Exercises For The New Mama!

Pregnancy is an amazing and beautiful time, where a woman gets the unique and miraculous experience of growing a baby in her uterus.

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After the birth, whether vaginal or caesarean, the postpartum body needs time and tenderness to rediscover its landscape and recalibrate movement. During pregnancy and in to the postpartum months, a hormone called relaxin affects the laxity of the ligaments in the body, which can make a new mama feel looser in the joints. After giving birth, nursing and holding a baby can lead to a more rounded posture with accompanying tightness.

Add into this equation the stretched out muscles of the abdominal wall and the shifting of the internal organs to accommodate the growing uterus and a postpartum body has a lot to contend with (not to mention sleep deprivation)!

Here are some good exercises to try out as soon as the doctor gives permission, which will differ based on your birth experience and other factors.

#1 Lie on your back with your knees bent. Bring one hand to your abdomen and as you exhale out, lightly press your hand down toward the back body. As the hand presses down, engage the muscles underneath the hand as if you were tightening purse strings together. On the inhale, release the muscular contraction. Repeat this for 3 to 5 minutes.

Benefit: reestablishing a connection to the abdominal muscles by using tactile input as well as breath