Easing the Load: Understanding and Managing Shoulder Tension and Pain After Having a Baby
Bringing a new baby into the world is a joyful experience, but it often comes with unexpected physical challenges. One of the most common complaints new mums face is shoulder tension and pain. Whether from nursing, carrying your little one, or the everyday demands of motherhood, shoulder discomfort can impact your wellbeing and quality of life during this precious time.
Why Shoulder Tension and Pain Occur After Birth
Shoulder tension and pain after having a baby usually develop due to a combination of factors:
Feeding Positions: Holding your baby for prolonged periods during breastfeeding or bottle feeding often leads to poor posture, straining the neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles.
Repetitive Movements: Constant lifting, carrying, and rocking your baby can cause muscle fatigue and tightness in the shoulder region.
Sleep Disruption: Interrupted sleep and poor sleeping positions can prevent muscle recovery, contributing to ongoing tension.
Postural Changes: Pregnancy and postpartum hormonal changes can alter your posture, affecting how your shoulders and upper back support daily activities.
Simple Ways to Relieve Shoulder Pain at Home
While caring for a newborn keeps you busy, a few self-care strategies can help ease shoulder discomfort:
Mind Your Posture: Try to keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid hunching forward when feeding or holding your baby. Use pillows to support your arms and baby during feeding to reduce strain.
Gentle Stretches: Incorporate gentle neck and shoulder stretches into your day, such as shoulder rolls, neck tilts, and wall stretches to relieve tight muscles.
Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to tight shoulder muscles can improve circulation and reduce tension.
Short Breaks: Take regular breaks to rest your shoulders, especially if you are doing repetitive lifting or feeding.
Ergonomic Support: Use supportive chairs with armrests and avoid carrying your baby on one side for extended periods to prevent uneven muscle strain.
How Sarah’s Osteopathic Treatment Supports Shoulder Recovery
Sarah offers specialised osteopathic care tailored to the unique needs of new mums experiencing shoulder tension and pain. Through gentle hands-on techniques, Sarah helps to:
Release muscle tightness and reduce inflammation in the shoulder and upper back
Improve joint mobility and restore proper alignment
Address postural imbalances caused by pregnancy and motherhood activities
Provide personalised advice on posture, ergonomics, and movement to support ongoing recovery
Sarah understands the demands of motherhood and encourages mums to bring their babies, children, or support partners to appointments. Treatment sessions are flexible and designed to fit comfortably around your parenting schedule, including stopping for feeding breaks if needed.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t let shoulder tension and pain interfere with your postpartum experience. If you’re struggling with discomfort or just want to ensure your body is recovering well, Sarah’s expert osteopathic treatment can help you feel more comfortable and supported on your motherhood journey. Book your appointment online today and take the first step towards relief and wellbeing.