This 90 minute live online class will offer the attendee an overview of the current state of science informing returning to running postpartum. 

Postpartum symptoms such as vaginal heaviness and fear of movement have been highlighted as barriers to postpartum women returning to running (Moore et al 2021).

Many postpartum women express frustration at the lack of guidance informing them on how to successfully return to running after having a baby (James et al 2022).

Almost 50% of women withdraw from physical activity due to pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms (Dakic et al 2021).

This class will aim to help participants: 

• Understand key physical and physiological changes that occur during the perinatal transition
• Understand wider biopsychosocial factors to consider in perinatal women
• Understand what it means to support a graduated return to physical activity postpartum building up towards returning to running
• Understand how to evaluate load capacity and readiness for running related activity
• Learn about adjuncts that can support the return to running process

About your instructor:

Gráinne Donnelly is an Advanced Practice Physiotherapist specializing in pelvic health. She provides private pelvic health services, educates health and fitness professionals internationally and is currently studying in a doctoral research program at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Gráinne is a Trustee of the Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy charitable body, holding responsibility as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy. She also sits on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Active Pregnancy Foundation. Most recently, Gráinne has edited a scientific text book with Elsevier that is due for release in Spring 2026.