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Neck Pain and Breastfeeding: Tips for New Moms

Hey new moms! Adjusting to a new baby is an incredibly rewarding yet challenging experience. From sleepless nights and colicky babies to the constant attention and care needed, it can feel exhausting and overwhelming. For those of you breastfeeding, there’s another new skill to learn, and even if this isn’t your first child, every baby and every experience is different.

Breastfeeding (or nursing) positioning is crucial, as we discussed in the previous post. However, one common difficulty many nursing moms face is neck pain.

Why Does Neck Pain Happen While Breastfeeding?

The repeated posture of being hunched over your baby can lead to tension in your neck and shoulder muscles. This constant strain can cause them to become tight, overworked, and restrictive in movement. Symptoms may include:

  • Burning sensations
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Headaches

How Can We Relieve and Prevent Neck Pain While Breastfeeding?

Here are some helpful tips to alleviate neck pain while breastfeeding:

  1. Try Sitting in a Reclined Position
    • Ensure your neck and shoulders are relaxed to prevent them from becoming tight and sore.
  2. Support Yourself with Pillows or a Nursing Pillow
    • Proper support helps keep your neck from straining. Remember, support your body as well as the baby!
  3. Implement Stretches
    • Follow my Instagram post on IG PelvicHealthNJ for stretches to incorporate into your daily routine. These stretches will help lengthen the muscles that can become cramped while hunching over during breastfeeding.
  4. Stay Hydrated and Nourished
    • Proper hydration and nutrition support overall muscle health and recovery. Dehydrated muscles are more prone to cramping and pain.
  5. Come Check Out Our Clinic!
    • We offer personalized guidance on stretches, exercises, and manual therapy. We’ll work with you to provide the support and education every new mom deserves.

For more helpful insights on postpartum structural alignment, check out this blog from Kaizo Health:
How to Relieve Neck Pain from Breastfeeding 

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