Movement, Postnatal Movement

Benefits Of Pilates For Postpartum Recovery

Postpartum is a time for restoration after growing, birthing and nourishing a new being. It is also a time of adjustment. Our bodies start to rebuild themselves after delivering a newborn and we enter the world of parenthood. This time is beautiful and empowering, as well as challenging and exhausting. The single best way to restore energy and agility is sleep, however the fragmented sleeping patterns of new mothers and parents often comes with added stress and fatigue. Other factors to support your postpartum journey are a trusted support group, a balanced nutrition plan, professional and medical guidance and movement. Let’s talk about the benefits of movement for postpartum.

Is Pilates Safe?

Fear of returning to movement is one of the most common feelings new mums will experience. A gentle, slow, but consistent journey of movement helps to rebalance your body and regain the strength we need to care for our little ones.

Your return to exercise will look different for everyone. A general rule of thumb is 6 weeks post-birth, otherwise clearance from your GP. Your return to movement is personal and unique, which is why Fluidform at Home offers a personalised movement program to all new members–tailored to your body, goals and stage of your postpartum movement journey.

Common Concerns

Before embarking on your postnatal movement journey, it is important to consider the following concerns.

  1. Diastasis Recti (abdominal separation): This separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy.
  2. Joint Instability: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to joint laxity, which may continue postpartum.
  3. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to issues like incontinence or pelvic pain.

Benefits Of Pilates

  1. Movement reduces postpartum fatigue – fatigue is a common experience for new mums, navigating interrupted sleep patterns and taking on a new role as full-time carer of your new baby. Gentle, consistent movement gets the blood flowing and gently increases your heart rate, boosting your endorphin hormones and energy levels. Not only does this reduce feelings of fatigue, but daily movement can help aid your sleep.
  2. Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles through exercises which activate your pelvic floor.
  3. Reconnects your abdominal muscles by reconnecting your deep abdominal layer with your breathing and pelvic floor muscles.
  4. Realign your posture from carrying, feeding and nurturing your baby.
  5. Reduce pain and imbalances by strengthening your core muscles and realigning your posture.
  6. Strengthen your core muscles to improve your balance and stability.
  7. Improve your wellbeing and confidence. Fear is often associated with returning to movement postpartum. A gentle and considered approach helps to regain your confidence. A balanced workout routine is proven to improve your digestive system and cardiovascular health.
  8. Improve your quality of sleep and improve your emotional wellbeing.

There is no secret that a considered and consistent movement routine has significant benefits to your physical and emotional wellbeing. Yet returning to movement can be daunting for a new mum, and finding the time to move is near impossible. During the postpartum period, movement is essential in order to move with strength and confidence to care for your little one. Above all, daily movement supports your own physical and emotional health, by improving your quality of sleep, digestive system, boosting your mood and energy levels and maintaining your strength and confidence.

Fluidform understands the physical demands of a new mum and the feeling of fear we experience during the return to exercise. The postpartum period is unique to everyone, which is why Fluidform at Home provides a personalised program to all new members, to safely and effectively guide you through an at-home workout plan which focuses on reconnecting and rebuilding your abdominal muscles, strengthening your pelvic floor muscles and realigning your posture and balance.

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