Climb On Up

01/03/2023

We were on the news today! Did you see us? 👀

If you've given birth in the last year, come join us Monday mornings at the wonderful Boulder Shack! I'll be posting more details throughout the week to make sure you know how the group runs to see if it's for you!

Great to see lots of active fun at the Boulder Shack! 🧗‍♀️👶

However new research in Southampton shows less than half of mums are getting enough exercise.

Watch BBC South later for the full story.

📺 BBC One
⏰ 6.30pm
👉 Catch up with BBC iPlayer
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006pfl4/south-today

18/09/2022

With the Queen's funeral tomorrow, we were on the fence as to whether to run the session for those that wanted to attend.

While many of our climbers may be spending the extra time with their partners, families or friends, we recognise that some parents will not get that opportunity. Climb On Up is built around trying to help postpartum people who may be struggling with isolation, loneliness, lack of opportunity and lack of money. This means that for some who attend our sessions, this may be the only *parent focused* accessible social and physical activity session they attend each week. That's why we run every Monday, through rain or shine.

That being said, Steph, who usually runs the sessions has come down with Covid, making things more complicated and has eventually led to the difficult decision to cancel.

We will be running as normal from next week, where our wonderful Nikki will be running the session.

Hopefully see you soon,
- Steph

21/07/2022

Summer Timetable from Southampton's SureStart centres 🎨🎺🧩

30/06/2022

Southampton Maternity Voices are looking for feedback on the birthing pool on the Labour Ward.

Did you know there is a birth pool on Labour Ward at the Princess Anne Hospital? Did you use it during your labour?
Perhaps using the pool wasn't an option for you or was something you chose not to use.
We would love to understand more about your reasons for using or not using the pool during your labour.
Please share any feedback you have with us either in the comments below, send us a direct message or email southamptonmaternityvoices@gmail.com
Thank you 😀

14/06/2022

Warm up before a climbing session is important, but especially for postnatal people! One of the reasons for this is the hormone relaxin:

- Relaxin is still present in our body, evidence indicates for at least 5-6 months, up to a year or longer for those that choose to breastfeed/chestfeed.

- It's responsible for 'relaxing' our joints and ligaments - helpful during birth - and means that they can still be a little looser during the extended postnatal period. This can make us more prone to injury!

- A good warm-up can reduce this risk by 'prepping' the joints ready for climbing. Getting blood flowing, some dynamic stretching, simulating movements we will be doing on the wall, then a few easy climbs to get us going.

We do a group warm up every week, and *occasionally* the babies let us all do it at once 🤣

Happy postnatal climbing!

06/06/2022

Part of the benefit to bringing our children when we climb is that they get to see us having fun getting stronger! Building opportunities for them to grow up and do the same, if they choose.

Our babies are definitely an active part of the community! 💙

06/04/2022

Thank you to everyone who attended the showcase at Solent University today! If you didn't make it, then here's a copy of the video I made to be shown this afternoon on the big screen.

A *huge* thank you to everyone who has attended Climb On Up! so far. Whether for one session, or the full 22. It's been amazing watching you grow and enjoy climbing as a group. Looking forwards to the next couple of months!

- Steph
Climb On Up!

05/04/2022

Tomorrow between 12 and 2.30pm, Climb On Up will be being showcased at Solent University! If you want to find out a little bit more about the project, feel free to drop by and come find us! I'll be talking to people about the inspiration for the project, the theory behind how it works and the successes we've had so far!

You'll also get to see some of the other amazing community projects other students have also done.

(Plus there's free food....😉)

Hope to see you there!

This year 2022, we would like to welcome back the CIP's celebration event for great work in the Community, Health and Wellbeing projects.

16/03/2022

We've now signed up with Community Playlink in Southampton, who are going to provide different toys for us each week for us for all our Climb On Up! babies in attendance ❤️

Community Playlink are a registered charity who run the cities Toy Libraries where parents can borrow two toys, per child, per fortnight, absolutely free! From a HUGE selection for all ages! They also run a free play session on Wednesday mornings 10.30 - 11.30am at Swaythling Neighbourhood Centre where their main library is based.

*Photos featuring my 18mo old enjoying the toy library, who was just too old to come with me when I started the Climb On Up! Project 😆

09/01/2022

We're back tomorrow! If you've never been before, here's some info for you on what to expect:

- It's completely free! Including free parking onsite and hire of climbing shoes.

- A fully qualified instructor will be there to give you an induction, or some coaching if you've climbed before.

- Cafe on site with gluten free, veggie and vegan options (and great barista coffee).

- The ability to bring baby with you. Prams and car seats can be brought right to the side of the mats in a safe designated area, allowing you to climb and be near to them at the same time.

- A non-judgemental, relaxed atmosphere. Sofa area right by the climbing wall, so you can take breaks to feed baby/have a drink and have a chat with the rest of us.

Any questions, just send us a message on here or on any other of our social media platforms.

Hopefully see you there!

20/12/2021

Some photos from today's session!

Some of our participants had never climbed a month and a half ago. Now they're challenging themselves on new routes and getting better every week. Really proud of everyone!

19/12/2021

It's our last session of the year tomorrow! Fully qualified instructor present as always, and some extra festive treats. If you've given birth in the last year, bring baby and come join us! Bonus points for Christmas jumpers/clothing 🎄

Masks are encouraged on entry and in the communal areas, but can be taken off when climbing/eating. You have to be 3 months postpartum to get on the climbing wall.

See you tomorrow!!