Hey, Mamas. Just a quick Q. for you (sort of opinion based): How long after birth do you consider a woman postpartum? I was planning on going to a postpartum yoga class this weekend since I still have aches and pains from birth in my hips, lower back, etc but my husband didn't think it would be appropriate for me to go (I'm 9 months post). I am going to go, but it made me wonder. I always thought postpartum lasted at least a year after birth, I've also seen some people say it's indefinite. What do you think? Thanks for your thoughts.
Initially 6 weeks after giving birth up to 8 with a C-section. But my doc told me take it easy for the first 6 months with exercising and classes. At 9 months you should be able to be at 100% normal activity unless there are complications or other health issues.
It's def appropriate for you to go! Yoga is a wonderful way to get your body back in proper alignment. It is good for the mind and the body. And a post partum class would be suited to exactly what your needs are right now-hips, back, etc
I consider a year at least but I have read that it takes your body up to 2 full years to completely recover. Meaning that you build back up all the stores of the good stuff that your body had pre-pregnancy.
I would say at least a year... it takes at least that long for your body to fully heal (this is way many OB/GYNs say to wait a year before trying to get pregnant, your body has lost so much vitamins, minerals and so on from the growth and birth of a child that it takes at least a year to regain everything).
Go for the yoga, seems like a class devouted to postpartum and I hope it helps you. If you find that you still have aches and pain after a year maybe looking into having a chiropractor or another doctor give you a good check over to see if they can pin point the aches and pains. This way you can focus on those areas with certain stretching and strengthening exercises.
For me it took about two years to feel back to my "normal" but I also struggled with depression for a year and a half after... so that did not help with trying to figure out my other physical ache and pains.
In my opinion 6-7 wks or whenever your dr releases you back to normal activity as far as that goes, but Postpartum depression can last months. So you might want to call and ask what is recommended for the class.
My doctor told me... it took you ten months to get this way, it'll take you at least that long to get back to "normal". Just my opinion, but I would consider that first year "postpartum".
I agree with Lucky. Unless there's a medical reason otherwise, 9 months pp is well beyond the ok time frame to resume exercise. Yoga is a super way to ease back into the swing of things, too, especially a class designed for postpartum women. Have fun!
i would say specific to your question call and ask. I was 100% released at my 6 wk checkup after a c-section but I am a very active person who stayed that way while pregnant. The real question is will be a good fit for you so call to ask.
That way if the instructor seems weird you know and skip feeling awkward at the class.
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