Back Pain in New Mothers

Caring for a new-born baby is always hard work, especially for the mother who will still be recovering from childbirth. It’s incredibly physical work, having to bend down to pick things up, carry the baby and baby supplies, change nappies, and feed.
 
All of these can put strain in your back and cause significant discomfort. Although this is rarely bad enough to be debilitating, it can take a long time for it to ease. On that basis, it’s best to try and prevent back pain in the first place, and to know how to deal with it if it does arise.  

What can Cause Back Pain in New Mothers?

As previously mentioned, there are a whole load of factors that can play into back pain in new mothers. Bending down to pick things up, changing nappies, and feeding all place strain on your back in one way or another. This is can be because of repetitive strain injury or simply because your back is in an awkward position for a prolonged period of time. Sitting and feeding without good posture can mean your back is curved, placing pressure on your back and back muscles.
 
Back pain can also be caused by having incorrect equipment. A baby carrier with thin straps and no belt can mean the weight isn’t distributed evenly across your back, again causing strain for prolonged periods on a specific area of your back 

How can Back Pain be Prevented?

​Fortunately, once the causes of back pain in new mothers are known, it’s fairly easy to know how to prevent it.
 
First off, it’s a good idea to switch up your feeding position. This means using different positions to give certain muscles a rest from time to time. Try feeding standing up, for instance, or vary the chair that you are feeding in so you can check and change your posture.
 
When it comes to finding the right baby carrier, make sure you go for one with wide straps and a belt that goes around your hips to distribute the weight. You’ll also want to have the baby facing towards you and fairly high up to relieve the straight on your lower back. 

What Should You do if You’re Experiencing Back Pain?

If you’re already experiencing back pain, we recommend booking an appointment with a chiropractor to get a professional assessment. They’ll be able to diagnose the cause of the pain, as well as offering you exercise which can help to alleviate it. Remember, chiropractors are also able to help with issues such as neck pain, shoulder complaints, and general aches and pains too, so don’t feel you can’t bring up other issues you’re having as well.
 
There are a few things you can do at home too. If you feel up to it, stretching and light yoga are a great way to reduce back pain. Toning back and abdominal muscles can also really help in preventing back pain, or reducing it if you’re already suffering.
 
Above all, however, we recommend you go and see a qualified chiropractor to get the best care and to get on the mend as soon as possible!