Can You Start Yoga After C Section (Delivery Room To Yoga Mat)

  • By: Mugen Seki
  • Date: March 3, 2023
  • Time to read: 6 min.

Having a C-section can be a difficult and trying experience for any mother. You might be wondering if you can start yoga after the C-section.

The answer is yes! Yoga can help you heal both physically and emotionally after your C-section.

Key Takeaways

  • It is safe to start practicing yoga after a c-section.
  • Yoga can help in the healing process by aiding in the repair of tissue and organs.
  • Yoga can help to improve posture and reduce scarring.
  • Yoga can also help to ease discomfort and pain.
A woman holding just one child
Can You Start Yoga After C Section

Here’s The Answer To Can You Start Yoga After C Section

Yes, you can start yoga after c section. My wife has been practicing yoga for over ten years and teaches it to others. She had a c-section with my first child and started practicing yoga about six weeks later. If you wish to start practicing yoga after a c-section, keep these tips in mind.

Make sure you get the okay from your doctor before starting any type of physical activity after surgery. Once you have the green light, start slow and listen to your body. Don’t push yourself too hard – remember that your body is still healing.

There are some modifications that you will need to make for certain poses. For example, avoid deep twists or anything that puts pressure on your stomach area. Instead, focus on gentle stretches and strengthening poses that don’t strain your incision site.

Be patient and give yourself time to heal physically and emotionally. After having a baby, it can take time to feel “normal” again, so cut yourself slack and go at your own pace.

It Is Recommended That You Wait Until Your Incision Has Healed Before Starting Yoga

A woman holding a small child in her hand
It Is Recommended That You Wait Until Your Incision Has Healed Before Starting Yoga

You must wait until your incision has healed before starting yoga.

Waiting will allow your body to heal, which means you’ll be able to engage in the postures without pain or discomfort.

It’s also important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard when beginning a new exercise routine after childbirth. If something hurts, don’t do it.

Once Your Doctor Gives You The Okay, Start With Gentle Yoga Poses

If you’re itching to get back into yoga after a c-section, it’s important to start slow and take it easy. Try doing a gentle yoga pose once a day, such as Child’s Pose or Seated Forward Fold (also called Paschimottanasana).

Your goal here is not to work hard but simply to listen to your body. As you gain confidence in your ability to move more freely, gradually increase the number of times you do gentle poses per day.

Once every other day is a good starting point for most people; if this feels too intense for you, try increasing it by one or two days per week until reaching 30 minutes every day.

Don’t worry about trying advanced poses at first; stick with comfortable postures on your abdominal muscles.

Avoid Any Poses That Put Pressure On Your Stomach Or Require You To Twist Your Torso

If you have just had a C-section, it’s important to avoid any poses that put pressure on your stomach or require you to twist your torso. Instead, opt for gentle backbends and gentle twists.

If you’re looking for a relaxing seated pose that doesn’t involve twisting your trunk, try Supported Bound Angle Pose (also known as Supta Baddha Konasana).

This pose can help reduce lower abdomen swelling and improve circulation around the pelvis area.

Instead, Focus On Poses That Help Improve Your Flexibility And Strengthen Your Back And Legs

Instead of focusing on the postures that tone and strengthen your core, focus on poses that improve your flexibility and strength in areas of the body most likely to be affected by a C-section.

These include the back, legs, and shoulders. The downward dog is a great yoga pose because it works in all three areas.

Make sure you don’t arch too much or hold any one posture for too long during this exercise, though—doing so can lead to injury.

By starting slowly with simple poses like cat-cow or plank, you’ll be able to build up core strength over time.

Remember To Listen To Your Body And Take It Slow – There’s No Rush To Get Back To “Normal”

For many women, getting back into the swing of things can be a challenge, even more so if you’ve had a c-section or other abdominal surgery.

Let me tell you why: 1) You may not be able to sit in certain positions 2) You might need help moving around 3) The pain from having just given birth is still there 4) Your hormones are probably all over the place 5) You might feel like this whole thing is too much 6) You probably don’t even know what normal feels like anymore 7) Yikes.

So how do you start? First, listen to your body and take it slow – there’s no rush to get back to “normal.” If something hurts or isn’t comfortable, don’t push yourself too hard; try another pose until it feels right again.

What Are The Benefits Of Starting Yoga After A C Section?

A woman doing yoga with two kids
What Are The Benefits Of Starting Yoga After A C Section

You can begin yoga after a C-section in the comfort of your home, with a gentle instructor guiding you.

There are many benefits to this type of recovery, and they are as follows:

  • Helps with recovery from surgery
  • Helps with postpartum depression
  • Helps with sleep
  • Helps with stress and anxiety management

Are There Any Poses That Should Be Avoided After A C Section?

  • Avoid poses that require you to twist your torso
  • Avoid poses that put pressure on your stomach
  • Avoid poses that require you to lie on your back
  • Avoid poses that require you to sit in a cross-legged position

When Is The Best Time To Start Yoga After A C Section?

Depending on your doctor’s advice, you should choose the optimal timing, how soon you feel ready, and whether or not someone (like a friend or partner) will support and help guide you through your first sessions.

You may also want some extra guidance if this is new territory for you—a good instructor can help guide your practice in ways that make sense for someone who has never done yoga before.

Remember that pregnancy doesn’t happen once; it happens many times over years or decades!

So maybe instead of thinking about it as “when” and “how soon,” think about when and how long—because there are no deadlines here; just keep doing what feels right for both mom and baby.

Conclusion

If you want to start yoga after a C-section, it’s important to ensure your body is ready. It can take weeks or even months to heal and get back into shape.

The best time to start is generally 6-8 weeks postpartum. Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

Pregnant and postpartum women can benefit from practicing yoga to help improve their strength and flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some good poses to start with after a c-section?

There are a few good poses to start with after a c-section. Some examples include Downward Dog, Child’s pose, and Warrior Three-Legged Downward Dog.

How soon can I start yoga after a c-section?

You can start yoga as soon as you are ready. It generally takes around 6-8 weeks postpartum before you return to your routine, so check with your doctor first.

Is there anything I should be careful of when starting yoga after a c-section?

You should be careful of a few things when starting yoga after a c-section. Some things to remember, include the following:
– Not overdoing the poses.
– Being cautious with your knees and hips.
– Talking to your doctor about any new exercises before starting.

What are the benefits of starting yoga after a c-section?

The benefits of yoga after a c-section include improving strength and flexibility, reducing stress levels, and restoring emotional balance.

 

MugenSeki

My name is Mugen Seki, and I’m a painter and yoga enthusiast who is passionate about bringing together art and exercise in ways that help people connect with their inner selves. When I’m not painting, I’m practicing yoga. And when I’m not doing either of those things, I’m usually thinking about them.