Back Pain When Breastfeeding - 7 Ways to Get Relief

By Peter C Spathis, DC 

You're a new mom and you want to give your baby the benefits of breast milk but the back pain you get while nursing is almost unbearable; what are you do to? For starters, you can store this memory away in case, say 13 or 14 years later, you need to remind your child of the sacrifices you have made for them. However, if you are looking for something you can do now, the following 7 tips should offer some relief:

1). Relax before you start. Getting in the right frame of mind before beginning a nursing session can help tremendously. To illustrate this point, imagine the following scenario: You are at the gym, walking briskly on a treadmill. Your heart rate is up and you've got a mild sweat going. How hard would it be to get off the treadmill and immediately try to lie still for 20-45 minutes? Compare this to trying to lie still for the same amount of time after taking a warm bath at the end of the day. Would this be any easier? Of course it would - you would be relaxed when you started, your sympathetic nervous system would be calm and you might even enjoy the break from your regular activities. The same is true with breastfeeding. Before you start, shrug your shoulders up and back a few times, then gently stretch your arms forward to loosen your upper back. Now think about your nursing session as a time to relax and let your mind clear - not as a time to worry about other things you need to do! You deserve the relaxation moment, try to enjoy it.

2). Support your body. If you are breastfeeding in a chair, make sure it has armrests and adequate padding. Use pillows to support your back and arms so that your muscles can relax as much as possible during the prolonged positions. Pillows under your feet can also be helpful by positioning you in a way that allows you to bring your baby up to your breast, not the other way around.

3). Use a breastfeeding pillow. There are a variety of nursing pillows now available but this is traditionally a U shaped pillow that fits snugly around your waist and helps support your baby's weight so that your muscles don't have to do quite as much of the work. Less stress to the muscles means less muscle soreness.

4). Try different positions. There are various breastfeeding positions you can use - cradle hold, football hold, side lying, etc.. The internet is a great resource for specifics on a number of different positions and you may find some variations you hadn't thought about. By using different positions, you decrease the prolonged stress that some muscles may get if you were to use the same position all the time. Think of changing positions as a way to recruit some different muscles to "share" the work to be done. Isn't it easier to do a lot of work when you share the workload?

5). Stretch after you're done. You don't have to get out a gym mat and spend 20 minutes stretching your muscles, sometimes just a few seconds can do the trick. Simply repeat the loosening up movement you did before you started your nursing session. Again shrug your shoulders up and back - trying to squeeze your shoulder blades together while raising your shoulders at the same time. Hold this position for 2-3 seconds then gently relax your muscles and repeat the process 3-5 times. This contraction/relaxation helps flush out some of the metabolic waste that built up in your muscles during your breastfeeding session. Follow this by interlacing your thumbs together and stretching your arms forward, trying to let your shoulder blades come apart as you do this. Don't strain, just go to the point where you feel a mild stretch in your upper back. Hold this position for 5 seconds to help loosen some of the muscles that tightened up while nursing.

6). Get a massage. Why not treat yourself to a professional massage once in a while to help relax those tight muscles? In addition to relieving muscular tension, a massage can help you relax and alleviate some stress. However, an overly aggressive massage can make you sore, so be sure to tell your therapist if it has been a while since you've had a massage or if you experience any discomfort during the session.

7). Get an adjustment. We know that prolonged breastfeeding positions can cause your muscles to get tight but what about your spine? The tight muscles that you feel cross over spinal joints; these joints can become irritated from the constant pressure of the muscle tension as well as from direct stress on the spine during certain positions or movements. This can cause significant pain. A spinal manipulation (adjustment) can be helpful in relieving this discomfort. Your chiropractor can advise you on your specific requirements.

Apply the above tips for more comfortable nursing sessions with your baby. Don't worry, when they get older, if you still feel the need to someday remind them of the sacrifices you made, you don't have to tell them that it wasn't that bad.

Dr. Peter C. Spathis is a chiropractic physician providing evidence based care for a variety of spine related conditions. Contact information is provided through his office website at: http://www.spathischiropractic.com or Facebook at   https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spathis-Chiropractic/104395919617468

Article Source: Back Pain When Breastfeeding - 7 Ways to Get Relief

How to Stop a Breast Feeding Baby From Biting

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit


Breastfed babies of any age may start biting while nursing, causing most mothers to consider weaning early due to the pain. Fortunately, there are a few ways to prevent this painful occurrence, allowing breast-feeding to continue until mother and baby are both ready to wean. Learn how to stop a breast-feeding baby from biting by using the following methods.

