A gentle yoga practice, with lots of deep, steady breathing, relaxation and gentle stretches is the best thing I know to support you as you adjust to being a new mum.

The Benefits of Yoga for Parents

The practice of yoga is a powerful way to calm the mind and release strain and tension in your body. Yoga exercises help you learn how to relax. As you gently stretch your body, calm your mind and quieten your worries, you feel better. More alive and aware of what is happening in your body. When you have just given birth, your body feels strange and alien. It can take many months, sometimes years for you to fully appreciate and accept your body, as it is.

From this position of inner strength, you are in a better position to give your baby your best.

Practice The Following Yoga Exercises When You Wake Up In The Morning

1. As you wake, take a long deep breath. As you exhale, slowly stretch your body awake. Keep your legs straight out on the bed and gently point and flex your toes back and forth 5 - 7 times

2. Laying on your back, raise both hands. Rotate your wrist 5 - 7 times in each direction. Then shake your hands 5 - 7 times. Lie still and absorb the energy.

3.Still laying on your back, take a deep breath in and as you exhale slowly turn your head to look to your left shoulder. Inhale and turn your head to the centre, exhale and turn your head to look over your right shoulder. Repeat 3 - 5 times each side.

4: Place your left hand over your navel area and your right hand on your upper chest. Close your eyes and take 3 - 5 deep breaths in and out through your nose. Return to normal breathing. Be still for a few more moments enjoying the sense of peace and inner calm. Slowly get out of bed and begin your day.

Practice These Simple Yoga Stretches During The Day

1.Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms by your side. Slowly take a deep breathe in, and as you do, interlink your fingers and stretch your arms above your head. Stretch up as far as is comfortable and hold for a moment. Repeat this stretch 3- 5 times.

2:Rag doll Pose: Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart. Arms by your side. Take a deep breath in and as you exhale, hang your head and let your body and arms fall gently forwards like a floppy rag doll. Take 3 - 5 deep breathes. Return to standing by slowly walking your hands up your legs. Repeat 3 - 5 times.

Practice This Breathing Exercise Before You Go To Sleep at Night To Calm And Soothe Your Mind

1.Make sure you are comfortable. Body straight and relaxed. Close your eyes and slowly breathe in for a count of four and breathe out for a count of four. Repeat this 4 -7 times. As you breathe out, quietly Give Thanks for the bundle of love nestling beside you!!

I hope you find these yoga tips useful. Let me know how you get on and what difference they make to your stress levels. I am always happy to suggest other yoga exerices you can try. Enjoy and be Well.