Postpartum Pilates
Over the past few months we have been discussing Pilates and Pregnancy and how to functionally keep up with your Pilates practice during the varying stages of pregnancy. In this article we are discussing Postpartum and when it is safe to continue your Pilates practice.
Once baby has arrived you are hopefully overwhelmed with joy and love with your little even more than you were when they were on the inside! With all the emotions of happiness, you may also being feeling some lows. Perhaps your birthing plan didn’t go according to “plan”. Maybe you are overwhelmed, stressed, and nervous on how to care for baby and be the perfect mom when all you feel is tired, drained and wondering how you are going to care for yourself.
I want you to know these thoughts and feelings are totally normal. I went through all of these highs and lows myself and I now have an almost 7 year old and there are still times I wonder if I am doing this whole mom thing right. Just know there is no right or wrong way. You and your family will find a way that works for you all! And if you need help or are really feeling down, reach out to someone and talk to your doctor about getting some extra help and guidance.
Postnatal Pilates is a great exercise to help you come back into movement. It will provide you with confidence and control that perhaps you are lacking in other areas of your life and your body. Pilates will connect you back to your center and your breath, which will be wonderful for your mental clarity and will help you find peace during those stressful moments. As many of you know, Pilates is known for building strength and length, which is going to be a great focus now that you are carrying baby around on the outside and likely needing to open up tight shoulders and neck tension. The pilates repertoire was designed to stimulate your whole body and to get your blood flowing. With all this circulation, you are going to feel energized from the inside out even on those sleepless nights!
Whether you have had a vaginal or c-section delivery, once your doctor give you clearance to begin movement, Pilates can help accelerate the healing process especially in your transverse abdominis, obliques, and pelvic floor muscles which have likely taken the most stress during your pregnancy. Doing the Mat work at home, even if it just 10-15mins will do wonders! It is easy and accessable, especially as you are already on the floor with baby working on their tummy time! If you are using a reformer, be sure to work with a professional Pilates instructor that understands the postpartum body and stick with exercises that feel familiar (think of your fundamentals) and avoid any extra intra-abdominal pressure like planks, sit-ups and full extension.
Tune in and listen to what your body needs and be ok with taking things slow. In the blink of an eye, this moment in time will all too soon pass, so be sure soak it all up while you can!