Breastfeeding is a perfect opportunity for maternal infant bonding. But many moms tend to bring their breast to the baby instead of their baby to the breast. This can lead to pain between the shoulder blades and strain on the lower back. A physical therapist can instruct you on the proper positions for comfortable breastfeeding.
Physical therapists will tell you to make the furniture and pillows work for you, not your muscles. Sit in a chair with a soft pillow behind your lower back to give it support. Rest your baby and your arms on a pillow to keep your shoulders from rounding and placing strain on the muscles between your shoulder blades.
After a long session of breastfeeding, stand up, put your hands on your hips and lean back slightly to help reverse the strain on your back from prolonged positioning. Repeat this motion, gently, three to five times.
Lots of touching, holding and interacting is good for your baby and for you, too. Studies have shown that this kind of tactile stimulation encourages the baby's development. But while you're learning about handling your baby correctly and gently, you need to be careful not to do your own body some damage.
When picking up your baby - or younger child - remember to protect your spine. Bend your knees, keep your child close to your body and lift with your leg muscles, not your back. Also, don't carry your baby all day on one hip.
*Sourced from: American Physical Therapy Association (www.APTA.org). "For Women of All Ages. A Physical Therapist's Perspective on Women's Health." 50M/3-07/PR-38