Why do my shoulder blades hurt when breastfeeding?

Understanding Shoulder Blade Pain During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a beautiful yet physically demanding experience for new mothers. While it offers numerous benefits for both mother and baby, many women report experiencing discomfort, particularly in the shoulder blades. This pain can stem from various factors, and understanding these can help alleviate the discomfort.
Common Causes of Shoulder Blade Pain
1. Posture Issues: One of the primary reasons for shoulder blade pain during breastfeeding is poor posture. Many mothers find themselves hunching over or leaning awkwardly while nursing, which can lead to strain on the muscles and ligaments in the upper back and shoulders. Maintaining a proper posture is crucial; ideally, mothers should sit upright with support for their back and arms to minimize strain.
2. Repetitive Strain: Carrying the baby on the same side repeatedly can also contribute to shoulder pain. This repetitive motion can lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort in the shoulder blades. It’s advisable for mothers to alternate sides during feeding to distribute the physical load more evenly.
3. Muscle Tension: The physical and emotional stresses of new motherhood can lead to increased muscle tension. Many mothers experience tightness in the upper back and shoulders, which can manifest as pain during breastfeeding. This tension can be exacerbated by the demands of caring for a newborn, including sleepless nights and the physical strain of holding the baby.
4. Nerve Issues: Some mothers report a stabbing or burning sensation in the shoulder blades, which may indicate nerve irritation or compression. This can occur due to poor positioning or muscle tightness affecting the nerves that run through the shoulder area.
Tips for Relief
To alleviate shoulder blade pain while breastfeeding, mothers can adopt several strategies:
– Adjusting Position: Ensuring a comfortable and supportive position while breastfeeding can significantly reduce strain. Using pillows for support can help maintain proper alignment.

– Stretching and Strengthening: Engaging in gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help relieve tension and improve posture. Activities like yoga can be particularly beneficial.
– Physical Therapy: For persistent pain, consulting a physical therapist can provide tailored exercises and techniques to address specific issues related to breastfeeding.
– Mindfulness and Relaxation: Incorporating relaxation techniques can help manage stress and reduce muscle tension, making breastfeeding a more comfortable experience.
Conclusion
Shoulder blade pain during breastfeeding is a common issue that many new mothers face. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing strategies for relief, mothers can enhance their breastfeeding experience and focus on the joys of nurturing their newborns. If pain persists, seeking professional advice is always a wise step to ensure both mother and baby remain healthy and happy.

Why does my upper back hurt between my shoulder blades postpartum?

During pregnancy and postpartum, your breasts are bigger in size and sometimes even disproportionate. This increased weight (mostly fat) is now carried by your cervical and thoracic spine causing your shoulders and upper back to be pulled forward.

Why does my shoulder blade hurt while breastfeeding?

The perpetual task of feeding your baby can cause a repetitive sprain strain injury to the neck, upper back and mid back. This injury can cause pain, burning, numbness and tingling in the neck, upper back, shoulder blade area, and arms. Headaches are a common symptom as well.

What does a mommy shoulder feel like?

Mom shoulders creep higher and higher toward the ears. This comes from super tight and tense shoulder and neck muscles. Mom shoulders can also make it difficult to turn your head while driving.

When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades?

Persistent or Severe Pain: If back pain between shoulder blades persists despite home remedies, or if you experience severe pain that disrupts your daily life, it’s time to seek professional advice.

Why does my upper back hurt when I breastfeed?

Breastfeeding moms spend long stretches of time holding babies to their chest. Position yourself in a way that strains your muscles and it can lead to neck and back pain. How you sit and position your baby can help prevent back pain during breastfeeding.

What does the beginning of mastitis feel like?

What are some symptoms of mastitis? You might have a red, sore area on your breast. Sometimes it feels like getting the flu. You might feel hot and cold with a fever, and have general body aches.

Why does my upper back pain radiate to my breast?

When a spinal nerve in the thoracic spine (upper back) becomes compressed or inflamed, such as by a bone spur (abnormal bone growth) or thoracic herniated disc, pain may travel along the nerve from the upper back to the chest.

How long does postpartum upper back pain last?

Women who experience back pain during pregnancy are more likely to suffer from chronic back pain after pregnancy. In addition, the risk of chronic back pain is higher for women who are overweight. Fortunately, most cases of postpartum back pain usually subside within a few months after giving birth.

Why does it feel like razor blades when I breastfeed?

Symptoms: Breast or nipple pain that’s stabbing, burning, or feels like pins and needles—both during and after nursing—can be the result of a vasospasm, when contracting blood cells reduces blood flow to a particular area. You may also notice your nipples turning white, then blue or red.

What is mother’s shoulder?

Mom’s shoulder is also a term which has been used to describe the cluster of symptoms associated with breastfeeding. This pain can be diffuse or specific to a region, it can also triggered by specific movements such as reaching behind to wear seatbelt, lying on that side, trying to carry the baby to the back.