Movement and Exercise for Postpartum Recovery
Embracing Movement and Wellness: Essential Steps in Postpartum Recovery
Written by Lindsey Tasker Cole, Pelvic Health Therapist, May 26, 2024.
Welcoming a new life into the world is a miraculous experience, but it also marks the beginning of a profound journey of physical and emotional transformation for new mothers. As the initial excitement of childbirth settles, the focus shifts to postpartum recovery—a period where movement and exercise play a pivotal role in restoring strength, mobility, and overall well-being.
The Importance of Movement and Exercise in Postpartum Care
Restoring Strength and Function: Pregnancy and childbirth place significant strain on the body, impacting muscles, joints, and ligaments. Gentle movement and targeted exercises help rebuild strength in the muscles that are affected the most through pregnancy and postpartum but also rebuild the foundation on which all movement stems from.
Supporting Mental Well-being: Physical activity releases endorphins—feel-good hormones that promote a sense of well-being and reduce stress and anxiety. Incorporating movement into your routine can uplift your mood, boost energy levels, and enhance overall mental health during the postpartum period.
Aiding in Weight Management: Regular exercise supports healthy weight management by burning calories and increasing metabolism. Combined with a balanced diet, physical activity can help new mothers achieve and maintain a healthy weight postpartum. This can be a complicated time, managing older children, breastfeeding, sleep deprivation and the list goes on. Weight management doesn’t need to be the main focus at this time. Trust the process and your body will thank you :).
Enhancing Posture and Alignment: Pregnancy often leads to changes in posture and alignment, contributing to discomfort and musculoskeletal imbalances. Movement-based therapies help correct these issues, promoting optimal alignment and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
The Role of Holistic Therapies in Postpartum Recovery
1. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy offers personalised rehabilitation programs designed to address postpartum issues such as pelvic floor dysfunction, diastasis recti, and musculoskeletal imbalances. Through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education, we can empower new mothers to regain strength, mobility, and function safely and effectively.
2. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial in realigning the spine and pelvis, relieving tension, and promoting optimal nerve function postpartum. Chiropractors utilise gentle, non-invasive techniques to address musculoskeletal issues, alleviate discomfort, and support overall well-being during the postpartum period.
3. Massage Therapy: Massage therapy offers numerous benefits for postpartum recovery, including relaxation, stress reduction, and pain relief. By targeting areas of tension and discomfort, massage therapists help improve circulation, enhance muscle relaxation, and promote overall healing and recovery postpartum.
Holistic Physio Wellness: Your Partner in Postpartum Recovery
At Holistic Physio Wellness, we understand the unique needs of new mothers during the postpartum period. Our holistic approach to postpartum care integrates physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and other complementary modalities to support optimal recovery and well-being. Whether you're seeking to regain strength, alleviate discomfort, or enhance overall wellness postpartum, our team of experienced practitioners is here to support you every step of the way.
Embrace the Journey of Postpartum Recovery
Movement and exercise are essential components of postpartum care, supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being during this transformative time. By incorporating gentle movement, targeted exercises, and support for where you are at in your recovery in the postpartum period is so important, and unique to each Mama.
Remember, postpartum recovery is a journey, not a race. Listen to your body, honour your needs, and seek support as you navigate this beautiful chapter of life.
Check out our comprehensive postpartum exercise and education class series: GrowCo Postpartum Rehabilitation Series!
If you have any questions surrounding Postpartum health, pelvic health, and/or postpartum rehabilitation, you can book in a Free 15-minute Discovery Callwith me!
Till next time,
Lindsey Tasker Cole
Lindsey Tasker Cole
Physiotherapist, Pelvic Health Therapist, GrowCo Practitioner