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Resources for Moms Who Pole
This post is based on the webinar “Interview with Andrea from “Moms Who Pole” Podcast. held on January 26, 2023. IPIA members can view the entire webinar at this link.
*please note we say “new mom” several times throughout this blog. Even if this isn’t your first child, the added responsibility of an additional child is new. We also acknowledge that not all people who give birth identify as “mom” or use she/her pronouns.
Andrea is a mom and military spouse who pole dances and hosts the podcast Moms Who Pole. Her podcast is full of all kinds of information for polers and coaches navigating pregnancy.
Even if you have a good pregnancy and birth; it’s a trauma to the body.
Andrea mentions early on in her talk that forensic anthropologists can tell if a skeleton has given birth vaginally based on marks left on the pelvis. That’s a pretty big deal. The alternative, a C-section, is a major surgery that cuts through seven layers of tissue and is a major abdominal surgery, even if the American Medical System doesn’t treat it like one. Even if you had a smooth sailing pregnancy, your body has gone through some major changes!
Accept the New You
Many polers and business polers want to “get back” to their pre-pregnancy fitness and skill level in pole. This is extremely challenging. Not only are you taking care of yourself, but now you have a small human to care for whose continued existence depends on you. While pets can have similar needs to kids, it doesn’t truly compare to taking care of a newborn human.
If your pregnancy didn’t come to fruition, by the time you have a positive pregnancy test your body has already gone through changes. It will take time to work through the emotions that come with both the physical changes as well as the loss.
We recommend approaching your new body with curiosity and compassion. It’s normal to get frustrated with the change in your body’s capabilities.
Taking Online or In Person Classes
While online classes have dropped in popularity since the COVID-19 lockdowns ended and people began gathering in person again, there is still a market for online classes.
For new moms (who can’t move around as freely, because they have a child to care for), online classes may be their solution to getting back to their hobby.
Taking or teaching live online classes allow new moms to get some childcare coverage for 1 hour (since there is no travel time) and have some time where they can feel like their own independent person again. Recorded online classes allow new moms to sneak in some drills whenever they have a moment (though this requires a lot of discipline).
Even if you’re not ready for all the drills in a virtual class, you can still join and do what is accessible to you, and do whatever post-birth physical therapy you need to put yourself back together.
Every person has different priorities. If in-person classes are one of your non-negotiables, make sure your partner(s)/family are onboard to help with child care and get yourself to class. Leaving the house to do something for you will do wonders for your mental health as a new mom.
In-person, live online, and recorded virtual classes have their purposes for new moms and new parents in general, even if you aren’t the one who gave birth. Every new parent or caregiver needs to make sure they make time for themselves too. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and if you try it will only lead to burnout.
Defining Your Non-Negotiables
Everyone has a few things that are their steady non-negotiables.
Your non-negotiable may be a particular chore, such as dishes must be washed and dried before bed. Maybe your non-negotiable laundry must be washed, dried, and put away every Friday. Or as a business poler, perhaps all those things can get moved around in support of the needs of your family and your business.
For some, the non-negotiable is doing some kind of fitness: lifting, running/walking, getting to pole class etc. After having a child, you will be in a new season of your life and will need to reprioritize. Figure out what are your non-negotiables and stick to them. Don’t be afraid to lean on your family and your community when you need help.
Asking for help is scary, but if you don’t ask, you won’t know what’s available for you!
For more information on pregnancy and fitness check out these other resources:
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