When Does the Postnatal Period End?

I can recall being about 8 or 9 months into motherhood with my first baby when I started to realise that, according to the world around me, I was no longer considered "postnatal." The initial enthusiasm of attention had dwindled, the offers of support had subsided, and the once inviting Mum & Baby Classes suddenly felt like they weren't meant for me anymore. Yet, in my heart, I still felt like a new mum navigating the unknown of parenthood.

I found myself caught in this peculiar in-between phase – not quite fitting into the mould of a brand-new mum, yet far from feeling like my pre-motherhood self. The prospect of joining a gym class surrounded by people who couldn't relate to my experiences seemed daunting. Moreover, the idea of participating in a session led by an instructor oblivious to the nuances of postnatal recovery was out of the question. My body was still healing and rebuilding after pregnancy and childbirth, and I craved a space that acknowledged and supported this ongoing process.

I then went down a rabbit hole of questioning what the postnatal period truly encompasses.

The common narrative seems to suggest that after the standard 6-week checkup, we should seamlessly resume our exercise routines, as if the transformative experience of childbirth had left no lasting impact. However, any mother can attest to the fact that this is far from reality.

In my view, the postnatal period extends far beyond the initial weeks, perhaps even lasting for a good couple of years.

Have you come across the term "matresence"? I stumbled upon this concept shortly after welcoming my second baby, (and wish I was told about it first time round as it would have helped so much!) and it instantly resonated with me. I will do a whole blog post on this topic very soon as it’s such an important one but here’s a little overview:

Matresence encompasses the profound process of becoming a mother – the physical, psychological, and emotional changes that unfold not just in the immediate postpartum period but throughout the entire journey of motherhood. It commences during pregnancy and lingers far beyond the early months.

Strangely, it's a term that's often absent from discussions around pregnancy and motherhood. Instead of being asked, "How can I support you during this time of extreme change?" we're more likely to encounter inquiries about when we plan to "bounce back"- a term that makes my blood pressure rise instantly!!

So I reframed my perspective and I think we should consider ourselves in the postnatal phase for at least a couple of years. It's a time of continuous evolution and adaptation, deserving of acknowledgment, understanding, and support.

And so, fueled by my own journey and the need for a space that acknowledged the prolonged postnatal experience, I founded Mums' Yoga Club.

Here, mums are not just welcome but encouraged to stay and actively participate in their recovery and the ongoing process of navigating motherhood. It's a place where we come together, sharing our stories and supporting each other through motherhood over the years.

Mums' Yoga Club is more than just a yoga class; it's a community where we recognize and honour the journey of matresence, understanding that it extends far beyond the initial postpartum weeks. Whether you're a new mum finding your way or a seasoned one embracing the continuous change of motherhood, this is a space where recovery and well-being are prioritised, and a community of fellow mums provides a source of strength and understanding. Join us as we navigate the beautiful, challenging, and transformative path of motherhood together.

Our soon-to-launch online membership is going to grow this community even further and I can’t wait to bring mums all over the country (and world) together to build calm and strength in body and mind, one breath and yoga class at a time.

Sign up to the mailing list today to be the first to hear about our Online Membership launch and to be offered the exclusive Founding Members Launch Offer.

Love Jen x