Understanding and Managing Elbow Pain After Baby: A Guide for New Mums
Becoming a new mum is a joyful yet physically demanding time, often accompanied by unexpected aches and pains. One common discomfort many women experience postpartum is elbow pain. Whether from repetitive lifting, feeding, or carrying your baby, this pain can interfere with daily activities and make caring for your little one more challenging.
Why Does Elbow Pain Occur After Having a Baby?
Elbow pain postpartum often results from a combination of factors related to the physical demands of motherhood:
Repetitive Movements: Constantly lifting, holding, and rocking your baby puts repeated strain on the tendons and muscles around the elbow, leading to inflammation or overuse injuries such as tendonitis.
Poor Posture and Biomechanics: Hunching over your baby during feeding or holding them in awkward positions can cause tension in the arm and elbow.
Muscle Imbalance and Weakness: The physical changes during pregnancy and early motherhood can contribute to muscle fatigue and imbalance, reducing support for the elbow joint.
Lack of Rest: The demands of newborn care often mean little time for rest or recovery, which can worsen inflammation and pain.
How to Relieve Elbow Pain at Home
While elbow pain can be frustrating, there are several strategies you can try to ease discomfort:
Modify Movements: Try to vary how you hold and carry your baby, avoiding repetitive motions that cause pain.
Use Supportive Devices: Wearing a brace or elbow support can help reduce strain and provide stability.
Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Specific exercises targeting the forearm, wrist, and elbow muscles can improve flexibility and strength, reducing pain.
Ice Therapy: Applying an ice pack to the painful area for 15-20 minutes can decrease inflammation.
Rest When Possible: Try to rest the affected arm, especially if pain flares during activities.
Ergonomic Feeding Positions: Adjust your posture during breastfeeding or bottle feeding to avoid overloading the arm.
How Sarah’s Osteopathic Treatment Supports Elbow Pain Relief
Sarah’s expert osteopathic care is tailored to help new mums recover from elbow pain effectively and safely. Her approach includes:
Assessing and addressing any joint misalignment or muscle imbalances contributing to your pain
Releasing tight muscles and reducing inflammation around the elbow, forearm, and shoulder
Guiding you through targeted exercises to restore strength and flexibility
Offering personalised advice on posture and movement to prevent future pain
Providing a supportive environment where you can bring your baby, children, or a support partner to your appointment, with flexibility for feeding breaks as needed
Regain Comfort and Function Today
Elbow pain doesn’t have to slow you down during this precious time with your baby. With Sarah’s compassionate osteopathic treatment, you can find relief, improve your arm function, and get back to enjoying motherhood. Book your appointment online today and take the first step toward healing.