Who are we?
I am a single mum to two children. I recently made the decision to re train myself in a field that I loved as I had become disenfranchised with the company I had previously worked for. I made the decision to immediately niche down to pre and post natal health and fitness.
Why are we crowdfunding?
Along the journey I have undertaken to become a pre and post natal coach, I have found that my journey and experiences in pregnancy health and fitness were no different to those today. In a span of 12 years there has been no discernible improvements in the pre and post natal space. Many mums to be and new mums are given little to no advice on how to fully embrace a healthy lifestyle in order to maximise their experience. The aftercare is even less. After birth a woman can expect a single pamphlet on kegel exercises, no extra nutritional advice and only a single follow up with a GP at 6 weeks. Some maternity units run classes but not on a frequent basis and limited on numbers. I reside in the Valleys in South Wales and services that are exclusive to mums to be and new mums are almost non existent. I believe that with crowdfunding I would be able to find a space in my local community where some of the space can be set up as a yoga/pilates studio (hot and cold) and the other for pre and post natal training and education. In the current climate where women feel traumatised, un heard and uncared for in the pre and post natal space I believe it is time to move forward and build a space and a community where women feel supported, connected and informed.
How we’ll spend the money raised
Money raised for the project will go towards the purchase of a building. The money raised would also go towards the overhaul of the building to ensure it complies with current maintenance standards. In addition, the building would be divided into classes where yoga and pilates can be taught in a studio that can be at normal room temperature and also a hot studio. Other rooms would include a studio for education (ie seminars, demonstrations etc) in pre and post natal issues. A private gym would be available and if the right size space was available to include rooms where massage, facials etc would be available. The idea is create a centre centralised around mums to be and new mums. The project of course would not exclude others for joining if they wanted to yoga, pilates, use of a private gym or educate themselves on the experiences that their mom, aunty, friend etc may be going through with pregnancy. This would also include classes that would help a partners.
Community impact
In the modern world the idea of "the village" helping to raise children is declining, and the unknown and the negative mental health and loneliness impacts are becoming more apparent as they are often cited as a reason to not have children. A centre like this would begin to create a community where women would be able to increase their fitness as well as making connections with others who understand the journey. This is particularly important after the birth in order to give support during a time that is turbulent for many. I myself used my gym after my divorce and becoming a single parent to feel connected to people again as I felt very lonely and isolated. The centre would be a light in the dark for anyone who needs it.
How you can play your part
There are three simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!