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Retired nurse-midwife creates '4th-trimester fitness method' to help new moms

Fitness is only half the goal. Founder Emily Wannenburg says the real benefit comes from the friendships formed in class.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — With a baby on her chest, Emily Wannenburg leads a fitness class at Knoxville Spine and Sports. This isn't your average workout class, though. 

The participants are all new moms. Some, for the first time. Others aren't new to motherhood; just the class.

Wannenburg founded 4th Trimester Fitness Method after a career as a nurse-midwife, personal trainer, and mom to help other women lead healthy physical and emotional lives during pregnancy and after giving birth. 

"There's a lot of change that has to occur in those first six weeks [after birth], so what we're focusing on are movement patterns; your breathing, how your core and pelvic floor are related....as you're lifting those babies in car seats. There's not a lot of education out there, so it's really important for these moms to understand how to move in their new bodies," Wannenburg said. 

On this particular chilly Tuesday in February, Wannenburg places yoga mats, resistance bands and balls around the room for week three of the six-week 'Postpartum Recovery' series

"Today, they begin squatting," Wannenburg said. 'They're learning the ability to go from sit to stand without feeling like everything's falling out, especially when you're carrying the baby or the car seat and the baby bag and your groceries, or maybe you've got the toddler pulling on your leg, too." 

The women file into class with babies in tow and plenty to catch up on since the last time they saw each other. 

"It's such an important time for the transition of a mother. They can feel so left behind. We really place a huge emphasis on community in these groups of mothers. That's a lot of what we do in class." 

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Wannenburg said sometimes moms can start the program as early as 10 days after birth, and some care providers, who are familiar with 4th Trimester Fitness Method, have been known to recommend their Cesarean section patients as early as three to four weeks. 

Wannenburg moved to Knoxville from Florida, where most of her classes are conducted. 

"It's cool because a lot of times, friendships are built, and they go through several babies together and come back to classes together. That's been really fun to watch," Wannenburg said. 

She's hoping to grow the East Tennessee program but is in need of certified instructors since she still spends most of her time in Florida. 

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