It Is Your Journey. No one Elses

Postnatal movement is about reconnecting with the woman you were and embracing the woman you have become. However, exercise for the new mum can be complex. You need to consider so much before you start back. You need to know when it is safe and appropriate to start exercising and which type of exercise will yield the best results for recovery and healing, and then building strength from the onside out.

The Other Ways to Train Your Core

First and foremost you need to have doctors clearance and must be checked for diastasis recti (a separation of the abdominal muscles) as this will determine what you can and cannot do postpartum, i.e. planks and any abdominal crunches. If you have constant backache this may be making it worse. If you have had an episiotomy you need to know was it a 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree tear and also how it is healing. If you had a C-section you should be aware that you cannot join most (and should not) fitness classes until after 12 weeks. If you have had a vaginal delivery you will have a weakened pelvic floor and need to address this seriously so as to avoid incontinence in the future. If you are breastfeeding the relaxin hormone stays in your body for up to 4 months after you stop, which means you need to be careful about how far you are stretching, so as not to hyperextend and injure yourself. If you are still bleeding, have low or high blood pressure, SI joint disorders or any other issues you should not put pressure on yourself to partake in high impact or strenuous exercise and must be monitored by your doctor.

Bad Posture Wreaks Havoc

You will need to address your posture because you will be seated feeding a lot or you may be leaning over the cot every night, which can lead to rounded shoulders, and also bad standing habits may develop i.e. picking up baby, carrying baby on one hip which may cause imbalances in your movement patterns and lead to discomfort or pain in different parts of the body.

The Effect of Sleep Deprevation

You need to be aware how the lack of sleep affects your body and mind and again realistic expectations are a saving grace here because expecting too much is unhealthy. Stress is a serious condition for new and seasoned moms.