Congratulations! You are a new mom and have just given birth to your bundle of joy. You may have gained a few extra pounds during pregnancy, your body might have gone through some major changes, and you might be feeling a little tired and sleep-deprived. With the demands of motherhood, it can be challenging to find time to focus on your own health and wellness. However, staying active and pain-free post-pregnancy is essential to maintain your physical and mental health. In this blog post, we're going to discuss the importance of mobility, how to stay active post-pregnancy, and pain-free ways to keep moving.
Did you know that mobility is the foundation for movement? Without proper mobility, our body cannot move the way it is designed to move. Mobility can help with physical activities such as walking, running, bending over, and picking up your baby. Lack of mobility can contribute to poor posture, stiffness, and pain, which can affect your ability to perform daily activities.
Negative things that could happen if you don't prioritize mobility after pregnancy include:
- Stiffness and pain in the body
- Poor posture, leading to back pain and headaches
- Reduced quality of sleep
Positive things that can happen if you prioritize mobility post-pregnancy include:
- Reduced likelihood of pain and stiffness in the body
- Ability to perform daily activities with ease
- Increased quality of sleep
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can be challenging as a new mom. However, regular exercise can help improve your mental health and increase your energy levels. Here are some pain-free ways to stay active post-pregnancy:
1. Walking: Walking is a low-impact exercise that can be done with your baby, either in a stroller or carrier. Starting with short walks around your house or neighbourhood can help you gradually increase your walking distance.
2. Yoga: Practicing yoga can help improve your flexibility, strength, and balance. There are many online yoga classes designed specifically for new moms that can be done from the comfort of your own home.
3. Swimming: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce joint pain. Many swimming pools offer parent-child classes, allowing you to swim with your baby.
4. Pelvic Floor Exercise: Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support your pelvic organs. These exercises can be done anywhere, and you can do them while taking care of your baby. Talk with the Pelvic Docs by going here.
5. Resistance Band Exercise: Resistance band exercises can help improve your overall strength and muscle tone. These exercises can be done at home and can target specific muscle groups.
Staying active post-pregnancy is essential to maintain your physical and mental health, but it can be challenging to find time for exercise as a new mom. Incorporating pain-free exercises such as walking, yoga, swimming, pelvic floor exercises, and resistance band exercises can help you stay active without putting undue strain on your body.
At One Accord Physical Therapy, our focus on evidence-based movement culture provides individuals with the knowledge, expert care, and resources needed to get pain-free and back to their active lifestyles. If you're struggling with pain or mobility post-pregnancy, we're here to help. Call us at 855-331-7522 to schedule an initial evaluation.
