Everyone seems to have advice for moms, particularly new moms. A lot of it is opinion-based such as what the best brand of diapers is. Some of it is based on experience such as how to deal with a colicky baby or the best way to get a baby on a schedule. Some advice can be helpful while a lot just makes moms feel overwhelmed or incompetent. However, here’s one piece of advice that moms should pay attention to because it will help them feel better. I commonly see back pain in moms and offer some advice they probably haven’t considered: Alternate which side you carry your baby on.
Back Pain in Moms – The Problem is Imbalance
Moms are busy people. They have a lot of things they need to do and they quickly learn how to do things one-handed while carrying a baby around. More likely than not, they always carry their little one on the side opposite their dominant hand so that they can still do other things. It just works better that way. But there are good reasons why you should alternate which hip you carry a child on. One main reason is that it will help keep the muscles in your back even. Always carrying the baby on the same side will cause the muscles on one side of your back to become stronger. Muscle imbalances lead to problems like back pain in moms. It’s hard to feel like you can do what you need to do or take care of a child if your back is hurting. Overly tight muscles on one side can lead to spinal subluxations where spinal bones get pulled out of place affecting how well your body can function. Plus pain makes moms grumpy.
The Solution
So what to do? The first step is being aware of the problem. Once you’re aware of what you’re doing, you can take steps to change it. There are little, easy things that can be done to help keep things in balance. For example, if you carry your baby’s car seat carrier out to the car in your left hand, carry it back into the house when you come home using your right hand. If you carried a baby up the stairs on your left hip, when you go back down stairs carry them on your right hip. Little things like that can make a difference.
Give it a try. See if it makes a difference for you. Also consider coming in and seeing us. We work with people just like you to reduce their stress, relieve their pain, and improve their quality of life. Don’t let back pain keep you from enjoying your family.
