Yoga and Breastfeeding

As a yoga teacher and in keeping with the yogic philosophy I found myself “obliged” to breastfeed so prior to the birth of my first child I has my mind set on a natural birth and breastfeeding. The natural birth never happened as my little girl wanted to come out legs first so it was then I realised that once children come along the mindset must open as you are no longer working alone, you now have a new and wonderful friend that can in the nicest possible way keep throwing a spanner or two in the works!

This is where yoga did help… breath …relax….stay in the now..! As I had a section I was a bit for the birds for the first 24 hours but knew I wanted to feed so no matter who told me a bottle was okay, I wanted my little girl to feed from me so in spite of the fact that someone had to hand her to me as I couldn’t lift, the cracked nipples that set in after the morphine wore off and milk dripping from new jordanesque style boobs.

Despite all this I was delighted, I was breastfeeding.

• Yes I had moments of why am I doing this? Because it’s a wonderful and special time.

• When will the pain go? Just breathe into it and relax.

• When will my body be my own again? Who cares it will happen in time enjoy the now.

Yoga did help; through the breath I was able to relax while feeding just taking my awareness to the flow of my breath using it to take tightness and tension away from my body and mind.

Inhale, let it energise and inspire you…Exhale, let it take the tightness in your shoulders away, the worries from you mind.

The philosophy gave me the encouragement to continue just being in the present and enjoying this feed (hard to do a 3am) and not worrying when Id be able to close my eyes again and for how long…Stay in the now Yvonne, be present and breathe.

Breastfeeding is such a privilege and amazing experience - just embrace it in the knowledge that yes it may be challenging at times but most things worthwhile don’t come easy.

xx

Yvonne,

• Thanks to Yvonne - (Fabulous babe, breastfeeding mum and Yoga Teacher)

www.yogabyyvonne.ie