Newborn Cuddles, Neck Pain Troubles: How to Fix It

Mama, Don’t Let Nursing Be a Pain in the Neck!

Physical Therapy for the Postpartum Patient: "Nursing Mother’s Neck"

One of the sweetest experiences is gazing down at your new baby while nursing and soaking in the cuddles as they rest in your arms. But this sweet experience can soon be interrupted by pain in your neck, shoulders and even numbness or tingling running down your arms. This common positioning with nursing (and also with bottle feeding) can lead to poor posture and subsequent neck, upper back, shoulder, scapula, and/or arm pain. The common term to describe this is known as "Nursing Mother’s Neck".

In the first 6-8 weeks after your baby is born, you spend 20-30 minutes nursing or feeding every 2-3 hours. Add that up and it’s 4 hours a day (on the low end) feeding your little one. That doesn’t include all the time just rocking, soothing, holding, etc! Now, add in lack of sleep, and you, poor mama, are not only having a hard time keeping your eyes open, but your head up too! This strain can lead to a lot of pain, fatigue, and discomfort in the positions you use while caring for your baby.

What can you do to help Nursing Mother’s Neck?

1. Start by positioning your baby in a supported way while nursing. Use pillows, regular or a nursing pillow, and support the weight of the baby in your lap, so that you are not using your arms and upper back to hold the bulk of the weight. 

2. Bring your baby to you! If you love snuggling close nose to nose, don’t lean over straining your neck and back! Add more pillows and lift your baby up to your breast or closer to the bottle.

3. Find a supportive nursing chair. Set yourself up for success by sitting with good supportive posture to decrease stress and strain on your body. 

4. Try different breastfeeding positions. There are many options to experiment with. One way or another may work better for you and your baby to decrease pain.

5. And of course, come see us! We specialize in this treatment for pain, posture, and repetitive strain. 

What can you expect from physical therapy?

A one-on-one, personalized evaluation to discover what your body needs! Treatment could include gentle stretching to relieve tension in tight muscles, strengthening of postural muscles, soft tissue massage, education on posture and positioning, and much more!

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You are a hero, Mama! Let us help you feel like one, too!  💗