Your Whole World Is On Your Shoulders

Ontario Chiropractic Association

Now that your little one is born, you’re learning what putting baby first means to your body.

While that’s normal, taking care of your health is equally important.

 

Let’s face it – lifting an infant several times a day is hard work, and can create damage to your back if you’re not careful. With a baby in one arm and a diaper bag on the other, keeping the stress off your lower back is another balancing act to master. Luckily, a chiropractor can help you.

 

Did you know?

A study in the Journal of Orthopaedics reported that 50-90% of pregnant women will likely experience lower back pain. This pain may persist after giving birth if you don’t take action.

 

Keep your back healthy at home

Here are some ways to reduce the risk of back and neck pain:

• Lighten your load - Choose a diaper bag that distributes weight evenly across your body to limit the stress of isolated muscles.
• Stretch your body - While your baby is old enough for tummy time, join them on the floor and do some exercises to stretch your neck and back.
• Feed comfortably - When nursing, avoid hunching and keep your baby close to you. Also choose a comfortable, upright chair with a pillow.
• Keep your baby close - Don’t stretch your arms out – bring your baby close to your chest before lifting. Consider wearing your baby on your front so you can alleviate the strain on your back.
• Keep tub trouble at bay - Avoid reaching or twisting when bending over a tub. When kneeling, use a non-slip mat to protect your knees.
 

Exercises/stretches to help alleviate your back pain at home:

• Shoulder openerBreathing deeply and calmly, relax your stomach muscles
  Let your head hang loosely forward and gently roll from side to side
  Bring your hands up to your neck and gently massage the back of your head and neck
  Drop your arms to your sides, relax your shoulders & slowly roll them backward and forward for 15 seconds
• CrossoverStanding with feet shoulder width apart, raise your hands
  Bring your right elbow across your body while lifting your left knee
  Touch elbow to knee, remaining upright and repeat alternating sides for 15 seconds