If you believe that the most difficult aspect of being a parent is labour and delivery, then, you are plainly mistaken. Babies are little and vulnerable, which is why they require your constant attention. It’s only normal for loving mothers to neglect their own health needs while caring for their children. Being fit and healthy after childbirth is crucial, and it can only be accomplished via exercise such as Clinical Pilates. Clinical Pilates is when a trained therapist would make use of Pilates to help in treating and managing the pain and injuries. Physiotherapists are trained to diagnose injuries, movement issues, and muscle imbalances that might cause the pain. There are various methods and exercises that can help in managing such issues with the help of Pilates.
Postnatal Pilates can help a new mother understand how to care for herself, and her needs, as equally as her baby’s. Consulting a doctor gives new mothers an insight on how important postnatal care is and how it can help get back into shape. Read on to know how postnatal Pilates can help you get back into shape the right way.
When can a New Mother Practice Postnatal Pilates after Childbirth?
It is extremely imperative for new mothers to either consult their doctor or exercise coach to understand when it is safe to exercise to tone and strengthen the body. Pilates not only allows mothers to gradually return to exercise, but it also focuses on the weakened abdomen to facilitate muscle regeneration and mobilises the spine to improve the overall posture.
Types of Postnatal Exercises
- Brisk walking
- Swimming
- Aqua aerobics
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Low impact aerobic workouts
- Light weight training
- Cycling
14 Benefits of Postnatal Pilates
- Keeps the body energised
- Tones, sculpts and strengthens the body
- Strengthens the pelvic floor muscles
- Improves the body’s posture
- Prevents body pain, mainly back pain after pregnancy
- Reduces soreness and tenderness
- Strengthens core, back, legs and arms
- Improves mood and generates happy hormones
- Enhances breathing
- Keeps the mind and body strong and balanced
- Helps the body recover faster after childbirth
- Improves mood, relieves stress
- Prevents postpartum depression
- Improves confidence levels
Tips That Help During the Postnatal Period
- Adequate rest
- Eating on time
- Consulting the doctor when required to avoid any unnecessary injuries or pain
- Listening to your body
- Being physically active
- Staying positive
- Avoid overworking the body
Pointers to Keep in Mind before Exercising
- Consult your doctor before you start any exercise regimen to avoid any injuries or damage to your body
- Follow your exercise regimen religiously
- Listen to your body as it is still getting adjusted to become normal
- Try and workout with other new mothers to stay motivated
Even though, for many new mothers, the postnatal period might be easy, for a few women it may take more time to fully recover through this phase. Inculcating positive lifestyle changes help new mothers stay healthy after conceiving. Consulting and visiting a doctor after childbirth is the key to understanding what new mothers can do to care for their changing body. Staying proactive is the key to a healthy mother and baby. So ensure you put your health first, and reclaim the body you deserve after pregnancy with postnatal Pilates.