy or motherhood you’re in, I was shocked to find little to no resources online to help. So, taking knowledge as a qualified pre and postnatal personal trainer, and my desire to offer pregnant and new mums the same escapism and meditation element of exercise that inspired me, Mother Fit was born!
What did you want to offer from the start?
I wanted to offer a truly affordable resource to all women. Driven by my own experience of motherhood, I am able to connect and relate to every Mother Fit member. I wanted Mother Fit to be more than just exercise, I wanted it to be filled with knowledge and resources to make life just that little bit easier. Also providing a safe space within a private community for women to join and share experiences, workout together and champion each other as they navigate the tricky path that is parenthood.
I am extremely proud of Mother Fit, for just £9.99 per month or £7.50 per month (annually) including 14 days free (cancelled at any time), members will gain access to the complete service, all of which is personalised to the user!
What was the response like?
I couldn’t have asked for a better response. Subscribers love the personalised approach to each stage of their journey and personal contact with me via our free introduction call, private community, and web chat. When signing up, users will create a unique profile, which then works seamlessly with the Mother Fit platform to ensure users gain access to everything that is relevant to the stage of motherhood they are at – whether that be just finding out they’re pregnant, to being back at work with a toddler. Going one step further, Mother Fit promises to be the holy grail as mums can also record important midwife appointments and will automatically be sent recommendations for classes to do, articles to read, or the ability to journal their thoughts.
Why do you think we need a platform like this?
Women need looking after. There is nothing quite like this on the market, specifically targeting mum’s and mum’s to be. Mum gets forgotten once baby arrives and I’m here to make sure she’s looked after through her whole journey.
What different aspects are part of Mother Fit today?
Members on their pregnancy journey will enjoy a weekly program tailored to the week of their pregnancy, including fitness classes such as weights, cardio, Pilates and yoga, plus live interactive sessions. Antenatal care such as hypnobirthing, mindfulness, as well as expert content, resources, and weekly updates on their baby’s development.
Members on their postpartum journey begin in the 4th trimester with support for mum and her new baby, and once cleared medically to return to exercise she’ll enjoy a gentle ‘Rebuild you Core’ program, and a daily 9-week postpartum program bursting with fitness, mindfulness, mobility, expert content such as first aid for under ones, and resources to support her and her baby’s journey. Once graduated mum will even be guided through additional fitness classes from Postpartum Bridge, to ease her transition into beyond.
Members on their ‘beyond’ journey will experience a dashboard bursting with live sessions, challenges, programs, hundreds of fitness classes, nutrition, mindfulness, experts including a 2-part confidence program, long c-section recovery, and more. They will also be able to personalise their goals for weight loss or getting strong, track calories, workouts, buddy up, and more.
Is there something you offer that is pretty unique?
Unlike anything else on the market, Mother Fit aims to provide a 360 holistic approach to motherhood. Mother Fit’s ethos is to support women at whatever stage of their journey, looking after their physical and mental wellbeing.
How important is the online community to mothers out there?
Community and connectivity with women on the same journey is key to boosting your mood and alleviating any feelings of loneliness. This is why we are so proud of the private Mother Fit community we have created, where mums at every stage of their parenting journey come together to motivate and champion each other along the way. This group of women are passionate about building each other up and is a vital part of the Mother Fit program.
From sharing healthy recipes, top tips on how to get a baby to sleep, and advice on dealing with lack of sleep – the Mother Fit community is there. Surrounded by hundreds of like-minded women, you can find new friends, workout buddies and women to keep you accountable and on track.
Why were you keen on qualifying as a Pre & Postnatal Level 3 Fitness Trainer?
I wanted to empower women to take back control of their bodies so that they can feel strong without worrying about their pelvic floor, aches, pains, or getting hurt while trying to get into the best shape of their lives.
I’m extremely passionate about exercising the right way! As a pre and postnatal personal trainer, I can meet the unique needs of my pre and postnatal clients.
Are you keen on writing more books?
Yes, 100%, I’m keen to write a book with nutritional advice and recipes to nourish mothers through pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.
How long have you lived in Hertford and what do you love about it?
I’ve lived in Hertford since November 2014, we moved here a week before my second daughter was born. Our house was previously a bed & breakfast – needless to say, it needed a bit of work and refurbishment and having two children under two was extremely challenging at times. We absolutely love Hertford and are very lucky being located in the centre of town.
Is there plenty in the area for families?
Hertford is a wonderful area for families. From outstanding schools, a beautiful common, river walks to theatre and cinema entertainment. There is an eclectic mix of retailers and restaurateurs that cater for the little ones and it’s by far our favourite place to live.
What’s next for you and Mother Fit?
I want to reach as many women as I can from all over the world. Helping them on their journey, being a happier, healthier version of themselves.
