Using Hot Yoga to get “Postpartum Moms” back on track.

     Usually, moms who have had a vaginal birth are given the ok to exercise after six weeks and sometimes longer for moms who had to have a cesarean.  So if there is so significant bleeding after the sixth week, moms are given the green light by their doctor. 

     Upon your return moms, it is crucial for you to understand that your body has gone through some pretty significant changes during your pregnancy.  Therefore, don’t expect to be back to your old self right away.  I know there are instances where a twenty year old mom can jump back like there’s no tomorrow, but it’s not the case for every mom out there.  So I recommend patience, lots and lots of patience.  As a man, a father and a partner, I understand that moms are attached to their babies at all times when they’re newly born.  Sometimes well into their twenties, but that’s another story!  So when moms are given the green light to go back to exercise, hot yoga is the perfect way to start.  Let me give you three simple reasons why. 

     First, if all you have is an hour to get out of the house and exercise, taking a hot yoga class will secure that you get it done in one hour.  In contrast, going to a gym might take much longer or result in you not getting much done and feeling frustrated.

     Secondly, taking a one hour hot yoga class will result in you working every system in your body and getting you back into full recovery at a faster pace.

     Thirdly, attending a hot yoga class will place you in a positive environment where you can promote circulation throughout your body, physically get back into great shape and meditate.  Take a break and focus on just yourself.    

     A great way to get into a hot yoga class is by realizing you and your baby’s feeding routine.  Ask your husband or someone close to you that you trust, to watch over your baby while you attend class.  Trust me, you will start to feel so much better once you get there.  It will be so good for you to get out and take some time for yourself.  This may challenging at first since you’ll want to be with your baby at all times, but remember that if you don’t take care of your health, you’re not going to be much help as time goes by. 

In closing, once you start practicing hot yoga make sure you speak with the instructor and let them know if any of the poses are uncomfortable for you.  If you’re breast feeding for example, doing some of the belly down poses may be too challenging early on.  Ask if there is anything else you can do in their place until you back into things.  Remember, that your body has made some changes so don’t get caught up on what you use to do.  Instead focus on where you are, accept it and stay consistent with your practice to move forward into where you want to be.  And most of all be patient, be very patient.  Congratulations moms and when you get that green light from your doctor come in and see us at Pura Vida, we can help.

To your health & success,

Marco Gamez