Can Breathwork Help With Postnatal Psychosis?
Breathwork can be helpful for postnatal psychosis in several ways. Firstly, it can help new mothers regulate their breathing, which can be helpful for reducing symptoms of anxiety and panic.
Many people with postnatal mental health issues experience feelings of panic or anxiety, which can lead to rapid and shallow breathing. By practicing breathwork, new mothers can learn how to slow down their breathing, take deep breaths, and reduce feelings of panic or anxiety.
How else can breathwork help with postnatal psychosis?
Breathwork can also help new mothers manage their emotions. Many women who experience extreme mood swings, and may feel overwhelmed by their emotions. By practicing breathwork, new mothers can learn how to regulate their emotions, and can become more aware of their thoughts and feelings. This helps new mothers cope and be able to have a more positive view on life.
Breathwork can also be helpful for improving sleep. Many women who experience sleep disturbances, and may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. By practicing breathwork, new mothers can learn how to relax their bodies and minds, which can be helpful for promoting sleep. Breathwork can also be helpful for reducing feelings of restlessness or anxiety that can interfere with sleep.
Additionally, breathwork can help new mothers connect with their babies. The more I researched this topic, the more I realised that a bond with your child is not always instant, however, by practicing breathwork, new you can be more present and focused, which can help them connect you with your baby on a deeper level.
Does science back this up?
Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody, says that breathwork can be a helpful tool for managing symptoms of postnatal mental health issues. She explains,
Breathing exercises can help women slow down their breathing, take deeper breaths, and reduce feelings of anxiety or panic.
Similarly, Dr. Karen Kleiman, LCSW, founder of The Postpartum Stress Center, says that breathwork can be helpful for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. She notes,
Breathing exercises are a great way to help new mothers regulate their breathing, reduce feelings of stress, and promote feelings of calm and relaxation. This can be beneficial for promoting overall well-being and reducing symptoms of postnatal illnesses.
Research has also found that breathwork can be helpful for managing symptoms of postnatal depression, which is a common condition that can co-occur.
Dr. Susan Stone, CNM, DNSc, FAAN, Dean and Professor of the Yale School of Nursing, highlights the importance of complementary therapies for managing postnatal mental health conditions. She notes,
Complementary therapies such as breathwork can be helpful for managing symptoms of postnatal mental health conditions, and can be used alongside medical treatments to promote recovery and well-being.
Conclusion
Breathwork is a complementary therapy that can be beneficial for new mothers with mental health issues. By regulating breathing, managing emotions, improving sleep, connecting with their babies, and promoting overall well-being, breathwork can be a helpful tool for managing symptoms of postnatal related mental health issues.
Are you a new mother experiencing symptoms of postnatal psychosis and seeking support through breathwork healing? Look no further, as we offer online breathwork classes to cater to your needs. Our Melbourne-based breathwork facilitation practice specialises in working with postnatal mental health conditions and is dedicated to providing you with a safe and effective healing experience. Don't hesitate to reach out and start your breathwork journey towards recovery and well-being today.
Written by
Sarah Michaels