Adjusting to a baby's sleep schedule and personality is undeniably one of the most challenging aspects of parenting. When there are already other children at home, the pressure can be so intense that parents may feel as if they could produce diamonds. Sadly, for many families, a mother's health not only falls to the bottom of the priority list but can also fall off entirely.

Jenna Snedden, a resident of Metuchen, had a remarkably different experience as a new mom. Just one month after giving birth, she made a small yet life-altering decision. Drawn by the warm summer sunshine, Jenna joined Kristina Veit for the inaugural Stroller Stride class organized by Fit4Mom Metuchen-Westfield. Initially limited to walking due to her postpartum body, Jenna persevered and grew stronger with each passing week. Post-workout, Kristina arranged playdates, fostering friendships among the moms. Through her involvement with Fit4Mom, Jenna not only formed new friendships but also built physical strength and relished her maternity leave. As she faced the stress of returning to work, Jenna continued attending Fit4Mom classes and connecting with her newfound friends, all navigating similar circumstances. Fortunately, Jenna implemented what healthcare professionals term a "4th Trimester Plan" and a "Postpartum Support Network."

4th Trimester Plans and Postpartum Support Networks

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the premier professional membership organization for obstetrician–gynecologists, has been advocating that families create 4th Trimester plans to support a postpartum woman as they care for themselves and their new baby since 2018, according to their website. Along with more doctor visits for moms, ACOG recommends developing a “Postpartum Support Network” charged with watching for warning signs of a struggling mom for the first 12 weeks after delivery. While physicians focus on vital signs and screen for chronic diseases or mental illness, family members play a crucial role in ensuring mothers get sufficient sleep, practice self-care, and openly report changes in their physical or mental well-being.

No doubt anyone reading these recommendations, is nodding in agreement and most everyone wholeheartedly supports the idea. But is it feasible? Making sure mom gets to the gynecologist is the easiest part of the recommendation. Balancing self-care, including physical and social activity along with hygiene, is a challenging task for new parents.

Fit4Mom is one of a handful of companies helping families navigate this dilemma by guiding moms before and after their baby’s birth. Offering fitness classes, nutritional guidance, and playdates, Fit4Mom can fill in the gaps families may have in their 4th-trimester plans.

Thanks to Kristina, our community can easily access these resources. Fueled by her zeal for fitness, education, and motherhood, Kristina, a former teacher turned personal trainer, made the bold decision to launch her own Fit4Mom franchise in Metuchen-Westfield this year.

“Kristina is the friendliest and warmest person. She never yells to do more. Attending her classes was never like a boot camp. If my baby fussed, I didn’t feel embarrassed or that I had to leave. I did what I could when I could. It was really hard to move the first few weeks. Kristina kept encouraging me. With time I lost most of the baby weight” explains Jenna.

Fitness at Your Pace

In addition to Stroller Strides, Kristina teaches several different classes for all fitness levels. This January, Kristina will take the helm of two significant programs: Fit4Baby, a 6-week prenatal class, and BodyWell, an 8-week exclusive mom-focused program featuring weekly workouts, group accountability, nutritional guidance, recipes, and exciting weekly challenges—all geared towards enhancing a mom’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. If you are still recovering from childbirth but looking to meet moms, you can join the FIT4MOM Our Village Weekly Playgroup. All moms are welcome to this free baby-friendly event.

“Even though the FIT is in the name, you don’t have to be in good shape to join a class. Together, we’ll figure out your goals and a plan. The only requirement is that you are a mom and your doctor says it’s okay to exercise. I really hope to meet some new moms this January. Remember, your first class is always free,” says Kristina.