Chiropractic Tips for New Moms

As a new mom, you can’t avoid lifting and feeding your baby. The average baby weighs thirty pounds in the first year, not to mention the diaper bag, car seat, stroller, and other supplies you’ll need. It’s a lot to handle! So, check out our chiropractic tips for new moms to prevent back pain and muscle strain.

Tips for New Moms to Prevent Back Pain and Muscle Strain:

Maintain a Strong Back While Lifting

When picking up a baby from a lower position, you open the chances of back pain if you are not using proper posture while lifting. Make sure that you use your knees when lifting a baby. Instead of bending from the waist, bend from your knees so you’re squatting. Then hold the baby close to your body, and with your back straight and your feet hip-width apart, stand up from the squatting position. It is essential that you stand up by using your legs instead of your back.

Be Mindful of Posture When Feeding

The cycle of breastfeeding can be exhausting, and waking up in the middle of the night to feed is not always ideal. This is why it’s essential to find a chair that gives you back support, so you don’t slouch while feeding during those late nights. In addition, you should hold your baby at your breast rather than bend over to feed them. Finally, if you are using a high chair, remove the feeding tray before placing the baby in or out of the chair to prevent muscle strain.

Try Alternate Ways of Carrying

As we mentioned above, your baby could gain up to thirty pounds in the first year. So rather than carrying your baby in your arms, try a baby carrier that offers you additional support. It is recommended that you buy one with wide, padded shoulder straps and a belt that goes around your hips so that the weight will be distributed evenly. Although some mothers carry their child on their hip, this can cause their back muscles to become strained and result in back pain. If you need to do this, alternate between both sides to evenly distribute the load.

Stay Active

While being a new mom is exhausting, strengthening your muscles and maintaining an active lifestyle will help to prevent back pain and muscle strain. It is recommended that new moms engage in some form of exercise whenever they can. You may want to consider joining a mom’s club or group in your area where women meet to exercise or have play dates. The support of other moms can be beneficial to a new mom.

Our last new mom tip is to take advantage of regular chiropractic care before and after your baby is born. Make an appointment at Livingston Chiropractic in Pontiac, IL.

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