Why Mindfulness is Essential Postpartum

Mandy is an expert in the Mindfulness space, especially regarding women and new mothers. Roar Physiotherapy thanks her for her time in providing a valuable resource to all of our patients and wider audience. Please read on for more information and also find Mandy’s details at the bottom of the blog.

Postpartum refers to the period of time following childbirth, typically lasting six weeks to several months, during which a woman's body undergoes physical and emotional changes as it transitions from pregnancy to the postpartum phase.

There are a lot of changes going on for the mother during this phase, physically, mentally and emotionally. The body is recovering post childbirth. Healing from any tissues or organs that were affected during the birth and also hormone levels are again changing. Emotionally and mentally there are a range of emotions, feelings and thoughts that are experienced as a new mother. There are emotions of joy and bonding, but it is also very normal and ok to experience an array of emotions and mood swings, such as fatigue, anxiety and sadness. Postpartum anxiety and depression can also occur and it is essential to not be ashamed of this and to reach out for professional support and treatment.

This is an important time of recovery and it is very important and critical for new mothers to prioritise self care!

Mindfulness is extremely important and beneficial form of self-care for everyone and at any time of life, but particularly helpful during times of change, stress and recovery. This is why it is so important during this transition phase for new mothers.

What is mindfulness?

Any practise that allows you to be in the present moment. In the present moment you can remove your thoughts and feelings from the past and the future. Connecting to your body and away from your mind helps you remove and disassociate yourself from any stress, anxiety, fears and connect back to your source of peace, love and calmness within.

There so many different mindfulness practises available and easily accessible. For some of the more simple practises all you usually need is yourself and a quiet space to connect. You can also attend group classes, 1:1 private sessions for deeper healing and google guided meditations on the internet. Some helpful practises include meditation, breathwork, yoga, nature time. Anything that helps you connect back to self and regulates your nervous system.

When you are stressed your body moves into ‘flight and fight’ your sympathetic nervous system. When you are operating from this space you are operating from a space of ‘survival’. Your thoughts become negative, you can’t think clear, you react, you feel fatigued and disconnected from self and others. Resonate?

Mindfulness helps you regulate your nervous system. To come back to a space of ‘rest and digest’, your parasympathetic nervous system. When you are operating from this space your thoughts are clearer and more positive, you gain clarity, you respond, you feel peaceful and more energised and you feel connected to self and others.

Yoga and breathwork all help with emotional regulation. They provide safe spaces to connect to your feelings, to feel them and to help process them. Emotions are energy that want to be in motion, however, in life we might not have the time or space to process in the moment so it is vital to implement these practises where you feel safe and supported. There are different types of yoga and breathwork that range from relaxation to deep trauma release. It is important to seek professional support when delving into trauma release. There can be trauma experienced during child birth that unless processed can remain in your physical body. This can cause ailments and mental/emotional health issues.

Yoga also helps you to connect back to your body, promoting self love and self acceptance.

Mindfulness helps with emotional regulation, allowing you to manage the roller coaster of emotions that are often present during postpartum, helping you foster a greater sense of control of your internal world (even if your external world feels so out of control) and a sense of stability and inner peace. Gentle postpartum yoga practices aid in physical recovery by strengthening and toning the muscles, improving flexibility, and alleviating common postpartum discomforts such as back pain and tightness.

Your sleep will improve, which is a huge win for mothers!! Guided meditations such as yoga nidra and breathwork can also help you rest and recharge during the day if you are not a good day napper. Rest is crustal to postpartum recover. Our body needs rest to repair.

Your ability to be present with loved ones also improves with mindfulness, and this can help deep the bond between mother and baby, promoting feelings of connection, nurturing and love. Your baby also picks up on your emotions, so the more peaceful and regulated you are, the more peaceful and regulated and safe they feel too.

Breathwork helps alleviate stress and tension, reduces feelings of overwhelm and promotes restoration in your body. The increased levels of oxygen that you breathe into your body helps increase energy levels and helps the body repair.

Attending classes, workshops and retreats can also foster the sense of community that can sometimes feel lacking during the phases of being a new mother.

Overall, integrating mindfulness, breathwork, yoga, and meditation into the postpartum journey offers mothers invaluable tools for physical recovery, emotional well-being, and bonding with their newborn, supporting them in navigating the joys and challenges of early motherhood with grace and resilience.

Please note I am not a medical professional. It is essential to seek medical advice and clearance to begin any new mindfulness strategies postpartum.

I offer online yoga and mindfulness classes designed for emotional support and release, that you can access here:

https://www.mandyfrancisty.com/yoga-1

I also offer 1:1 plus group breathwork classes, yoga, day and weekend mindfulness retreats. You can find out more about my offerings at my website below:

https://www.mandyfrancisty.com/awakened-wellness

Mandy

Owner and Facilitator of Awakened Wellness Retreats, Yoga Teacher, NLP Therapist, Breathwork Facilitator, Channelled Guidance and Healer, Nutrition Advisor, Personal Trainer, Pilates Teacher, Reiki Practitioner, Empowerment Coach. She has a strong passion to help women to live their best lives, by healing past trauma, limiting beliefs and creating new positive stories and beliefs that do serve you. She helps you embody self-love, self-care and wellbeing, so it is a new way of life for you! Everything starts with self-love and self-care!