By Andy Parsons, PT, DPT
My wife has become somewhat of a breastfeeding advocate in the 2.5 years since our son was born. She started a thriving breastfeeding support group at Promedica Defiance Regional Hospital. As one of the leaders of this group, she receives many questions about neck pain related to nursing a newborn. Here are some tips for new mom's to avoid neck pain when nursing baby:
Nurser’s neck is neck pain commonly associated with the new physical strains brought on by intensity and frequency of nursing a newborn. The good news it can be prevented and treated with some simple tips and stretches.
Posture-
Bring your baby to you. Don’t lean and hunch to get to your baby. Use supportive nursing pillows to bring your baby up to you.
Prop your feet up to get your knees even with your hips.
Use your eyes to look down at your baby; try to keep your head against a headrest or chair back. Use a small pillow if needed to bring to back of your head away from the chair back so you can see baby easier.
Stretching
If you are having pain try these stretches to loosen up/before or after a session.
by: Andy Parsons, PT, DPT
AndyParsonsDPT.com
@ParsonsDPT
**Consult your physician/ physical therapist if pain persists for more than 2 months. Numbness and tingling down your arms may be a sign to contact your physician/physical therapist. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician/ physical therapist. Andy Parsons, PT, DPT disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.