Baby & Me Postpartum Yoga
Dr. Jenn guiding new parent and baby in Baby and Me Yoga in our Scarborough Studio
At Baby & Me Yoga, the focus is all about “Connection”.
Connection back into your body
Baby & Me Yoga sequences are designed with specific considerations for this unique recovery time in your body. We will welcome gentle and intentional movement and breath to allow safe and comfortable return to activity.
This practice includes poses to help stretch and lengthen muscles that often become tight as a result of postural changes during pregnancy and during new baby care tasks such holding, carrying and feeding them.
With specific cueing, this class will help you gently and safely build the strength necessary to support the new physically demanding tasks of baby care such as lifting baby in and out of the crib and car seat.
Led by a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, this class provides connection to and awareness of your deep abdominal muscles and pelvic floor and you will learn how to reconnect to these muscle groups during daily activities to support a mindful transition back to exercise and reduce risk of injury.
Connection with your breath
While caring for your new baby, it can often be difficult just to remember to breathe throughout the day. This intentional yoga practice can help serve as a much needed reminder of how taking a few moments to become aware of your breath can reduce anxiety and improve your energy during times that can feel overwhelming and exhausting. It is a wonderful reminder of how important even small moments of self care is during this new and often vulnerable time.,
Connection between you and your baby
Baby & Me Yoga provides an opportunity where you and baby can be in the moment and play. This can be a special time out of the house without distractions of household chores and responsibilities. You both can just breathe and move together. Baby & Me yoga postures and sequences are designed so that you and your baby can do many of the poses together! Playful interaction with your little one is incorporated to keep you both connected throughout the class.
Connection with community
New parenthood is a perfect time join a community of other moms just like you. Many are likely having similar excitements and challenges. It is so powerful to come together during this new phase of life to move, play and breathe together. This can be such a wonderful and unique time to make new friends.
Baby & Me Yoga is always on “baby time”
We want you to know you and your baby are welcome just as you are. If you are running a little late, you are still welcome to join us. During the class, feel free to feed your baby, change diapers, walk around, bounce and calm baby on the exercise balls. There is plenty of time for relaxing in the studio with some tea after class as well.
Tips for keeping your baby engaged during class
Keep baby close to you so he or she can see you. 2-3 month olds can only see up to 15-18 inches so this is the most important time to consider this. Babies that are between 3-6 months can see and recognize their mothers up to 15 feet away but they still like to stay involved, connected and close to mom during class.
Bring a favorite blanket and lay your baby next to or right on your mat. When doing a pose that may require you to move out of this range of sight, make sure to return to your baby frequently to offer some kisses and touch. These times are built into yoga sequences so that they can stay connected.
Maintain eye contact with your baby as much as you can. Laugh, sing, smile, make silly faces, play “peek-a-boo” during twisting and flowing poses when you may be looking away briefly. Creating play time will ensure that they will have as much fun as you!
Bring a small rattle or toy your baby enjoys to hold during some of the movement postures. This can encourage vision/tracking objects during yoga flows.
Touch and gently massage your baby to keep them connected and feeling loved!
Bounce, sway and keep moving during the poses as much as needed when holding baby. Lots of poses can be done while holding your baby and they will enjoy the gentle rhythm and movement.
Interested in working 1:1 with us? We offer private yoga, pelvic floor therapy, and acupuncture and we would love to support you!
Schedule your free 30 minute consultation with us in Saco, Scarborough or virtually today!
At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy. Our Acupuncturists are specialized in treating hormone conditions and fertility support. We are located in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, and are here to support you!
~Dr. Jenn & The Root To Rise Team
