Postpartum Recovery: Why Sitting on the Couch is Good for You&Baby
If you’re like my clients, as a brand new mama who was active during pregnancy, with fitness classes, it’s probably a challenge to resist getting back into your exercise routine.
There are several reasons why you’ll want to proceed slowly. After highlighting these reasons, I’ll share with you how you can safely begin toning, in the days soon after giving birth.
Setting the record straight
No matter how smooth and gentle your birth experience (and I do hope you had such an experience), internal healing postpartum is significant. Your body has been stretched, from your uterus to your pelvis, your heart has expanded and other organs have shifted. For many moms, stitches need to heal too. Nature teaches us that healing takes time.
It will also take time to regain your energy. Your best healing takes places during sleep and because sleep is inevitably disrupted when caring for a newborn, this process takes longer.
Looks are deceiving
Sometimes a new mom tells me it feels like “she’s doing nothing” all day long except for sitting on the couch, nursing. I understand what she means and why it feels uncomfortable. I’m someone who likes to move too throughout the day, whether it’s yoga or taking a walk.
The truth is…
Sitting on the couch, nursing your newborn is what you both need in the early days postpartum. Your baby is adjusting to the world, and it will takes about 8-12 weeks before becoming acclimated. For you, Mom - your life has been completely transformed and you have a new identity. Sitting on the couch, nursing your newborn gives you an opportunity to adjust physically, mentally, emotionally, energetically and spiritually.
“Did you know your uterus naturally contracts as you nurse Baby? This is Nature’s way of helping you start to tone your core! ”
The good news is…
You can begin doing your Safe Abdominal Toning while sitting on the couch, even if you’ve had a c-section. It’s a simple practice.
Here are some benefits:
gentle (no contraindications)
supports internal healing
begins to close the diastases recti
helps strengthen your lower back muscles
can be done while holding and/or nursing baby
How to Get Started
Support your back body
If you’re seated, be sure your back body is supported and your feet are on the floor or stool. No dangling feet. A crossed-legged seat works. You can also lie flat on your back with your knees bent, and feet on the floor.
Then
On your inhale, breath into your womb center (I.e. abdomen)
On your exhale, gently move your navel to your spine.
Repeat
It’s simple and gentle, right?
Giving yourself permission
Give yourself permission to “do nothing” all day long while
bonding with baby
being present
supporting your healing
practicing self-care
The art of multi-tasking can be mastered, one breath at a time. So please, give yourself permission to sit on your couch all day long. And do your safe and gentle abdominal toning.