Does breastfeeding make your body ache?

Understanding the Physical Impact of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often celebrated for its numerous benefits, both for the infant and the mother. However, many new mothers report experiencing physical discomfort during this period, leading to the question: Does breastfeeding make your body ache?
Common Aches and Pains
While breastfeeding is a natural process, it can lead to various physical issues. Many mothers experience back pain, particularly if they are not using proper positioning techniques while nursing. The act of leaning forward or holding the baby in awkward positions can strain the back muscles, leading to discomfort. Additionally, shoulder and neck pain are also common complaints, as mothers often find themselves in static positions for extended periods while feeding.
Other Contributing Factors
Beyond the mechanics of breastfeeding, other factors can contribute to body aches. For instance, hormonal changes during and after pregnancy can affect muscle and joint stability, potentially leading to discomfort. Moreover, the physical demands of caring for a newborn—such as lifting, carrying, and frequent bending—can exacerbate these aches.
The Role of Physiotherapy
Interestingly, many mothers may not realize that physiotherapy can be beneficial in alleviating some of these discomforts. Physiotherapists can provide guidance on proper breastfeeding positions and exercises to strengthen the back and core muscles, which can help mitigate pain. This proactive approach can empower mothers to manage their physical health while enjoying the bonding experience of breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding is a rewarding experience, it can indeed lead to body aches due to various factors, including improper positioning and the physical demands of caring for a newborn. Awareness and proactive measures, such as seeking physiotherapy, can help mothers navigate these challenges, allowing them to focus on the joys of breastfeeding without being hindered by discomfort.

Is breastfeeding hard on a woman’s body?

‘Many women find breastfeeding painful to begin with and may also develop sore, painful, swollen breasts, inflammation (mastitis) or infections,’ says Dr Rosen. ‘Engorgement is common and your doctor can advise on what to do.

Can breastfeeding cause achy joints?

Using the non-breastfeeding group as a reference, the odds ratio (OR) for joint pain among women who breastfed ≥1 month was 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–2.21). As the breastfeeding duration increased, the OR of joint pain prevalence also increased (p for trend; p = 0.002).

Why do my legs ache while breastfeeding?

Reasons for the aching body during breastfeeding: Poor posture. Stress and tension of this new addition to the family. Physiological changes of pregnancy that affect the ligaments making the joints less stable.

Does breastfeeding affect your body?

Breastfeeding produces the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin helps your uterus contract after delivery. This helps it return to its normal size and reduces the amount of vaginal bleeding after delivery. Increasing physical and emotional bonding.

How does breastfeeding affect your body physically?

Breastfeeding Burns Calories
During pregnancy, the body builds a reserve of weight to keep both mother and baby healthy. After giving birth, breastfeeding helps lose that weight. Breastfeeding can burn between 300-500 calories per day.

Why does my whole body ache postpartum?

During pregnancy and after childbirth, your body experiences significant hormonal fluctuations. Hormones, like relaxin, help your body prepare for birth by allowing the muscles, ligament, and joints to relax and become more flexible. But this can lead to joint instability and pain after giving birth.

Why does my body hurt when I breastfeed?

Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. If it does, it’s a sign that something’s wrong. Most often it’s because your baby isn’t latching well. Other issues that cause discomfort can pop up, like clogged milk ducts, engorgement, postpartum cramping or sensitive nipples. Soreness while breastfeeding is normal,

What is the 5 5 5 rule for postpartum?

The 5-5-5 postpartum rule prescribes 15 days of rest for moms following childbirth – five days in the bed, five days on the bed and five days around the bed. It encourages moms to take a break from housework and caring for older children, and simply spend time with the new baby.

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding?

5 Side Effects of Breastfeeding

• Back Pain: Think about it—you’re hunched over your baby, in an awkward position.
• Bruising: Yep, your little tike can cause some big bruises on your breasts.
• Carpal Tunnel: Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a problem for pregnant women, but it can also be a problem post-birth.

Can breastfeeding cause chills and body aches?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue. It often affects women who are breastfeeding. Symptoms include hot, swollen breasts, red streaks on the breasts, and body aches and chills.