Getting back into sports after giving birth is a bit like restarting an old computer that's been in sleep mode for nine months. At first, it grumbles a bit, the circuits squeak, but once it's up and running, it's like clockwork. And yoga is the ideal anti-bug program for new mothers.

Why get back into sports? 

Why put on leggings and do downward-facing dog after giving birth? Well, because it feels good, plain and simple! Yoga is the little boost that helps you feel less like a zombie mom and more like a goddess of zen.

Think about it, yoga is the art of bending over backwards (literally) without breaking. It's a way of saying to yourself: "Hey, body, it was nice housing a human, but we're taking back control now!" And little by little, the muscles remember what they were doing before "pregnancy" rhymed with "stretching to reach a jar of pickles."

And then, in the postpartum period, between baby's cries and sleepless nights, yoga becomes your new ally for putting difficult moments into perspective. So, breathe in, breathe out, and remember that even if baby already has the flexibility of a contortionist, mom still has plenty of energy left.

And what about breastfeeding in all of this? 

You might think that combining breastfeeding and sun salutations is a bit complicated, but think again. Simply schedule a session between two baby feedings – or during for those who have unlocked the expert level – and choose poses that don't compress the milk supply.

Some tips for breastfeeding yoga moms:

• Take advantage of your mini-you's nap to unroll your playmat.
• Opt for postures that open the heart and relax the shoulders; your back will thank you.
• Stay hydrated as if you were crossing the Sahara, because breastfeeding makes you thirsty.

Practical tips from Mama'z Yoga

mamazyoga.com is an online yoga studio for mothers offering yoga classes that can be followed at your own pace after childbirth and during the first postpartum year. These pre-recorded, short yoga sessions are easy to fit into your daily life with a baby. They are also suitable for breastfeeding mothers, as they include yoga sessions designed specifically for breastfeeding mothers .

Valuable advice is added to the online postnatal yoga classes:

To make breastfeeding as zen as a yoga session, we start with the basics: positioning. It's a bit like finding the perfect pose for your favorite asana, except here, we're talking about comfort for two. So, settle in with a nursing pillow to relieve back pain, place a yoga block under your bottom if needed, and make sure baby is snug, tummy to tummy, ready to feed. No slouching allowed; sit up straight, breathe, and let the magic happen.

And for mothers who want to boost their milk production while enjoying their yoga practice, here's a little tip straight from ancient Sanskrit texts: the False Thoracic Inhalation. Imagine you're sniffing the morning air, except this time, you keep your mouth and nose closed. Engage your pelvic floor muscles, completely exhale, and pretend to inhale, simply expanding your chest. A little practice and you'll be ready to stimulate lactation, modern-day yogi style. But be warned, this technique should be practiced on an empty stomach, so not right after Sunday brunch.

Incorporating these little rituals can transform breastfeeding and postnatal yoga into a moment of connection and enhanced well-being. No need for an hour of intensive practice; a few minutes stolen here and there can already work wonders. 

Listen to your body and above all, don't forget to breathe (not just because it's vital, but because it feels amazing).

So, put on those leggings, grab that mat, and may the force of postpartum yoga be with you!

And as a gift, receive €10 off when you purchase a 6 or 12-month access pass on www.mamazyoga.com with the gift code MamaZenForme

#milkawayapparel #inmumwetrust #breasfeeding #breastfeedingmom #breastfeedingjourney  

Photo credit: Unsplash - Tim Goedhart