One of the common symptoms that postpartum chiropractors treat is back pain. When pregnant, 70 percent of women complain of pain in their lower backs.[4] After delivery, the discomfort typically then shifts towards the middle back.
There are several contributing factors to mid-back pain:
Much of the back pain related to feeding has to do with improper posture. A common position moms tend to take is one where the shoulders are rounded forward, and the head is facing down towards the baby.[5] Moms who bottle feed share a similar posture.
The concern with this posture is that it adds strain on the back and neck. Your physical posture may also impact your nervous system. This rounded or slumped position can trigger your body’s sympathetic nervous system (AKA, the fight-or-flight response). This can result in unnecessary stress on your body without you even realizing why.[6,7]
Chiropractic adjustments can reduce the sympathetic nervous system response and instead promote parasympathetic activity. This calms the body and encourages it to rest.[8]
Along with adjustments, chiropractors also recommend ways to help with your feeding posture. Here are a few to get you going:
When preparing to feed, sit or stand with your chest open. Ensure your shoulders are down and back.
Bring the baby to you versus leaning over. Use pillows as needed to prop your baby.
Use a footstool if your feet don’t touch the floor during feeding.
Babies can get heavy. Make sure to support your arms using a pillow or blanket.
Consider some easy yoga poses. Click here for ones specifically designed to help new moms.
ADJUSTMENTS HELP YOU ADJUST
Having a new baby is truly life-changing. Your home and routines will never be the same. As you move forward in this new life, remember to take the time to care for you and your body.
Postpartum recovery isn’t overnight. Make sure you find a chiropractor you trust and who focuses on pre and postnatal populations.
We at Renew & Restore Wellness are here for you throughout your journey. Give our office a quick call, or book an appointment online. We’d love to see you (and your new little one!).
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SOURCES
1. (n.d.). Pregnancy-related low back pain - NCBI. Retrieved January 26, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3306025/
2. (2016, October 2). Postpartum Yoga: For New Moms - Healthline. Retrieved January 26, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/postpartum-yoga-for-new-moms
3. (n.d.). Bookends: Prenatal and Postpartum Chiropractic Care | Baby .... Retrieved January 26, 2020, from https://www.babyandcompany.com/prenatal-postpartum-chiropractic-care/
4. (2018, November 19). Musculoskeletal pain and symptoms in pregnancy: a ... - NCBI. Retrieved January 26, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6262502/
5. (2019, March 1). Nursing Posture and its Role in Sympathetic Dominance .... Retrieved January 26, 2020, from http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Breastfeeding/nursing-posture-and-its-role-in-sympathetic-domininance.html
6. Ibid.
7. (2018, September 24). The Stress Series: Part 3 – Stress and Posture - Australian .... Retrieved January 26, 2020, from https://spinalresearch.com.au/the-stress-series-part-3-stress-and-posture/
8. (2019, March 1). Nursing Posture and its Role in Sympathetic Dominance .... Retrieved January 26, 2020, from http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/Breastfeeding/nursing-posture-and-its-role-in-sympathetic-domininance.html