by Sarah Williams
Congratulations on your new baby! You did it!
A common question I get asked after pregnancy is, ‘What should I expect now?’ Postnatal aches and pains are common, but they can be avoided by making a few adjustments to your everyday routine.
Why would I get aches and pains?
When you are pregnant, your body produces relaxin, a hormone that helps your ligaments stretch to assist your body through pregnancy and birth. Relaxin will remain in your body for a prolonged period, especially if you are breastfeeding. Your body has also adapted to carrying a baby for nine months; therefore, post-birth, your body weight and centre of gravity will change very quickly. In addition to this, your pregnancy and birth will have a significant influence on how your body reacts after pregnancy, as every pregnancy is unique. The final change is that you now have a beautiful, wriggling, increasing in weight baby!
Tips for new mums to help avoid aches and pains:-
- Take your time completing activities.
- Before you lift your baby, try to tuck your bottom under and draw your tummy in; this will help stabilise your core.
- Most mums will favour one side when feeding and carrying the baby. If this is you, try to alternate whenever possible.
- Do gentle stretches and pelvic floor exercises when you can.
- Brisk walks with the pram can be a great way to mobilise your pelvis if you are having low back troubles.
- If you are picking up anything from the floor, try to bend from your knees, not your waist. This could be a squat, a kneel or a lunge
- While feeding your baby, sit with your back supported and make sure your feet reach the floor.
Need a second opinion on your aches and pains? Please don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapist, or GP, for a physical assessment.
