Practice Point #44 - Yoga for Mothers

I received a question from Kellie in Australia. Their question is...

I have a 5-month-old and two older kids and I’m struggling to get back into regular practice. Can you recommend some key focus areas/asanas for this stage of motherhood?

With kids of my own, I am very familiar with the struggle you currently have of making a regular practice.

From my own experience, this is what I did.

• I practiced before my kids woke (and they were early risers). But getting ME time in before the kids were up to was crucial to the rest of my day in which I knew I would not get any ME time.

• Fill your cup, so you can then give it to others.

• Also, my kids would wake just before I finished, this was an excellent opportunity for me to train them. I had a mat and yoga books set up ready for them, they could do some yoga, watch, or more often leave because it was boring.

• I set really clear boundaries. They were not allowed to climb on me and when I was doing savasana they had to leave the room.

• Sometimes I would give them my phone to take photos of me which is fun for them and good for you later to see your poses:) They learned savasana was the last pose and knew they would have me soon.

As for what to practice that depends on how you feel.

If you are breastfeeding, includes lots of arm positions to release your shoulders.

If you are exhausted do restorative.

If you want to boost your energy do backbends.

Always practice your inversions:)

Good luck and don't give up.