Finding Balance and Joy: Pilates and Vagus Nerve Toning for Postpartum Mood Disorders

Plus exercises to help you destress, find more energy and calm your nervous system

Bringing a new life into the world is a beautiful and transformative experience. However, the journey of motherhood also comes with its own set of challenges, and often underestimated the aspect of postpartum mood disorders and body changes. Having gone through this myself, I understand the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany the postpartum period. I will be sharing my personal experience during my postpartum period, exploring postpartum mental health and discussing ways we can help create and promote emotional well-being and positivity through everyday movement and exercises.

A personal journey through postpartum: learning to love this new strong body

I grew up playing soccer from grade school through most of my adult life. I was constantly active whether it was playing soccer, running, hiking, or lifting. I was use to a very active lifestyle and my body being able to do all of these things without thinking twice.

Well this drastically changed for me after having my son and I was in total shock. I remember looking in the mirror crying because I didn’t recognize the person staring back. Not only was I dealing with physical changes, but mentally I was struggling too. My stomach was squishy, I felt weak, I felt tired, I just felt defeated and I remember feeling just so alone. I had some pelvic floor issues going on as well-incontinence, some heaviness, and the worst was not being able to control bowel movements a couple times. I specifically remember this one day I was so determined to get outside for a walk with my son, we drove to the park, I unloaded him and then it hit me…I was going to Sh*t my pants. I quickly loaded him back up and drove home crying, hoping I would make it in time, but I did not. I felt incredibly defeated and like my body was failing me. Mind you I also had my 6 week appointment prior to this and was given the all clear for ALL exercise and was told to do kegels. This is when I found pilates and began to see changes, I started to feel like myself again while also learning about my new body and recognizing just how strong it is.. Did you know it typically takes 6 months to 2 years for postpartum women to move towards the body they are more familiar with? This is why I am so passionate about pre and postnatal education. Mothers are strong and resilient and deserve to be empowered with knowledge!

Postpartum Depression

Maternal Mental health is rarely talked about but very important. Postpartum depression is the MOST common medical ‘complication’ of birth. According to research up to 1 in 5 women experience a postpartum mood disorder after having a baby. If you are experiencing any of these feelings, first, know you aren’t alone and this is NOT your fault, second, find someone you can talk to and seek out help from a medical professional.

What is the Vagus Nerve and why is it important?

The Vagus nerve makes up 75% of the parasympathetic nervous system which oversees a wide array of crucial body functions. It connects from the Brain, to the Throat, the Chest, the Heart, the Diaphragm, the Intestines (our gut/2nd Brain), through the Uterus, everything is connected! Here are some exercises to help stimulate the Vagus Nerve and can be done during pregnancy as well as postpartum.

How to Combat Postpartum Depression with Everyday Movement.

Just 2 minutes of everyday uplifting movement can increase your energy and improve your mood. That combined with sunshine, getting outside and breathing or vagus nerve toning are proven ways to combat depression and increase your health and wellbeing. Below are some simple movements or exercises to practice at home and take 5 minutes or less. Mama you can’t pour from an empty cup, it is OKAY to put your mental health and wellbeing at the top of the list!