This archive report was first published on 19 July 2019.
Regaining physical fitness after childbirth can be a challenge, especially for women who have undergone a C-section. However, yoga has proven to be a game-changer for many women, including 34-year-old Julie Nanyonjo.
Julie, who gave birth 18 months prior to starting her yoga journey, began her workouts one year and four months after giving birth. She started with hatha yoga, which involves finding balance between the various flow of energy within the body, and gradually moved on to asanas postures, a combination of controlled movement, flexibility, and concentration.
Her trainer, Celine Onyango, explained that these poses help ease tense muscles, tone up internal organs, and slowly increase strength. Julie is now comfortable doing bridge, cobra, and relaxation poses, which her trainer says are safe.
However, not all yoga moves are safe for women who have undergone a C-section. Celine advised that modifications should be done to avoid straining the stomach wound and the back, which is usually weak after pregnancy. She also warned that women should wait at least six months before starting exercises after giving birth.
Julie's yoga journey has not only helped her lose weight but also improved her flexibility and reduced her backaches. She has since lost five kilos in three months, which her trainer attributes to the body's adjustment to a new combination of diet and workouts.
Yoga comes in many forms, and most postures help strengthen muscles, joints, and keep the spine lithe. Celine also emphasized the importance of telling the teacher about any medical conditions before starting yoga, especially for beginners.
Julie's experience is a testament to the benefits of yoga after childbirth. She has found that the practice not only helps her physically but also mentally, as it has helped her relax and improve her concentration.
