Modern mothers believe in multi-tasking and maintaining fitness after childbirth. Every woman must practice yoga not just to lose the baby weight. Yoga also provides new mothers with complete physical and mental health benefits. It is now possible to practice yoga with your baby in the Mum and Baby Yoga class. It is a wonderful new way to take out time to exercise and improve bonding with your child. It is also an introduction of the baby to his or her first yoga class.
Mum and Baby Yoga is different in many ways. It is a postnatal practice where the mom helps the baby do gentle stretches as guided by the yoga teacher. It strengthens the muscles used during pregnancy. It also helps the child with a balanced metabolism and a calm mind.
The best time to begin Mum and Baby Yoga is after six weeks from childbirth when the baby can hold his head up without any support. Some doctors also recommend that waiting until the baby is three months old is the safest time to practice yoga.
Here are the benefits of Mum and Baby Yoga that can be practiced either in a yoga class or online from the comfort of your home.
Great bonding experience with your baby
Mum and Baby Yoga classes always begin by instructing mothers on how to communicate with the child while doing exercises. It helps the mother gain confidence in handling the baby and enjoying the yoga postures. By doing this yoga, moms learn some useful techniques like managing body weight and maintaining eye contact with the baby. The gentle stretches may seem like playtime for the baby. However, the easy yoga moves mobilize the joints of the baby. It also encourages the mother and the baby to explore their newfound skills.
Recover and return to yoga
Yoga is the best exercise recommended after pregnancy because it is easy to modify an asana according to a person’s health condition. The benefits of yoga extend to supporting the pelvic floor, abdomen, and spine. These are the muscles that are most affected during pregnancy. Yoga strengthens the muscles to recover faster. Yoga stretches help release any stiffness and pain in the body. It also realigns the posture after pregnancy due to a hectic schedule. At this stage of motherhood, the body has to be re-trained to balance the new weight. The drastic change in body weight after pregnancy puts the pressure onto the ankles and the knees. Yoga prevents any weakness and degeneration of bones by strengthening the joints of the body.
Reclaiming emotional well-being
Yoga balances the emotions and hormonal level along with calming the mind. Any challenges that a new mother may be facing becomes manageable by relaxing the muscles and nerves. The various breathing techniques of yoga helps a mother to release any negative thoughts and promotes inner awareness. It is the best way to experience rest amidst the many responsibilities of motherhood. Ultimately, it encourages better sleep for the mother as well as the baby.
Reduces digestive discomfort
The poses and movements in Mum and Baby Yoga are an effective way to cure any digestive problems. Yoga eases the discomfort caused by colic – the sudden fussing and uncontrollable crying of the baby. Yoga stimulates the circulatory, digestive, hormonal, and immune systems. Yoga moves like a simple tummy massage comfort the baby. The knee to chest leg movements helps release any blockages felt in the abdomen and promote a healthy digestive system.
Socializing with other new moms
Getting out of home after pregnancy is a relief for the mother. In the Mum and Baby Yoga class, interacting with other moms and sharing experiences provides a great sense of support and community for new moms. It is also an opportunity to learn new things from experienced moms. The communication with other moms is also important because postnatal depression often arises because of feeling isolated. Coming to the yoga class helps women become active and nurtured. All this results in the mother taking better care of their babies.
Few tips to take care before going to a yoga class:
It is easier to practice yoga when the baby is feeling happy and active. A tired and hungry baby will only do more harm than heal. At the same time, it is also important that the mother is not feeling too tired. Exercising when the muscles are already worn-out only leads to injury. Keeping eye contact and smiling while doing yoga reassures the baby. Never force the movements into the baby. Keeping a balance of a few simple repetitive moves is more effective. Consulting your gynecologist before registering for a yoga class is always recommended.
Conclusion
Each mother’s experience of pregnancy is different. Managing fitness in the postnatal period is a great way to restore the body’s balance. The amazing benefits of Mum and Baby Yoga are helpful for physical and emotional well-being. Enjoying this stage of life becomes a little bit easier with the guidance and support of yoga practices.
