Dr Hayley Mills, Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, Director of Perinatal Physical Activity Research Group, Chair of the expert group commissioned by the UK Chief Medical Officers (CMO) for the development of the Postpartum Physical Activity Guidelines.

As an exercise psychologist, researcher of physical activity during the perinatal period, and an active mother myself, I am an advocate of learning from the sport and exercise field and applying the knowledge to the maternity journey. From our research we now further understand the challenges and benefits of engaging with physical activity during this time. Psychological techniques that are fine-tuned during physical activity behaviour, such as self-talk to cheer yourself on, or learning to set process goals, can benefit those who are keen to stay active throughout their pregnancy, and these can be drawn on during labour and beyond.

Dr Hayley Mills Chair of the expert group commissioned by the UK Chief Medical Officers (CMO) for the development of the Postpartum Physical Activity Guidelines.