Breastfeeding can provide a complete source of nutrition for your baby, but it’s not without its aches and pains. Improper positioning while you breastfeed can lead to musculoskeletal pain, especially in your back and neck. Pain can be an even greater challenge when breastfeeding since you are limited in the medications you can take because they are passed along to your baby via your breast milk. Always consult your physician if you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain while breastfeeding for tips on proper posture and/or possible medications.
Posture Tips
Making small changes to the way you lift your baby to bring him to your breast can reduce musculoskeletal pain from breastfeeding. Instead of bending or hunching over to nurse your baby, bring your baby to your breast instead, which will reduce back strain. Another option is to sit in an upright chair while breastfeeding. While a soft couch you can sink into is comfortable when you aren’t breastfeeding, an upright position is better for you when you are. You also can use a variety of pillows to support your elbows and/or baby while you are breastfeeding.
Pain Medications
Always talk to your physician before taking any medication or supplement while breastfeeding. However, the over-the-counter pain reliever ibuprofen typically is safe to take for pain relief, providing you take it in the smallest amounts possible and for a short duration. Taking the medication after you breastfeed your baby is another way you can lessen the likelihood the medication will be passed along to your baby.
Alternate Therapies
Medications aren’t the only thing that can make your musculoskeletal pain subside. You also can use therapies such as a heating pad or hot packs on your upper back and neck for about 20 minutes at a time to soothe sore muscles. Taking a hot shower after breastfeeding also can help to ease a tense neck and back. Once you complete your breastfeeding session, you can do stretches such as neck rotations, shoulder circles and arching your back to stretch painful muscles.
Lactation Consultant
If you continue to experience pain during breastfeeding, talk to your physician, who may recommend speaking to a lactation consultant. A consultant can evaluate your breastfeeding position and posture to pinpoint areas where you may be practicing improper form. An occupational or physical therapist may work together with your lactation consultant to assist you in ergonomic principles that can reduce musculoskeletal pain during breastfeeding.
References
- Core Concepts: Breastfeeding Postural Related Aches and Pains
- Body Mechanics & Gainesville PT: Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and Low Back Pain
- Clinical Lactation: Preventing Musculoskeletal Pain in Mothers
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Preventing Back Pain: Tips for New Moms
- Queensland Government: Common Breastfeeding Concerns
