Forever Postpartum
A reflective series exploring the tender, transformative seasons of motherhood, nourishment, and what it means to care for ourselves and others.
This month we feature Annabel Luke, mother to two daughters and founder of Pilates By Bel. Annabel has taught Pilates for nearly a decade, and now brings her classes to a wider community through the Pilates By Bel app, with workouts we’ve both loved making time for.
Back in New Zealand after several years in London, Annabel is growing her business alongside her young family, with her third baby due soon. She speaks about the place Pilates holds in her life as a mother, the support she valued after her daughters were born, and what feels different about this next chapter.
Pilates has clearly been a constant through your pregnancies and motherhood. What do you take from it, both physically and mentally, and how has that evolved?
I’ve been doing Pilates on and off since I was a teen and my relationship with it has definitely evolved throughout the years! What I’ve always loved about Pilates is that it delivers results without leaving your body feeling broken. You can work hard and get a pump or sweat on, while still being able to walk the next day. That’s been particularly important throughout my three pregnancies and motherhood, with an ever-changing body and lifestyle. Knowing I can adapt how I move and still feel strong helps me feel like me!
Pilates has never been more of an anchor for me than since becoming a Mum, five-ish years ago now. I really value my time on the mat as some of the only me-time I get between work and family. I believe it’s so important for all Mums to carve out time to fill their own cup, and this is my way of filling mine (and of course, a regular Thai massage!). I’m a happier, more patient mum when I’ve had that time to myself. I can definitely become an impatient brat when it falls by the wayside!
Now, with two little girls and another baby arriving shortly, I appreciate how easy it is to fit at-home Pilates into my life. It gives me energy and shifts my mood, even if I only have a short window to move. It sounds cheesy but sometimes I say to my husband, “Thank God I built this app! I’d only exercise half as much if I had to haul my pregnant body to the gym.” Haha!
As you prepare to become a mother of three, what are you most eager to see unfold in this next chapter? Is there anything you feel drawn to doing differently or making more space for this time around?
We’re really excited to be having a baby boy this time round! Our two girls are so maternal and are going to make the cutest, most amazing big sisters/mummies. I am so, so excited to watch their bond grow. What a gift! The girls already love doing anything “baby brother”-related – sorting through baby clothes, feeling kicks in my tummy, giving me massages if I’m feeling tired (not even joking, it’s beyond adorable!).
This time feels very different generally because we’re living back in our home country, surrounded by family and friends in a similar phase of life. We have an amazing part-time nanny and family we can lean on when we need an extra pair of hands. It feels like we’re well set up to embrace this next chapter as a family of five.
I want to focus on family and Pilates By Bel growing alongside each other; fostering the growth of the PBB app, in particular the pre and postnatal category, while also pouring energy and love into my family. Working and mothering three young children won’t leave room for much else, but that’s ok! These are the things that matter most to me right now and I feel incredibly grateful that I can do both.
Looking back on your previous postpartum experiences, what care or support made the greatest difference?
#1 for me was having my husband by my side. We made the transition into parenthood very much as a team. If we weren’t sharing the load somewhat equally (obviously the balance isn’t always there but we try!) I know I’d become overwhelmed and burnt out quickly.
We had both our girls while living in London, away from family, so our friends there were incredibly important to us postpartum – dropping off meals, coffees and other goodies, and checking in with a message, call or visit.
My sister also came over when my second daughter was born, and I have such fond memories of that week together – at the markets, out for brunch, pubs, all the fun London things with a sleepy newborn in tow.
And food, of course! I have a big appetite (even more so when breastfeeding), so having warming, nourishing meals and snacks on hand that I didn’t have to make myself was a huge help.
Movement seems to be something you weave into everyday life, often with your children close by. What do you hope your children take from seeing you make space for something that matters to you and brings you joy?
Exercising at home is as much about setting an example for my kids as it is about getting a workout in. I hope they grow up seeing movement as a normal, enjoyable part of life. When I workout at home, they sometimes join in, other times play beside me, or just carry on with whatever they’re doing. I love that they see me making time for something I enjoy and that makes me feel good, and I hope it encourages them to make space for their own hobbies as they develop.
With both your family and business growing, how are you finding a rhythm that allows the two to sit alongside each other?
I can honestly say I’ve loved this pregnancy and working throughout! Some weeks managing my energy is easier than others but as long as I get my early nights and support in the evenings with the kids after a long day, I am pretty good.
I have an amazing schedule of private clients, ALL of whom are Mums too, which I absolutely love! There’s a lovely level of understanding and empathy between us. I’ve also been filming prenatal workouts since the week I found out I was pregnant, which has truly been a joy. I think it’s important for pregnant women to be learning from and training with someone who has lived experience – there’s that extra level of trust and relatability.
That filming has become an updated week-by-week Prenatal Pilates Program in the PBB app – with some workouts filmed in my first and second pregnancies, and all new workouts now filmed in my third pregnancy – so members can move with me in real-time throughout their own pregnancy! I’m really proud of these workouts and the program. I’ve had the most beautiful feedback since starting to share more, and I love knowing these workouts will be there for other women long after my pregnancy is over.