Beyond the Birth: Accelerating Postpartum Recovery with Yoga & Bowen Therapy

The postpartum period is a vulnerable phase of both physical and psychological recovery. Often called the "Fourth Trimester," this is a time when the mother-baby dyad requires gentle nurturance to support the birthing person and their family in navigating the highs and lows of matrescence.

Postnatal Yoga

Emerging research in both mental health and core recovery indicates that postnatal yoga is a valuable intervention..

  • Emotional Well-being: Studies have found that engaging in postpartum yoga is associated with a significant decrease in symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety, and an increase in psychological well-being for new mothers [4, 5, 6].

  • Physical Restoration: Physiologically, postnatal yoga aids in restoring core and pelvic floor muscles, which are often compromised during childbirth, and can alleviate common discomforts like back and shoulder soreness related to infant care [6, 7].

  • Bonding: Additionally, it has been shown to improve breastfeeding self-efficacy and strengthen maternal attachment [5].

Bowen Therapy for Healing & Hormones

Because of its gentle nature, Bowen Therapy can be applied very soon after birth to accelerate healing from the physical demands of delivery.

  • Pain Management: It helps realign the pelvis and spine and alleviate persistent pain [1, 3].

  • C-Section & Mastitis: It also helps ease neck, shoulder, and upper back tension from breastfeeding, assists with mastitis and c-section scar tissue management

  • Anxiety Reduction: Bowen can alleviate symptoms of postpartum stress and anxiety by regulating the nervous system [1, 2].

A Service Designed for Parents

I understand that accessing care with a newborn is difficult. That’s why mother and baby can be treated in one session. Sessions are designed to be accessible, allowing us to address your recovery while welcoming your baby into the space.

References

Bowen Therapy:

1] PROSPERO. (2023). Systematic review of evidence on the clinicaleffectiveness of Bowen therapy. International prospective register ofsystematic reviews. Retrieved fromhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPEROFILES/467144_PROTOCOL_20230926.pdf

2] Brisbane Livewell Clinic. (n.d.). Does Bowen Therapy Actually ProvideRelief?. Retrieved from https://www.brisbanelivewellclinic.com.au/does-bowen-therapy-actually-provide-relief/

3] Luna Lactation. (2009). Pregnancy and Bowenwork: Natural Approach forPain Relief During the Childbearing Year. Retrieved fromhttp://www.lunalactation.com/pregnancyarticle.pdf

Yoga:

4] Sagar, R., et al. (2023). Does Yoga impact during Pregnancy: Systematic Review.ResearchGate.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371601889_Does_Yoga_impact_during_Pregnancy_Systematic_Review

5] Aydemir, Y., et al. (2025). Effects of yoga exercise in the postpartum period on physicaland psychological health. Journal of Controversies in Obstetrics Gynecology andPediatrics, 3(1), 19-23.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/387867680_Effects_of_yoga_exercise_in_the_postpartum_period_on_physical_and_psychological_health

6] Hindustan Times. (2025, June 27). Mentally and physically exhausted after childbirth? 5beginner-friendly postnatal yoga asanas to feel calm and energised. Retrieved fromhttps://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/mentally-and-physically-exhausted-after-childbirth-5-beginner-friendly-postnatal-yoga-asanas-to-feel-calm-and-energised-101751028627546.html

7] Maharana, S., & Manjula, G. (2022). The Efficacy of Yoga Practice during Pregnancy onPostnatal Depression & Quality of Life. Indian Journal of Holistic Nursing, 13(2), 8-15.https://journals.indexcopernicus.com/api/file/viewByFileId/1786239

Bowen Therapy, postnatal yogaThe Centre of Bright BeginningsThe Centre of Bright BeginningsComment