Baby Does A Runner: The debut novel from Anita Rani

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In pregnancy, these muscles can become stretched and weak because of the continual weight that your bump is putting on them. As your baby grows bigger, the pressure increases, making it harder for them to do the job of preventing incontinence, treating prolapse and improving sex. Try some postnatal yoga or Pilates as a starting point, and avoid intense core exercises like the plank and sit-ups. When you start running, try to incorporate some gentle exercises that will build strength in your core to reduce the risk of injuries. I think at some point, you wake up and realise it’s time to make myself happy, because I think women do look after everybody, whether that’s because that’s what society expects, or whether it’s your parents or your husband or your children. She starts her journey in the bosom of her family, staying with her aunty and cousins. I loved this part of the book, with Baby’s assumptions about life in modern India being challenged at every corner, and the way that her aunt and cousins immediately enveloped her in love and acceptance.

If you experience any of the following symptoms during your run or shortly after, you should visit your GP or a pelvic health physiotherapist to ask for advice. You may need to do some more strength work before returning to high-impact exercise. I adored Baby’s grandmother and their relationship was so beautiful. It really made me lonely for my own nana. Her grandfather’s story is heartbreaking, and I appreciate that both sides of his person are shown, the before and the after, illustrating the effects of his experience. If you’re feeling well between weeks four and six, you could try some low-impact exercises, like time on the cross trainer or on an exercise bike, if it feels comfortable.If you’re struggling to get to sleep, take care to avoid screens before sleeping, invest in a good maternity pillow, and avoid alcohol or caffeine. Even though it may feel counter-intuitive, prioritising sleep will help you return to running more effectively in the long run. He spoke too about the kerfuffle caused when Sir Salman Rushdie was set to attend in 2012 and when the festival invited two intellectuals from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), regarded as the champions of Hinduvta, to talk about their beliefs in 2017 at the festival. Roy said JLF was a festival principally of ideas and inclusive. He was in conversation with author Laline Paul at the India Club in The Strand and organised by thinktank Bridge India, on Wednesday July 19. It’s really important to get into the habit of doing your pelvic floor exercises, even if you eventually change your mind about this whole running lark. One in three women experience urinary leaks post baby, and running can exacerbate this. But it doesn’t need to become a fact of life. For most women, taking the time to build strength in their pelvic floor should result in regaining full control of their bladder.

If you're breastfeeding, feed just before you go for your run. Running with big heavy boobs is not comfortable!” Despite their mutual antipathy, when he hears that Baby intends to travel to Amritsar alone, Sid offers to accompany her. As an avid historian, Sid is fascinated by the letters which were written in the mid-1940s, the time of Partition and can't wait to show(off) Baby the real India as well as his own knowledge of India throwing off British rule. As Baby learns more about the history of India, and the horror of Partition in 1947, she feels as though a previously stunted part of her has been given room to grow.

Make sure your abdominal muscles are healed before doing crunches or planks. Do Pilates to help heal diastasis recti (a postnatal class or just from Youtube will help). But also make sure your pelvic floor is solid before doing anything with impact or you will regret it later!” Emma says, “Ideally we should start exercising our pelvic floor from puberty and continue throughout adulthood- like any other muscle in our body it needs a daily workout. After having a baby these exercises from the Pelvic Obstetric and Gynecologic Physiotherapy association can get the ball rolling.” What happens to your pelvic floor during pregnancy and birth? I felt a connection with Baby’s search to find out more about her family’s past; as the first generation of children of parents who left their home country, I feel the sense of loss at not knowing my own history, and felt happy for Baby that her bravery on her own journey solidified her sense of self and her appreciation for all of the generations that have been before.