New Moms: Be Careful with those Joints!

So much attention is paid to a mother's health during a pregnancy. The weeks leading up to birth consist of a busy itinerary of yoga classes, massages and visits with a number of healthcare providers. Ensuring that the body is in tip top shape leading up to the monumental event of birth becomes the priority.

What happens once the incredible event of birth is over and done with? We all know the answer to that question: a steady schedule of diaper changes, marathon nursing and catching up on sleep takes over. Somehow, a mother's health often drops a few notches on the priority list.

As a Chiropractor who cares for a lot of new Moms, a huge part of my job is to convey information regarding the ergonomics of caring for a new baby. Learning how to prevent injury with all the repetitive stressors involved with childcare is an essential part of maintaining health. However, proper ergonomics just don't seem that important when one is sleep deprived! It is important to remember that if Mom is injured, she can't possibly keep up with the demands of caring for a busy family and a brand new baby.

Not only does a new mother have more demands on her body, but joints are prone to being injured during a pregnancy and after birth because of a hormone called relaxin.

Relaxin is produced during pregnancy, and it helps your body loosen up connective tissue so that the pelvis can accommodate for a growing baby and a birth. Although the body stops production of relaxin after a birth, the effects of this hormone can linger for four to six months. Of course, this hormone is helpful when it comes to birth as it is an essential part of the physiological changes that allow the pelvis to open up, but it does make you more prone to injuries before and after a birth. This hormone doesn't know to direct itself only to the pelvic structures, therefore it can impact any joint in the body. This is why women are more prone to ankle sprains, foot problems, and other joint issues around the time of a birth.

Here are some easy tips that you can use as your body adapts to the physical stressors of motherhood:

• Lift baby up to you by bending your knees to protect the spine: Your joints are very vulnerable to injury in a forward bend position while carrying a load.
• Do not bend forward with your lower back when putting baby down to sleep.
• Have your change table at an appropriate height: Ensure that you don't have to bend or twist to access it
• Leave the car seat in the car: Carrying a baby in a car seat requires you to carry the baby further away from the body, which increases the amount of strain involved. Try using a baby sling; this allows the baby to be carried much closer to the body (and allows for more snuggling time!).
• Nurse equally on both sides: This avoids excess strain on one side of the body. It also allows for symmetrical motor development for the baby, as the side of baby's body that is free moves about. This is how neurological connections are built.
• Avoid lifting your older (and heavier!) children: The transition involved with welcoming a new baby to a family is sometimes challenging for older siblings when they realize that there is a new little person around who requires a lot of care. It is important that older children understand that Mom can't lift them, as she could hurt herself.
• Never try to "work through pain" when performing any task or activity: Pain is a warning signal that should never be ignored. Try to alter the way you are carrying out the task, or stop altogether.

Remember that Chiropractic care is a great way to ensure that your body maintains its tip top shape after a birth. When you're the healthiest you can be, you can offer so much more to your new child!