Postnatal Yoga: Cures for Both Mama and Babe

The morning sickness, achy lower back, and fatigue of pregnancy have passed. But for new mamas, a whole other different set of physical conditions often accompanies the bliss of loving your little creation. Luckily, a few simple yoga poses address the most common concerns. “Our bodies are always in transition, so don’t think that you have to be exactly the way you were before pregnancy,” says Jane Austin, a San Francisco-based pre- and post-natal yoga teacher. “But you can expect to be healthy, vital, and strong again.” And moms aren’t the only ones who can benefit from yoga; a few basic moves for the wee one can make your infant more comfortable and calm.

Poses for Mama
Weakened Pelvic Floor

All of that pushing during labor understandably makes for a compromised pelvic floor. After birth, it’s not uncommon to experience lessened sexual sensation or an annoying leakage of urine after a sneeze or a hearty chuckle. But it’s no laughing matter: A serious weakness could result in an organ prolapse, an organ that shifts outside of its normal anatomical position.

Solution: Kegel Exercises

These contractions correct incontinence and strengthen the pelvic floor. Pick your position: cross-legged position, Child’s Pose, or lying on your back. Then quickly squeeze the muscles that stop the flow of urine. Make the contractions progressively longer: squeeze for five, hold for five, and release for five. Repeat 10 times.

Problem: Aching Neck and Shoulders

Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, many new moms experience neck and shoulder aches—the result of many hours spent bending forward to feed the baby. The resulting hunched-over position can lead to the dreaded “forward head” position that may cause other problems such as headaches and back pain.

Solution: Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose) Arms


Problem: Loss of Endurance

After your baby is born, you might notice that running up the stairs isn’t as easy as it was a year ago. With your body recovering from labor, fatigue from caring for a newborn, and a change in your exercise routine while pregnant, a shift in endurance level makes sense.

Solution: Virabhadrasana II (Warrior II Pose)

Austin points out that standing poses like Warrior II build stamina and are highly accessible to most women. “New moms like to feel they are building strength, and with standing poses they can feel it in their body,” she says. Try Warrior II, named after the fierce warrior Virabhadra: with legs four feet apart, turn the right foot in and the left foot out 90 degrees. Bring your arms out to the sides, parallel to the floor, as you bend the left knee over the left ankle. Reach out with your arms and hold for five breaths. Repeat on the other side.

Problem: Weakened Abs


Solution: Pelvic Rocking


Problem: Fatigue

Waking up every few hours to tend to the little one doesn’t exactly make for a well-rested person. Although you won’t cut out all of your sleepless nights, you can deal with fatigue to make your waking hours more manageable.



Poses for Baby
Problem: Upset Stomach/Colic

A baby’s tiny digestive system is a fragile thing, and it’s no wonder they often experience painful problems. When your baby’s tummy is upset, try putting him into a yoga position that will help eliminate gas.

Solution: Knees to Chest

To start, gently draw your baby’s knees to chest so that any bubbles release. Kari Marble, a San Francisco Bay Area yoga and infant massage instructor, also recommends the following for gas relief: place baby on his back and slowly move his knees up into his belly. Hold for a few seconds, then release the pressure, and stroke baby’s legs to help him relax. Repeat several times. Next, bring baby’s knees back to his belly and circle his thighs in a clockwise direction a number of times. You can also try bicycling baby’s legs, alternating bringing one knee in to his belly while lengthening the opposite leg.

Problem: Long Bouts of Crying

Everyone knows that babies cry for a variety of reasons. But if you’ve tried everything and you crave silence, try a simple technique that not only calms baby down, but also promotes bonding with your child.

Solution: Ujjayi breathing

Hold your infant close your chest. Start deep Ujjayi breathing by audibly inhaling and exhaling through your nose with your mouth closed. The deep, rhythmic sound of your breath could very well soothe your baby. And if she continues to cry, it’s still a worthwhile endeavor: Ujjayi breathing will help mom stay calm and centered—even while holding a fussy and crying baby.
