How soon after birth can I start postpartum classes?

So you’ve just had your baby(ies), and now you're wondering when’s the right time to start moving again. In the past, we’ve waited for that six week visit for doctor’s clearance to workout again, usually headed straight back to our pre-pregnancy movement practice that we’ve missed so dearly, especially in our third trimester. But as more wisdom from professionals including physiologists and physical therapists becomes mainstream, we know that the postpartum body needs and deserves so much more than that.

You may have recently seen that the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) set new guidelines for postpartum fitness and exercise, but what does it mean, and how can you move post birth in way that honors your body?

The newest guidelines from ACOG state: “If you had a healthy pregnancy and a normal vaginal delivery, you should be able to start exercising again soon after the baby is born. Usually, it is safe to begin exercising a few days after giving birth—or as soon as you feel ready.” They go a step further to say that when you first start exercising after childbirth, try simple postpartum exercises that help strengthen major muscle groups, including abdominal and back muscles.

So yes, we can start to work the body sooner, but what ACOG is describing is a speciality designed program that focuses on rehabilitation of the most affected parts of the body: the core.

So how do we do this safely?

We begin with exploratory yoga and pilates based movements including breath work and small muscle activation that assist the body in reconnecting the mind to the body in ways that rebuild the foundation of all movement in the body.

Our Post Sessions classes offer just this. Each class works through diaphragmatic breathing and exercises that stretch, build, and balance the abdominal muscles, pelvic floor and back. We move through gentle stretches to relieve tight, stiff muscles, and most importantly move stagnant energy through the body to be released.

Working out is important for your postpartum recovery. ACOG says exercise in the postpartum period helps strengthen abdominal muscles, boosts energy, may prevent postpartum depression, promotes better sleep, relieves stress, and can help you lose extra weight you may have gained during pregnancy. 

Attending these classes once-twice per week prepares the body for functional movement and your pre-pregnancy workouts in order to prevent injury and feeling strong in your gorgeous body again.

Your body deserves to heal properly, with strength, balance, and even more brilliance that before. Check out our class schedule, bring your baby, and join a community of new moms just like you, nurturing wholeness through this incredible journey!