Getting back into sport after giving birth is a bit like restarting an old computer that's been in standby mode for nine months. At first, it grumbles a little, creaks a little, but once it's up and running, it's like clockwork. And yoga is the ideal anti-bug program for new mothers.

Why get back into sport? 

Why put on leggings and act like a head-down dog after giving birth? Well, because it just feels good! Yoga is just the thing to help you feel less like a zombie mom and more like a zen goddess.

Think about it: yoga is l'the art of bending over backwards (literally) without breaking. It's the way to say to yourself, "Hey, body, it's been fun housing a human, but we're back in the driver's seat now!" And little by little, muscles remember what they used to do before "pregnancy" rhymed with "s'stretching to grab a jar of pickles".

And then, in the post-partum period, between baby's cries and sleepless nights, yoga is your new ally for putting complicated moments into perspective. So breathe in, breathe out, and remember that even if baby already has the flexibility of a contortionist, mom still has plenty of leftovers.

And breastfeeding in all this? 

You might think that mixing feedings and sun salutations is a bit complicated, but think again. All you need to do is schedule a session between two baby feedings - or during one for those who've unlocked the expert level - and choose postures that don't compress the milk buffet.

A few tips for breastfeeding yogis:

• Take advantage of mini-you's nap to roll out your carpet.
• Opt for postures that open the heart and relax the shoulders; your back will thank you.
• Stay hydrated as if you were crossing the Sahara, because breastfeeding makes you thirsty.

Practical tips from Mama'z Yoga

mamazyoga.com, the online yoga studio for moms, offers yoga classes to take at your own pace after l'delivery and during the first postpartum year. These short, pre-recorded yoga sessions are easy to fit into your daily routine with baby. They s'are also suitable for breastfeeding mothers, as they include yoga while breastfeeding.

The online postnatal yoga classes are enriched with valuable tips:

To make breastfeeding as zen as a yoga session, we start with the basics: position. It's a bit like finding the perfect posture for your favorite asana, except that here we're talking about comfort for two. So you settle in with a nursing cushion to take the strain off your back, place a yoga block under your buttocks if necessary, and make sure your baby is tucked in, tummy to tummy, ready to enjoy. There's no question of slouching, just growing, breathing and letting the magic happen.

And for moms who want to give their lactation a boost while enjoying their yoga practice, here's a little trick that comes straight from ancient Sanskrit texts: the False Thoracic Inspiration. Imagine you're sniffing l'morning air, except you're keeping your mouth and nose closed. Engage the perineum, completely empty l'air from the lungs, and pretend to breathe in by just inflating the chest. A little practice and you're ready to stimulate lactation, modern-day yogi style. Mind you, this is a technique to be practised on an empty stomach, so not just after Sunday brunch.

Incorporating these little rituals can transform breastfeeding and postnatal yoga into a moment of complicity and enhanced well-being. It doesn't have to be an hour-long intensive practice, just a few stolen minutes here and there can work wonders. 

Listen to your body, and above all, don't forget to breathe (not just because it's vital, but because it feels so good).

So put on those leggings, grab that mat, and let the power of postpartum yoga be with you!

And as a gift, receive €10 at a purchase of a 6 or 12-month access on www.mamazyoga.com with gift code MamaZenForme

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Photo credit: Unsplash - Tim Goedhart