It’s no secret that women get depressed after giving birth—at least not since Brooke Shields went public with her own postpartum blues.
Read: Brooke Shields interview
As many as TWENTY percent of women suffer postpartum depression (PPD) which causes anxiety and inability to cope. But while some sufferers like Shields chose to use medication, studies from the University of California in Sacramento, and the University of Iowa in Iowa City, find that yoga practice is a promising one among complementary therapies.
FIFTY SEVEN women with PPD received a yoga intervention of 16 classes over 8 weeks or no yoga. Measurements of depression, anxiety and quality of life (QOL) were taken. “The yoga group experienced a significantly greater rate of improvement in depression, anxiety and [health-related] QOL, relative to the control group. SEVENTY EIGHT percent of women in the yoga group experienced clinically significant change.”
Read: Yoga And Mental Quality Of Life
When the joy of birth feels heavy
Bringing a baby into the world is often described as magical, but for many women, the reality is more complicated. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects as many as one in five new mothers, bringing with it waves of sadness, anxiety, and a deep sense of overwhelm. Actress Brooke Shields famously helped break the silence years ago when she shared her own battle with postpartum blues. Since then, the conversation has grown — and so has research into supportive therapies.
Quick takeaway: While medication remains an important option for some women, yoga is emerging as a powerful complementary therapy that can help ease postpartum depression and improve quality of life.
Why postpartum depression happens
Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the intense demands of caring for a newborn all collide to create a perfect storm for mental health. For some women, these stressors trigger feelings that go far beyond the “baby blues” and settle into PPD. Symptoms can include anxiety, loss of interest, feelings of inadequacy, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Without support, these struggles can linger and affect both mother and child.
What the research says about yoga and postpartum depression
A randomized controlled trial led by researchers at the University of California, Sacramento, and the University of Iowa tested whether yoga could help. Fifty-seven women diagnosed with postpartum depression were assigned either to a yoga group or a control group with no yoga.
The yoga program involved 16 classes over eight weeks. At the end, women in the yoga group showed significantly greater improvements in depression, anxiety, and overall quality of life compared with those who did not practice yoga. Remarkably, 78 percent of women in the yoga group experienced a clinically significant improvement in symptoms.
This doesn’t mean yoga is a cure-all, but it suggests that structured movement, breathwork, and mindful awareness can support recovery in a meaningful way.
Why yoga helps new mothers
Yoga blends physical activity with stress reduction, both of which are proven to benefit mental health. For new mothers, yoga offers gentle strength-building, improved body awareness, and an outlet for releasing tension. Just as importantly, it can restore a sense of identity and calm during a stage of life that often feels chaotic.
Real-world accounts often echo what research shows. New mothers report that yoga gives them “permission to breathe,” helps reduce racing thoughts, and offers a moment of stillness that carries into the rest of the day.
Real Talk
If you’re navigating postpartum depression, remember: you’re not failing as a mother, and you’re not alone. Yoga may be a supportive tool, but it’s not a replacement for professional care. If symptoms feel overwhelming, reach out to your doctor, therapist, or a trusted support network. Healing is possible, and adding small practices like yoga can be part of that journey.
Final thoughts
Postpartum depression is one of the most common challenges of early motherhood, but it doesn’t have to define the experience. As research shows, yoga can offer new mothers more than just movement — it can provide relief, resilience, and a way back to themselves.
More from Healthy Living Magazine
Additional Resources
NIH: Postpartum Depression Overview
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Postpartum Care
Yoga and Mental Health Research
Reference
Buttner MM, Brock RL, O’Hara MW, Stuart S. Efficacy of yoga for depressed postpartum women: A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2015 Apr 1. pii: S1744- 173881(15)00025-0. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.03.003. [E-pub ahead of print.]
Amelia Anderson
Amelia Anderson is the co-founder of Healthy Living Magazine and a passionate advocate for everyday wellness that fits real life. With a background in lifestyle journalism, she curates content that helps readers feel good without the pressure. Whether she’s testing the latest lipgloss trend or sharing her favorite mindful rituals, Amelia brings warmth, curiosity, and honesty to everything she writes.
