Breastfeeding your baby isn’t as easy as it looks! Getting into the routine of breastfeeding can be difficult for both mum and baby. Whilst the baby is learning how to breastfeed, some women can suffer from breast and nipple damage. Once this has been resolved many mothers experience back and neck pain related to prolonged poor postures while cradling their baby.
What You Can Do To Avoid Back & Neck Pain
Here are some recommendations as to how you can avoid neck and back pain whilst breastfeeding your newborn baby.
- When breastfeeding, sit in a straight position with your back supported.
- Keep your shoulder blades in a relaxed position slightly drawn back, this will help to correctly position your neck and upper back.
- A nursing pillow helps to prop up your back, whilst a nursing footrest provides more support for your feet and legs.
- Whilst you’re breastfeeding, hold the baby so that it’s close to you, don’t slouch forward to reach the baby.
- Cradle the baby with flat open hands, this prevents wrist and forearm pain. Using a feeding pillow will help to hold your baby in place.
- Don’t cross your legs when you’re breastfeeding, place both feet firmly on the floor. This will provide you with extra support for your whole body.
- You can also try feeding whilst you’re lying down, but make sure that you have the appropriate support for your head and neck, and that your shoulder on your lying side is in a comfortable position.
Your Physio can also help you
As your newborn baby develops & grows, it doesn’t need as much help to reach the breast, making breastfeeding much easier!
If you need help our Physiotherapists are able to give you specific advice helping you put your body in the right place for you to be successful at feeding your baby. If you require more specific Women’s Health advice see one of our trained Women’s Health Physios.
