Nurturing Connection: How Yoga Can Strengthen the Bond Between Mother and Baby
Mums and baby’s connecting after yoga
As a pre and postnatal yoga teacher and a mother of two energetic boys, I understand just how vital the connection between a mother and her baby can be during this transformative journey. Yoga offers a beautiful platform to nurture this bond through mindful movement, breath, and playful interaction. Below are some practices that honour the unique connection between mother and baby while enhancing your experience on the mat:
Eye Contact and Reassurance
Begin your practice by simply making eye contact with your little one. This simple act fosters trust and safety. Pair this connection with gentle strokes or a soft massage on your baby's arms or legs, allowing them to feel your love and care.
Interactive Practices
Engage your baby with colourful scarves or shakers, inviting them to be part of the flow. This not only entertains but also makes them feel included. Incorporate songs that resonate well with babies, like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” As you practice pelvic floor exercises (PF), sing softly to your baby, creating a calming rhythm.
Movement and Play
Explore playful songs and movements like “Round and Round the Garden,” providing a delightful experience as you gently pump your baby’s legs. This interaction creates a fun environment while allowing you to connect with your little one.
Circle of Connection
As you engage in “This Little Piggy,” integrate arm stretches that encourage connection, such as connecting opposite feet while maintaining a stable floor-based position. This not only benefits you but involves your baby in your yoga journey.
Chanting for Calm
Introduce Brahmari (humming bee breath) or OM chanting during your practice. The vibrations not only soothe you but also create a calming atmosphere for your baby, enhancing relaxation and connection.
Creating a Nurturing Space
Ensure you have a blanket for your baby and props available for feeding or attending to their needs. Foster a supportive and comfortable environment where you can comfortably care for your little one while engaging in your practice.
Staying Attuned to the Vibe
Be attuned to the overall vibe of baby when practicing. Allow moments to pause between flows to attend to your babies. Practice floor-based shapes during these pauses can help ease anxieties, offering space for connection.
Breathe and Move
Recognise when it might be beneficial to settle into breathwork or continue uplifting movement. It’s perfectly okay if your baby needs attention or if you may not complete every movement. Acknowledge your efforts and focus on what feels best for you and your little one.
Supporting Each Other
If practising in studio, unsettled babies and crying is welcomed. You are surrounded by mums that can relate and support you, free of judgement. Honour your baby's needs, and lean into support where possible—whether it be having your baby held or accepting comforting words. We all have good and bad days on the mat when practicing with little ones.
Embrace Flexibility
Temper your expectations. It’s not about completing every movement but rather connecting with your baby and cherishing the time spent together. Explore varied options to cater to different recovery stages and practices that support you and your baby in the moment.
By embracing these practices, you can cultivate deeper connections with your baby while nurturing your own well-being. Yoga can truly be a transformative experience that honours the journey of motherhood.
Check out my timetable for Mums & Bubs Yoga classes, or join us for Grounded Mothers - a six weeks transformational yoga and physio-led workshop series designed to support new mothers recovery and connection early postpartum (0-4 months). Babies welcome!
