Postpartum Yoga: A Guide to Supporting New Moms’ Recovery
As a new mom, you have just gone through an intense experience, and your body and mind need time to recover. Postpartum yoga can be an excellent tool for supporting your recovery process, both physically and mentally. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of postpartum yoga, some of the best poses to practice, and some tips for getting started.
Why Postpartum Yoga?
Postpartum yoga is a gentle and safe way for new moms to start moving their bodies again after childbirth. It can help ease some of the common physical and emotional symptoms associated with the postpartum period, such as back pain, fatigue, and anxiety. Research shows that yoga can have a positive impact on postpartum recovery. A 2015 study found that postpartum yoga improved women's physical function and quality of life, reduced their risk of postpartum depression, and improved their overall mental health.
Benefits of Postpartum Yoga
Promotes Physical Recovery
Postpartum yoga can help new moms rebuild their physical strength and flexibility, as well as alleviate some of the discomforts associated with childbirth, such as back pain and pelvic floor weakness. Certain yoga poses can help tone and strengthen the abdominal and pelvic muscles, which can also improve bladder control and prevent urinary incontinence.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The postpartum period can be a challenging time for new moms, as they adjust to their new role and the demands of caring for a newborn. Yoga can be an effective tool for reducing stress and anxiety, as it encourages relaxation and deep breathing. Yoga poses such as Child's Pose and Corpse Pose can be particularly helpful for calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation.
Improves Sleep Quality
Sleep deprivation is a common experience for new moms, and it can have a negative impact on their physical and mental health. Practicing yoga before bed can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Certain poses, such as Forward Fold and Legs Up the Wall, can also be helpful for calming the mind and body before bedtime.
Increases Energy Levels
The postpartum period can leave new moms feeling fatigued and drained. Yoga can help increase energy levels by improving circulation, promoting deep breathing, and releasing tension in the body. Certain poses, such as Warrior II and Tree Pose, can also help improve posture and increase stamina.
Enhances Bonding with Baby
Postpartum yoga can be an opportunity for new moms to bond with their babies. Many yoga poses can be modified to include baby, such as Baby Cobra and Happy Baby Pose. This can help strengthen the bond between mother and child, as well as promote baby's physical development and mobility.
Best Postpartum Yoga Poses
Cat-Cow Stretch
The Cat-Cow Stretch is a gentle yoga pose that can help relieve tension in the back and neck muscles. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. As you inhale, arch your back and lift your head and tailbone towards the ceiling (Cow Pose). As you exhale, round your spine and tuck your chin to your chest (Cat Pose). Repeat for several breaths.
Child's Pose
Child's Pose is a restful yoga pose that can help promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. Start on your hands and knees, with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Lower your hips back towards your heels and stretch your arms out in front of you, resting your forehead on the mat. Take several deep breaths.