3 Ways To Reduce Back Pain For New Moms

You’re a new mom. Congratulations! There’s a whole world of changes that comes along with taking care of the new addition. But don’t forget to take care of yourself, too.

Just because the birthing process is finished, doesn’t mean the pain is going away. As a new mother, your body is going through some changes, too. The main focus is going to be on making sure your baby has everything it needs, but don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you.

Here are three ways to reduce your back pain as a new mother:

Lift the right way: Mothers are always picking things up, and that doesn’t end with your child’s infancy. But with newborns, the right technique can go a long way in reducing the risk of injury or adding unnecessary pain. Especially when picking up your child, be sure to lift with your legs. Bending your knees while squatting to scoop up that little bundle of joy will take pressure off of your back.

Also, don’t stretch out your arms when picking them up, and don’t twist your body. Use your core to squat down to pick up your child, and pull them in close before standing back up. Your back will thank you, and your child will appreciate the closeness.

Exercise safely: Once your doctor has given a green light to exercise, don’t start with training for that marathon you want to check off your bucket list. A primary priority when getting back to exercise is to work on getting that flexibility back in your back and hips. Your chiropractor can help with this, making sure the spine and hips are aligned to start exercising safely.

Talk to your doctor about proper regimens and timetables to get back to what you were doing before the pregnancy. Work in a lot of stretching to increase that flexibility. Not only can that help reduce back pain, but it will make you stronger after the trauma of childbirth.

Feed without worry: Breastfeeding is one of the most intimate ways mother and baby connect, and even the slightest discomfort can be stressful for both parties involved. Set yourself up for success, by setting things up with correct posture. Sit in a chair with an upright back instead of opting to slump into a big, comfy couch. That will help make sure you’re not bending over your baby. Bring him or her to you, and use some extra pillows on your lap if you have to.

But breastfeeding isn’t permanent, and following the right procedures can help relieve some of the stress on mom’s back once the breastfeeding days are over. Make sure to remove the tray from the high chair before putting the baby in or taking the baby out. That will reduce the reaching with extended arms mentioned earlier. Similarly, make sure to pull the child close before taking them out of their chair.

For more information on how to alleviate back pain, or with questions on how chiropractic care can help new mothers, contact Dr. Morgan Sheridan at Foundation Chiropractic today.