Movement
10 Reasons New Mothers Need Postnatal Yoga
Yoga helps new mothers strengthen and stabilise their core. This holistic practice offers support, relaxation, and rejuvenation during the postpartum journey. Learn why yoga is essential for new mothers.
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Bringing a new life into the world is a memorable and special experience. But this comes with its own set of challenges and emotional and physical changes. Embracing motherhood is easier said than done. Motherhood comes with ample responsibilities, commitment and compromises which can leave you drained and frazzled. A new mother’s body needs time to recuperate and this can be achieved through yoga
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The focus of postnatal yoga is on restoration and recovery of the body followed by weight loss. This also helps in taking care of the mental health by alleviating the symptoms of stress and depression, which are common after pregnancy. The best part of postpartum yoga is that it requires a few resources; a little space and a yoga mat.
Related story: The Best Breathing Exercise For A Smooth Pregnancy And Easy Delivery
Why to Try Postnatal Yoga?
Yoga aims to harmonise your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual needs. Engaging in postpartum yoga and exercise during the early stages of parenthood can prove beneficial by boosting your mood, energy levels, and facilitating a gradual reconnection with your body.
Benefits of Postnatal Yoga
Physical Recovery
After childbirth, a woman's body undergoes significant changes. Postnatal yoga helps in gentle and gradual recovery. It focuses on strengthening the core muscles, which often become weakened during pregnancy. These exercises aid in improving posture, relieving back pain, and toning the abdominal muscles. The gentle stretching in yoga also helps to release muscle tension.
According to the the 2022 study by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) women should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week in the postpartum period for quick recovery.
Pelvic Floor Strengthening
The pelvic floor undergoes significant strain during pregnancy and childbirth. Postnatal yoga includes specific exercises and poses that target pelvic floor muscles. Strengthening these muscles can help improve bladder control, promote faster recovery of pelvic floor tone, and reduce the risk of issues like urinary incontinence.
Stress Reduction
Motherhood can be stressful, and postnatal yoga provides a sanctuary of calm. The practice emphasises mindfulness, deep breathing, and meditation techniques that reduce stress and anxiety. Regular practice can help new mothers cope with the emotional ups and downs that often accompany the postpartum period.
Improved Sleep
Sleep deprivation is a common challenge for new mothers. Postnatal yoga incorporates relaxation techniques that promote better sleep patterns. By learning how to relax and quiet the mind, mothers can achieve more restful sleep, which is essential for their physical and mental well-being.
Enhanced Bonding
Many postnatal yoga classes encourage mother-baby bonding. Practising yoga with your baby provides an opportunity for physical closeness and emotional connection. It's a beautiful way to foster a strong bond while also taking care of your own health.
Hormonal Balance
The postpartum period can be marked by hormonal imbalances. Yoga poses, especially those that focus on the endocrine system, can help regulate hormones. This can be particularly beneficial for mothers experiencing mood swings or postpartum depression.
Increased Energy
Despite the fatigue that often accompanies new motherhood, postnatal yoga can provide an energy boost. Gentle movement and breathwork help increase circulation and oxygenate the body, leaving you feeling more invigorated.
Weight Management
Yoga aids in weight management by promoting a healthy metabolism and reducing stress-related eating. While it's not a high-intensity workout, it can contribute to gradual and sustainable weight loss when combined with a balanced diet.
Blood Pressure Management
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can be a concern for some new mothers. Postpartum yoga incorporates relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices that are known to lower stress levels. By reducing stress, postpartum yoga can contribute to better blood pressure control, promoting your overall cardiovascular health.
Flexibility and Balance
Yoga improves flexibility and balance, which are vital for performing daily activities and caring for a baby. These physical benefits make it easier for new mothers to move comfortably and safely.
Postpartum yoga is a gentle, holistic practice that supports you during the postnatal journey. It offers physical healing, emotional support, and a sense of community that can make a world of difference in the early stages of motherhood. By trying postpartum yoga, you're not only caring for your own well-being but also creating a path to embrace this new phase of life with strength and grace. It's a step toward nurturing yourself as you nurture your newborn, fostering a harmonious transition into motherhood.
Related Story: 4 Moves For Strengthening Your Pelvic Floor
Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.
Join Post Pregnancy Program with UR.Life
Are you a new mother embarking on the beautiful journey of motherhood, looking to prioritise your well-being and fitness after bringing your little one into the world? The "Tree of Life" online 4 week program awaits you! Designed specifically for women,, this program led by Rina Hindocha, a qualified Yoga Alliance Certified Instructor, offers a nurturing and empowering path to postpartum fitness.
Rina's expertise in traditional Hatha Flow and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga brings a perfect blend of gentle healing and dynamic strength-building to your fitness journey. This program is not just about regaining physical strength; it's about nurturing your emotional well-being and fostering the deep connection between you and your baby. Join us on this transformative path where you'll find a supportive community of new mothers, holistic healing, and the opportunity to embark on your postpartum fitness journey with confidence and grace. Embrace the "Tree of Life" program, and let your journey into motherhood be a harmonious blend of self-care and bonding with your little one.
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