Two shire mums with six children between them in running for award for new business

The Sutherland Shire residents, who have six children between them, embarked on the venture in the depths of motherhood and the middle of a pandemic.

However, the response has been so encouraging they have been named as a finalist in the emerging businesses section of the 2021 AusMumpreneur Awards, which support Australian mums in business, challenge stereotypes and raise awareness.

Ms Smith is a former NSW Swifts netballer and perinatal exercise specialist, while Ms Evans is a women's health physiotherapist.

Together they have created an online exercise, education and support program for women during and after pregnancy.

Ms Smith said the online Empowered Motherhood Program "combines physio-led exercise with expert education for every single stage of pregnancy, birth and postpartum"

"The program gives women access to the highest quality exercise, education and support though a comprehensive mobile App," she said.

"It combines physio-led exercise together with expert education from some of Australia's leading perinatal health experts.

Ms Smith said the program had supported more than 1000 new mothers, been endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives, acknowledged in Parliament by federal MP Fiona Martin and recommended by leading perinatal experts and obstetricians.

Ms Smith was influenced by her own experience.

"I went into my first pregnancy being incredibly fit, having played a lot of my adult life playing professional netball," she said.

"At six weeks postpartum I was diagnosed with a pelvic organ prolapse and partial avulsion.

"For someone who was used to being so fit and active, it felt like my life was falling apart.

"My prolapse diagnosis left me feeling broken. I was given a long lists of movements to avoid and had very little idea of what was now safe for me.

"I wasn't ready to accept that I couldn't exercise again so I sought a second opinion and was referred to an incredible women's health physio Lyz Evans. Now, we are business partners".