Why does my upper back hurt when I breastfeed?

Understanding Upper Back Pain During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often celebrated for its numerous health benefits for both mother and child. However, many mothers experience discomfort, particularly in the upper back, during this essential bonding activity. Understanding the causes of this pain can help mothers find relief and enjoy the breastfeeding experience more fully.
Common Causes of Upper Back Pain
One of the primary reasons for upper back pain while breastfeeding is poor posture. Many mothers tend to hunch over or lean awkwardly while feeding, especially during long sessions. This can lead to muscle strain and discomfort in the upper back and neck areas. As noted by experts, maintaining a proper posture is crucial; otherwise, the repetitive strain can result in significant pain over time.
Another contributing factor is the physical demands of holding the baby. The weight of the infant, combined with the awkward angles often adopted during feeding, can place undue stress on the back muscles. This is particularly true for mothers who may not have adequate support from pillows or cushions, leading to further strain on the upper back.
The Role of Muscle Fatigue
Muscle fatigue also plays a significant role in upper back pain during breastfeeding. As mothers hold their babies for extended periods, the muscles in the back can become fatigued, leading to discomfort. This fatigue is exacerbated if the mother is not using supportive seating or if she is breastfeeding in a position that requires her to engage her muscles more than necessary.
Tips for Relief and Prevention
To alleviate and prevent upper back pain, mothers can adopt several strategies. Using supportive pillows can help maintain a better posture by elevating the baby to breast level, reducing the need to lean forward. Additionally, practicing stretching exercises and strengthening the back muscles can improve overall posture and reduce pain.
Physical therapists often recommend specific exercises that target the upper back and shoulder areas, which can be beneficial for breastfeeding mothers. These exercises not only help in relieving pain but also strengthen the muscles to better support the body during breastfeeding.
Conclusion
While upper back pain during breastfeeding is a common issue, it is often manageable with the right techniques and support. By focusing on posture, utilizing supportive tools, and engaging in muscle-strengthening exercises, mothers can significantly reduce discomfort and enhance their breastfeeding experience. Understanding these factors is essential for any mother looking to navigate the challenges of breastfeeding while maintaining her physical well-being.

What causes back pain for nursing mother?

However, the physical demands of breastfeeding can sometimes lead to discomfort and pain for mothers. Back pain, neck pain, headaches, and even conditions like “mommy thumb” (De Quervain’s tenosynovitis) can arise due to poor posture, repetitive movements, and strain on the musculoskeletal system.

Why does my upper back hurt so much 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.

What is a nursing mother’s neck symptoms?

The repeated posture and motion of breastfeeding can cause strain on your neck. Often called “nursing mother’s neck”, this type of strain on your neck can cause pain, burning, numbness or tingling. It can also sometimes cause headaches in addition to the other symptoms.

Why does my upper back hurt between my shoulder blades and chest?

Upper back pain between the shoulder blades may result from poor posture or muscle strain. However, it can also stem from problems with the spine, such as scoliosis or osteoarthritis. These may need medical attention. Treatments for mild upper back pain include stretching exercises and pain relievers.

How long does postpartum back pain last?

Postpartum back pain typically lasts about six months. This may vary from person to person, depending upon if it’s your first time having a child, if you had twins or triplets, or whether or not you have birth naturally or via c-section.

What is a common problem faced by most mothers when breastfeeding?

Sore or cracked nipples
Sore nipples usually happens because your baby is not well positioned and attached at the breast. Putting up with it could make pain or discomfort worse, so it’s important to get help from your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding specialist as soon as you can.

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.

Why does my upper back hurt while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding upper back pain
Upper back pain is common and can present with a sore neck, sore spinal cord, and sore upper back after a feeding session. Remember not to look down at the baby or hunch over too much. Sit in the correct position to avoid breastfeeding upper back pain (tips on those below!).

What causes back pain in nursing?

Causes of back pain

• bending awkwardly,
• lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling incorrectly,
• slouching in chairs,
• standing or bending down for long periods,
• twisting,
• coughing,
• sneezing,
• muscle tension,

What helps upper back pain from breasts?

There are numerous non-surgical ways to temporarily relieve and reduce upper back pain caused by large breasts, including getting properly fitted bras, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen target muscle groups.