Breastfeeding puts your body at an odd angle

Even though you stop thinking about it after a while, you are craning your neck and hunching your back over; this is a flexion-based position that increases compression on your spine and leaves many mothers stiff and sore. There is already enough to contend with as a new mother besides the addition of back and neck pain. Follow our tips for offsetting pain and stiffness while breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding basics 

• If you prefer to sit, make sure you recline slightly to take pressure off your neck. 
• Support your neck with a cervical support pillow
• When standing, you can support your lower back with a stabilizing belt 
• When sitting, use a lumbar support pillow to encourage good posture

At our office in Clifton, we can show you a regime of simple exercises that focus on the exact regions which are stressed by breastfeeding. By strengthening your core stabilizing muscles, and stretching the muscles that cause tightness in the lower back and neck, you will feel much more freedom of movement. 

As a new mother, protecting your range of motion is important

To be the most effective mother you can be, you need to pay attention to your body. Being proactive about musculoskeletal health and mental fatigue ensures a healthy start to life for your child and a healthy transition to motherhood for you. At our office in Clifton, we have dedicated chiropractic facilities for pregnancy and post-partum care- give us a call to schedule an appointment today.