As a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and a Certified Prenatal and Postpartum Massage Therapist, neck and shoulder pain is my postpartum clients’ primary reason to seek massage and bodywork care in the first year with baby. I firmly believe that breastfeeding does not have to be such a pain in the neck!
First, you need to know that the pain you experience in your neck, shoulders, and upper back pain from long hours breastfeeding/chestfeeding/pumping are valid. Just because you are not experiencing breast pain does not make the pain you have elsewhere less valid.
Next, let’s talk about how your breastfeeding position can be adjusted to reduce your neck and upper back pain.
Before we dive into tips:
In any position, latch is still the top priority, a poor latch will lead to breast pain, and possibly a fussy or upset baby.
If you have breast pain, or any concerns about your breastfeeding/chestfeeding relationship with your baby, seek the care of an IBCLC.
Tips to reduce neck and shoulder strain/pain while contact feeding (not all of these will be practical for you while you are pumping).
The key to having less pain while breastfeeding is getting your body comfortable and supported, and getting baby’s body supported so you don’t have to work so hard to hold them and bring them to the breast.
Semi-reclined breastfeeding allows for full support of your upper body, and relaxed arm positions. This position also helps baby feel fully supported. Bonus if you’re able to do some skin to skin here, too.
*This position is also sometimes referred to as “Laid-Back Breastfeeding” or “Natural Breastfeeding Position”
Side-lying breastfeeding also allows for full body support of both parent and baby, and is another good tummy-to-tummy position.
Breastfeeding while baby-wearing can allow for a more relaxed arm and shoulder, since you’re not using your arm muscles to bring baby to the breast. This can also allow you to stand, sway, gently bounce or do hip circles on a exercise/birth ball. Movement is great medicine for achey muscles!
This mother is using a lot of arm strength to bring baby to breast. In more upright feeding positions such as cradle, cross cradle, or football hold, consider using a pillow(s) to support baby or under your arm that’s holding baby.
In conclusion: breastfeeding shouldn't hurt anywhere! Try out some of these feeding positions to see what difference it can make to ease your neck and shoulder tension, and remember, you're an amazing mother and parent!
Tried all of these tips and still having neck and shoulder pain and tension? Book a session with me, or if not in the Louisville area, seek out a massage therapist who is skilled in postpartum specific techniques, or has a dual certification in lactation support!
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