Yoga for the Breastfeeding Mama; a 10-minute Practice

Breastfeeding can be hard.

Aside from the obvious beginning challenges (sore nipples and incessant feeding), nursing can impose physical, physiological and mental demands on a mama that can be draining.

Ethan cluster fed ALL. DAY. LONG for weeks and I remember sitting in the glider, thinking I was NEVER going to leave. My back was achy, my shoulders were tired and emotionally, I felt stuck. I wanted to get up off my bum and move!

But, I didn't have the energy to anything excessively straining.

Seldom would I get a long nap period out of E but, I would get 30 min intervals, which was the perfect amount of time to do a little yoga.

And, as a new mama, yoga was the perfect form of exercise- slow, thoughtful, and deliberate.

Not only could I focus on some poses that would add strength to my upper body but I could stretch out the muscles of my chest (which can get tight from hunching over to nurse), and I could move in a way that wasn't energetically taxing.

Also though, I could practice my deep diaphragmatic breathing which, not only helped restore my pelvic floor, but also helped me to find space for myself as a new mama, ruminate on my thoughts and bring me peace.

And, I could do it all in my living room... with no equipment.

Whether you're a nursing pro or you've just started out, I want to share a practice with you.

Although I usually encourage new mamas to use that babe's naptime to take a nap of your own, if you feel like moving, THIS PRACTICE (click for downloadable PDF) should hit the spot.

Enjoy!

Lauren

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