By Laura Tilson BA (Hons) M.Ost DPO Registered and Paediatric Osteopath at The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy Here are my top tips for rehabilitation after having a baby: Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 6 weeks: you may have bruised and inflamed tissues that need to heal. Don't compare yourself to others: your pregnancy and birth will leave a unique footprint on you and your body. If something doesn't feel right, chances are it isn't. If something hurts, sit back and attempt the exercise again when you are stronger in a week or two. Walking is great: the movement of walking mobilises your pelvis, hips and lumbar spine to help with healing. Try doing pelvic floor exercises and avoid leaning over your buggy as you walk. Pelvic stability is key: all exercise should be conducted with a strong and stable pelvis and lumbar spine. This should be the first thing you address. Have faith in your body's ability to heal and strengthen. Look after your pelvic floor:...

By Laura Tilson BA (Hons) M.Ost DPO Registered and Paediatric Osteopath at The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy I have never felt as weak and physically vulnerable as I did after having my baby 5 months ago. It was immediately obvious the minute I tried to stand up after the labour and it was something I feel I was totally unprepared for. It is only in hindsight that I can see how frightened I might have been had I had a minute to think about myself and my body – rather than my baby and where his next feed was coming from. I couldn't sit up or turn in bed without using my arms, I waddled rather than walked for at least a week. My first few trips to the supermarket were a push. My back ached over the site of my epidural. I was shocked at how my muscles, despite exercising throughout my pregnancy, had weakened. I know from my osteopathy training that during pregnancy ligaments stretch, muscles atrophy, fat is deposited and breasts grow. I also know that the occasional afterno...

By Laura Tilson BA (Hons) M.Ost DPO Registered and Paediatric Osteopath at The Putney Clinic of Physical Therapy As an osteopath I spend the majority of my time showing people how osteopathy can benefit them. But trying to persuade a busy mum that she should put herself first for half an hour a day to sort out her bad back or that dodgy shoulder will be my mantra for the rest of my career. Mums are renowned for putting others first and bravely soldiering on – because they are mums and that's just what they do.  And now – as mother to a four month old little boy - I can see why.  My days blur into one – each a haze of coffee, marching around parks and attempts at housework, never mind trying to fit in brushing my hair or getting a little admin done. So perhaps I am biased, but over the last few months I have seen for myself how osteopathy has helped me and my little boy. I have been for four treatments since having him. Once a month, I have carved out the time and mad...

" That (true knowledge) which cannot be realized, merely by reading and studying, becomes real only through application and practice of yoga" Yoga Makaranda-The Nectar of Yoga  Krishnamacharya 

The greater the level of calmness of our mind, the greater our peace of mind, the greater our ability to enjoy a happy and joyful life. Dalai Lama: The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living.

Ashtanga yoga is a flowing dynamic form of yoga, where each pose is linked and synchronised using a breath and movement system . Developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Ashtanga yoga is a set series of postures that are linked to the breath in a flow of movement, increasing strength and flexibility. The discipline of this system allows us to develop a deeper understanding and awareness of ourselves. It is both empowering, and liberating and allows us to move through life with a calmness and steadiness of mind and body. Ashtanga Yoga courses at Yoga Mama In addition to our Friday morning (9 -10:30am) Ashtanga Led Yoga course, we have added a new Tuesday morning (9:30 - 11am) course too. Both of these courses last for 8 weeks and cost £120. Come along and join our yoga classes to gain muscle strength, flexibility and improve your posture to help prevent re-injury and to achieve a mind-body connection. More information and bookings For more information or to book your place on...

Yoga Mama features in the September 2014 edition of the OM Yoga and Lifestyle magazine. Cherie Lathey's article, titled "The Fourth Trimester", looks at the importance and benefits of postnatal yoga. The magazine is available to buy at newsagents. Cost £3.95.