Rotherham mum who suffered severe postnatal depression hopes to help others through Pilates
“I ended up in hospital - it was frightening, and the trauma from that experience is something I still live with”
A South Yorkshire mum who was hospitalised with severe postnatal depression after giving birth is sharing her recovery journey as she launches a Pilates business to help others build confidence.
Lauren Read experienced dissociation and required intensive support from her perinatal mental health team after the birth of her son. She later completed trauma therapy but says she continues to live with the effects of her illness.
Now, as her son approaches his first birthday, the community nurse has founded Pilates Flow by Lauren after discovering how the exercise helped her focus on herself and rebuild her confidence.
“When I talk about postnatal depression, I want people to understand how poorly I was,” she said.
“I ended up in hospital, experienced dissociation and needed a lot of support. It was frightening, and the trauma from that experience is something I still live with.
“I love my little boy, and I was also very unwell. Those things existed together.”
During her recovery, attending Pilates classes gave Lauren time to focus on her own movement and wellbeing, alongside the professional support she received.
She said the classes helped her feel stronger and more confident, while giving her something to look forward to and the chance to see familiar faces.
“Pilates gave me something that belonged to me,” she said.
“For that time, I could focus on how I was moving and how I felt. Some days, simply getting there was an achievement.”
The experience inspired Lauren to train as an instructor and create a welcoming environment for people who might feel nervous about exercising.
She is currently completing her Level 3 Mat Pilates qualification and teaching as an instructor in training.
Her classes focus on slow, controlled movement, breathing and body awareness, with guidance and options to help people work at their own level.
“You can see Pilates online and feel like you need to know all the exercises before you even walk through the door,” she said.
“I want people to know they can come as they are. You’re allowed to ask questions, take a break and learn.”
Pilates Flow by Lauren currently offers classes at Reset Manvers, with Friday evening sessions at Bradbury Makers Shed in Hillsborough Park starting on October 16.
Lauren hopes to create a community where people feel comfortable attending on their own, meeting others and trying something new.
She also shares her experiences of motherhood, mental health and rebuilding confidence through her Instagram account, @laurenmumdiary.
Her online series, “Mat Leave to Mat Life”, documents her journey from maternity leave to training as a Pilates instructor and starting her business.
Lauren hopes to develop her teaching further after completing her qualification, with the longer-term ambition of opening her own studio.
She said starting the business had been exciting but sometimes daunting while continuing to manage her mental health.
“I still have difficult days, and I’m still learning how to manage my mental health,” she said.
“I wanted to share my story because, when you’re really poorly, it can be hard to imagine feeling excited about anything again. I couldn’t have pictured myself doing this when I was at my lowest.
“Now I’m studying, teaching and meeting people through something I love. I hope another mum sees that and feels a little hopeful about what might be ahead for her, in her own time.”