To celebrate the program reaching its ten-year milestone, mums, volunteers and the physiotherapists, who have been involved in the postnatal classes over the years, came together today.

Canberra mum-of-two, Tammie Selkirk, attended one of the first ever classes and said they helped her refocus on her fitness, as well as create lifelong friendships.

“I’d only moved back to Canberra 18 months before having my second child, Theo, and I didn’t know anyone with a new baby. I joined the classes as i thought it was such a great way to meet new mums,” Ms Selkirk said.

“One of the mums I met ended up buying a house down the road from me and our kids are now in primary school together, so we see each other all the time.”

Over its ten years, more than 1,400 mums and their babies have attended the classes.

Rebecca King is currently participating in her second round of the program with her second child.

“It is one of my favourite days of the week. I’ve made some great friends out of having my son Rio and my daughter Zoya. I’ll be sad when I have to stop,” Ms King said.

“I have made so many friends through the program. One of the mums who has since moved to Sydney I talk with every week.”

What do the classes involve?

The exercise classes, open to all new mums across the ACT and surrounding region, are led by a qualified physiotherapist. Mums are able to take part in the classes for up to 20 weeks. Volunteers are on hand to hold and feed the babies, give them cuddles and play, so the mums can do the class uninterrupted.

Jennifer Garrett, Calvary John James Hospital Senior Maternity Physiotherapist, who helped make the program a reality, said it had been amazing to see so many mums in the region take up the classes over the past decade.

“Initially we thought the classes would help build up confidence in new mums and ensure they were still looking after themselves in what can be a very stressful time. However, what has stood out to me is the many connections formed,” Ms Garrett said.

“Having a friend who has a new baby at the same time, and who understands what you’re navigating is incredibly helpful. I love that many of our mums make a day of it, coming in for the class and going for a coffee together or a playdate afterwards.”

The ‘Mums and Bubs’ exercise classes are held every Tuesday and Thursday. To find out more about the classes or to volunteer, click here.