Frequently asked questions and further information
Click here to download a pdf printable Mummies and Buggies FAQ Sheet.
What is Mummies and Buggies?
It's a group exercise class for new mums. As the name suggests, you need to bring your baby and buggy along as they'll both be used in your workout. The workout has been designed to be fun for you and your baby and incorporates both your baby and buggy in the aerobics, toning and stretching elements for you to shape up!
I have recently had a baby, when can I start exercising?
Natural births: wait 6 weeks
C-Sections: wait 8-12 weeks
Your midwife/health visitor should give you the go ahead for this. It really is advisable to wait until your 6 or 10-week 'rec-check' from your health visitor before you start exercise again. This is mainly to ensure that your stomach muscles have repaired properly, particularly after a C-section. If you're at any risk, your instructor Claire Mockridge will test/assess this for you and offer plenty of alternative exercises so as to avoid discomfort and injury, so don't worry.
What do the classes involve?
The classes start with a warm up and then progress on to an aerobics-style workout where babies stay in their buggies. All the movements will be easy to follow and predominately low impact. If it's been 5-6 months since the birth of your baby, Claire may provide you with higher-impact options to follow to increase your heart rate. Claire will explain the reason for this during the workout. After the main workout, we'll do some toning/Pilates exercises targeting the muscles which change during pregnancy eg stomach, bum, chest and back. After that, we'll do a quick cool down followed by a relaxing stretch.
Do I need a special buggy?
No. Your usual buggy should be ok. As long as it is well padded and comfortable for your baby and the handles are the right height for you it will be fine. For the outdoor workouts, we always keep to paved/tarmac areas, so your buggy doesn't need to be the "off-road" variety.
What do the babies do while the mums exercise?
The older babies seem to find it funny watching carefully as their mum works out. The younger ones may find the movement makes them sleepy and drop off while you work out. During the floor exercises and stretches, your baby can stay in their car seat or buggy, or you could pop them in the travel cot if you think they would like a little play/kick about.
How long does each class last for?
Each class lasts for approximately an hour.
How much does it cost?
Each class costs £5 and you'll be asked to pay for ten sessions upfront (£50 for 10 sessions, rising to £55 in January 2010). This payment entitles you to your 11th session FREE! You'll receive your very own Mummies and Buggies Passport which you collect stamps in each session to chart your progress. You can use up your sessions on any class (spaces permitting). Please make sure you bring the correct amount if paying in cash, as change can not always be given. Cheques need to be made payable to 'Claire Mockridge'.
What should I wear?
A good support/sports bra, trainers and comfortable clothes. Don't feel you have to go out and buy a new pair of trainers/clothes for the workout, as long as you're comfortable and the trainers and bra give you the support you need, they should be fine.
What should I bring?
Bring a mat or long to lie on for the floor exercises. Wear trainers and sports clothes and bring along a bottle of water for you to drink during the class. Bring something for your baby to drink/eat so they can feed afterwards at the Cafe afterwards.
Are the classes set to music?
Yes, the classes are set to music just like any other aerobics/body conditioning class. Claire generally chooses music which has a strong beat and tries to play tracks which both the mums and babies enjoy.
Are the classes taught by a qualified instructor?
Yes, Claire holds the YMCA Level 3 Personal Trainer Award, Ante/Postnatal Instructor Certificate and Pilates Instructor Certificate. She also has further YMCA Level 2 qualifications in Exercise to Music/Aerobics, Core Stability (Abdominal strength) and Circuit Training. Claire has a current First Aid At Work certificate, has been Police-checked, is a member of The Guild of Pregnancy and Postnatal Instructors and is also fully insured.
What do I do if my baby cries?
All babies cry and everybody is in the same boat! The aerobic workout incorporates the buggy in the routine eg marching forwards and backwards, so generally when babies are moved often enough, they settle back to sleep. Don't worry, there are plenty of opportunities for you to take your baby out of their buggy for a cuddle and/or a feed if you feel that is what is needed, but you must stop exercising yourself. You know your baby best, so even if you have to stop exercising for a while to settle them, feed or change them, that's absolutely fine.
Is car parking available at the hall?
Yes. Car parking is available at the rear of All Hallows Church. The entrance is on the right hand side of the church. Pierrepont Road is in a residential area though, so there is often parking spaces available on the street to utilise too.
What do we do after the class has finished?
If you have 30 minutes or so to spare, come along to a local cafe for a chat, refreshing drink and to feed your baby after the class. Claire understands that having a baby can be quite a daunting and also isolating experience and this a great opportunity for you to meet and chat to other new and/or experienced mums; perhaps ask Claire questions about fitness; and just have some "adult" company for a change!
Are baby changing facilities available?
There aren't designated baby changing facilities at the Hall, but there's plenty of floor space should you need to need to change a nappy.
Is there an upper age limit for babies?
Currently, there is no upper age limit for babies attending classes. You will be the best judge of this. If you baby is still happy to stay in their buggy, they will certainly enjoy Mummies and Buggies.
I don't have a car, which bus do I catch to the hall?
All Hallows Church Hall is easily accessible on the number 11 Trent Boulevard bus route. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Lady Bay Pub stop. The Hall is the first street on the left (Pierrepont Road).
There aren't any classes in my area, what should I do?
If you're really interested in attending, but there aren't any classes within commutable distance for you, why not get your NCT group / ante-natal group / or a group of friends together and ask Claire to set one up for you! All you'll need is a small community / church hall for an indoor class, or a green area / park in your neighbourhood to use for the outdoor workout.
How do I register?
All you need to do to register a place is fill in a Registration Form (found on the website) and email it back to Claire to secure your place. Please make sure you do this no later than 2 days before the date you wish to attend.
How do I download the Registration Form?
To download the Registration Form, simply follow the links to the register page and look for the "click here" link halfway down the page to download the form. Once the form has opened on your computer you need to do the following:
1. Fill the form in at your computer with your details/answers,
2. Save the form on your computer somewhere where you'll be able to find it again, for example in "My Documents", then
3. Email the form back to Claire as an attachment to an email, ensuring you state which class you're interested in registering for.
I may not be able to come to every session, what can I do?
If you're not able to commit to every session for 10 weeks, contact Claire to explain the details of your circumstances and she will try and offer you a solution. Remember, your Mummies and Buggies Passport entitles you to your 11th session free and you can use up these sessions on any class, so it may be possible to mix and match your sessions up.
I can't come to the class this week, what do I do?
If you can't come to a class one week for whatever reason, simply contact Claire via text/email to let her know. Try and give as much notice as possible, because another member may be able to take your place for the class that week. At the end of each session, Claire will generally ask you if you are attending the following week's class. If you told Claire you would be attending and you don't turn up - we may be standing around waiting for you to arrive to get started!
How, who and when do I pay?
To secure a place for you and your baby, you will be asked to pay £50 upfront (rising to £55 from January 2010). Cheques need to be made payable to 'Claire Mockridge'. After your first class Claire will issue you with your very own Mummies and Buggies Passport which entitles you to your 11th session free. Remember, you can use up your 11 sessions on any of the classes, giving you greater flexibility and opportunity to exercise.
Have a question?
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to can contact Claire:
Tel: 07747 656550
Email: claire@mummiesandbuggies.co.uk
