The first days and weeks of life caring for your new tiny little bundle of love bring joy, happiness, pride, exhaustion, elation, raw emotions, bonding, LOTS of snuggling, and sometimes…..persistent back discomfort. Carrying a baby (or two or three!) along with extra weight, while sometimes “waddling” for several weeks, can certainly cause a bit of back achiness to steal a bit of Mom’s attention!
New mothers often ask us if we know of special, magical remedies to ease their postpartum back discomfort. While we do not give medical advice and do not “diagnose” the problem or source of pain, we do have suggestions for easing back discomfort that may feel like magic! As always, please ask your care provider before using any of these suggestions:
Moist Heat. A sock filled with rice, heated in the microwave for a couple of minutes, and applied to the achy area is an easy, convenient source of moist heat that feels wonderful.
Ice. A pack of frozen peas can do the trick.
A warm Epsom Salt Bath. While someone else is enjoying the baby snuggles.
Magnesium Lotion. Especially nice when a loved one massages it in just the right spot.
Icy-Hot. A pain-relieving gel found at your pharmacy, generally good for muscle tension.
Use a TENS unit. Meaning….Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Many chiropractors sell personal units, and they are also available on- line and at most drugstores. There are many, many styles and price points to choose from. Just remember to ask your care provider before using one please!
Try wearing a Belly Binder. This is an elastic garment that wraps around your core to give extra support. Also found on- line or in the maternity section of your favorite store. Using a belly binder encourages you to be aware of good posture, which is especially important while your core is not as strong yet as it was prenatally.
Visit a Chiropractor or Acupuncturist. With your care provider’s approval of course!