Steps

Be Proactive

1. Watch the baby closely to prevent biting while breast-feeding. You can usually detect signs that he is bored, full or distracted, which can cause him to bite while nursing. Take him off the breast and tend to his other needs if you notice these signs.
2. Take away all distractions. Some babies who bite while nursing cannot concentrate on eating when there are various things to look at or listen to in the room. Go to a dark, quiet room so that the baby can focus on eating, rather than biting out of excitement or anxiety.
3. Give the baby your full attention while nursing. Some babies bite to get their mother's attention as they nurse.

Take Care of Issues That Lead to Biting

1. Look for signs of teething. If you notice teeth coming through the gums, offer a teething ring or a cold washcloth instead of nursing. Other signs of teething include excessive drooling, swollen gums and fussiness.
2. Make sure the baby is getting enough milk. Some babies bite out of frustration due to lack of milk. Break his latch and squeeze your nipple to make sure that milk is coming out.
3. Ensure that the baby has a good latch. His mouth should be open wide, not biting the tip of the nipple.

Teach the Baby Without Incurring Injury

1. Prevent injury to the breast by putting your finger in the baby's mouth. This should break the mouth's grip on the nipple. This is a good alternative to pulling his head away, as that causes him to yank the nipple even harder as he is pulled backward.
2. Pull the baby's head closer to the breast as another method of breaking the latch. The baby will briefly not be able to breathe with his face against the breast, forcing him to release the nipple without injury to either of you.
3. Stop nursing for a few minutes if the baby keeps biting. This will teach him that biting while breast-feeding will get him nowhere. Try again in a few minutes if he continues to cry after you stop.
4. Avoid yelling at the baby when he bites. This may scare him away from nursing for a while, or it may drive him to do it again if he is amused at the strong reaction.
5. Sternly say "no" when he bites. While a younger baby might not catch on to this hint, he will eventually understand its meaning, especially if you stop nursing for a few minutes afterward.

How to Prevent Painful Breastfeeding

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit


Breastfeeding can be uncomfortable for new mothers, but continued feedings should not be painful. Nursing is meant to be a special and pleasant experience for you and your baby. There are several things you can do to prevent breastfeeding pain, and getting educated on the proper way to breastfeed will help you do so without experiencing too much pain. Be sure to consult your doctor or a lactation consultant if pain is severe and does not go away. Prevent painful breastfeeding by positioning the baby the right way before you nurse, helping your baby to latch on properly and feeding as often as your baby wants.

Steps

1. Talk about your breastfeeding plans with your doctor or midwife before you give birth. He or she will be able to recommend books and other resources to help you learn proper breastfeeding procedures.
2. Talk to your lactation consultant in the hospital. This is a breastfeeding consultant who can help you understand breastfeeding methods that will prevent you from feeling pain.
3. Understand the causes of breastfeeding pain so you can avoid behaviors that might contribute to discomfort in breastfeeding.
   • Look for signs of engorgement, which can halt the flow of milk and cause pain.
   • Notice the state of your nipples. Sore nipples are normal when you start, but dry and cracked nipples or bleeding can cause pain during breastfeeding and is not normal.
   • Talk to your doctor about the signs of mastitis. Mastitis is an infection that can cause painful, red and swollen breasts. You might have the infection if you notice a fever and red marks on your breasts.
4. Make sure your baby latches on properly. This will ensure your baby does not cause you any pain while you breastfeed.
   • Position your baby properly so he or she can latch on and feed. There are several positions that work, and your lactation consultant or physician can show you how to do them.
5. Nurse your baby regularly. Feeding your baby every 1 to 3 hours will ensure your milk flows properly.
   • Allow your baby to fully drain the milk from one breast before moving to the other breast.
6. Keep your breasts free from any bacteria or yeast that may cause infections.
   • Wash bras, pumping equipment and nursing pads after use.
   • Wash your hands before and after you breastfeed.
7. Give your breasts comfort and freedom when you are not breastfeeding.
   • Wear unrestrictive bras and loose fitting tops.
8. Massage breasts if they become engorged. If it has been a while between feedings and your breasts are sore, rub them lightly and express a little milk to give yourself some relief.
9. Try not to use feeding props such as nipple shields and pacifiers. This can interfere with your baby's natural latching and sucking, which might cause you pain when you breastfeed.
10. Keep your nipples dry to prevent them from getting chapped and sore. If possible, allow them to get some air after breastfeeding.
11. Wean your baby from breastfeeding gradually instead of abruptly. This will reduce the pain you might feel when you stop nursing.
12. Drink a lot of water, and follow a proper diet. Staying hydrated and healthy is essential to keeping the milk flowing through your ducts. Blocked milk ducts will lead to painful breastfeeding.