Postpartum yoga is extremely beneficial for new mothers. The right postpartum yoga routine can solve several common problems women face after delivery. It gets you on your feet quicker and helps you deal with postpartum depression, body aches, anxiety, sleeplessness, and more. Postpartum yoga is not restricted to the mother alone; you can include your child too. You and your child can easily undertake some great yoga poses for mom and baby.
Yoga poses for mom and baby generally include easy postures you can safely practice with your kid. You may be thinking, why would a child need to do yoga? But truth be told, yoga helps the mother build a bond with their child from an early stage. It helps the child connect to the mother and feel safe. Besides the psychological factor, you and your baby can benefit more from yoga poses for mom and baby.
Why You Should Practice Yoga Poses for Mom and Baby
Including yoga poses for mom and baby in your workout routine can benefit you and the baby. Here's a glance at the advantages you both will enjoy.
It makes both you and your baby sleep better.
Increases body awareness in children.
It improves digestion in children causing less gas. It leads to a less fussy child.
It inculcates in children the habit of physical exercise at a very young age.
Improves children's neuromuscular development and boosts the immune system.
It helps you grow a bond with your child from the earliest stage.
Yoga Poses for Mom and Baby You Should Try
New mothers always choose the former when it comes to yoga vs. gym. Now involve your child in your physical and spiritual fitness journey with the following poses.
Baby-Parent Belly Breathing
Sit straight with your spine erect.
Support your baby's neck and hold it close to your chest. Make sure the chests are aligned.
Breathe slowly and deeply.
Rise your belly and expand your ribs as you breathe.
You will see your baby's breathing is calming down and trying to keep pace with yours.
Baby Om
Be comfortably seated and hold your child facing you.
Hold the baby's chest to chest.
Place your chin on the baby's head and throat against the forehead.
Take a deep breath in
When you exhale, chant OM slowly
Repeat it three to five times.
It calms your baby to a great extent.
Diagonal Stretch
Lay your baby flat on his/her back.
Sit by the feet and hold his/her right hand, index, and middle finger.
Use the other hand to hold the child's foot.
Gently tug and stretch the limbs. Ensure you are not using too much force, as it would end up hurting them. Use just the right amount of pressure. The exercise should result in stretching.
Repeat it 4 to 5 times and change sides.
Baby Squats
Sit on your yoga mat and extend your legs out.
Make room for the baby between your legs.
Hold the soles of your baby's feet very gently. Press it forward and bring it back towards you.
Inhale while pulling your feet towards yourself and exhale while pushing it away.
Similar Link: How Prenatal Yoga is Different from Regular Yoga
Yoga Poses to Avoid Postpartum
Postpartum is a delicate phase, and you should be careful with every activity you undertake. Similarly, when choosing yoga poses for mom and baby, it is best to stay away from certain poses. These poses can cause injury, sprain, bleeding, or even more serious consequences. If you wish to practice them, it is best to give your body at least a year's break and start only after speaking to your doctor.
Here is a list of yoga poses to avoid postpartum:
Malasana
Cobra
Deep Twists
Inversions
Bow pose
Splits
Cat /Cow
Plank pose
Revolved triangle pose
The aforementioned poses strain delicate areas of your body that are still healing, like the abdomen and cervix. It is best to keep away from them for a little time. Let your body heal completely, and you can return to these otherwise great poses. Meanwhile, practice the simple yoga poses for mom and baby.
Key Takeaway
Mother-baby yoga poses are often referred to as mommy and me yoga poses. These poses are great for newborn babies and help them in several ways. So what are you still waiting for? Include your baby in your yoga journey from this moment onwards, and share a beautiful bond with him/her.
Comments