For any mama, breastfeeding is an experience laced with all sorts of emotions. It delivers all the essential nutrients to improve the maternal-infant bond. But with it also come a number of physical and emotional challenges.

Breastfeeding moms tend to worry about some aspects of their health. However, when mothers fail to address problems that will fall back on the rest of us contributing to the greater good, there are issues. Proper self-care must take place for such issues to be solved, minimizing the risks of suffering long-term.

Little things like the right nursery chair (also searched as a nursering chair), a calming rocking chair or even a stroll with a stroller can really change a mother’s health and level of comfort.

Health Problem #01: Back and Neck Pain

Understand Causes of Back and Neck Pain

A lot of mothers hunch over babies, particularly during the initial days of latching. This hunched position puts a strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles.”

Breastfeeding can take anywhere between 10 minutes to over an hour. You can’t hold the baby for such long periods without sufficient support.

In fact, the body even loosens ligaments and joints to prepare for childbirth; postpartum, close to childbirth, It destabilizes the spine and pelvis, which boosts the risk of back pain.

A non-supportive chair, bed and/or couch used for breastfeeding can throw the mother into a hunched position. Such a bent position puts a strain on the spine.

Most mothers have the baby on one arm all the while leading to an imbalance in weight. And poor distribution often leads to shoulder, neck and back problems.

How to Prevent pain in Neck and Back?

• Adjust Your Posture Properly – An upright back should be supported and not too much forward-leaning.
• Use a Supportive Chair — Sit in a high-backed chair with armrests.
• Experiment – Laid-back breastfeeding (in a semi-reclined position) puts less strain.
• Angle tweaks – Postpartummy exercises (pelvic tilts/gentle yoga) improve posture.

How Do Nursery Chairs Help In Reducing Pain?

The right nursery or rocking chair can make all the difference in comfort and back and neck pain relief. It provides the following advantages –

Ergonomic Support – A high-back nursing chair supports your whole spine to minimize lower back strain. Plus, the padded armrests prevent shoulder fatigue from holding the baby.

Feeding in a Comfortable Mode – It enables mothers to keep their spine neutral without needing to leaning too far forward. Even the soft rocking motion is calming for mom and baby alike.

Help Reducing Muscle Fatigue – The rocking motion helps promote blood circulation limiting stiffness and muscle pain. It relaxes the back side to release tension that built from bad posture.

Relax and Release Stress – Breastfeeding may get you emotionally and physically exhausted. The gentle rocking motion springs endorphins into action to help bring on relaxation.

More Tips for Finding a Doctor

Postpartum physical therapy — Pelvic floor rehab to strengthen core muscles Adjustments Alight the Spine.

Don't Use One Side Too Often – Use both sides when breastfeeding. Also, use both arms to lift the baby.

Health Problem #02 – Postpartum Tiredness and Sleep Deprivation

The Enemies of Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation

Often you need to feed newborns every 2 – 3 hours. Night was no exception and sleep cycles were broken. Breastfed babies metabolize milk more quickly than babies fed formula, so they need to eat more often.

Post-delivery, the hormone levels (progesterone and oestrogen) drop down at a rapid rate, leading to mood swings and fatigue. Production of the two hormones that are secreted for breastfeeding, prolactin and oxytocin, also plays a factor in regulating the sleep pattern.

The nature of wake-ups makes it hard for a mom to rest well, even if she sleeps completely for a few hours she is very likely to wake up multiple due to infant wake-ups.” And, eventually, chronic tiredness.

The body is recovering from labor, delivery and medical interventions (C-section, episiotomy, etc.). Blood loss in childbirth may lead to postpartum anemia, which makes mothers feel weak and fatigued.

How To Alleviate Fatigue And Sleep Deprivation?

Sleep When the Baby Sleeps – Nap any time that the baby sleeps, rather than attempting to catch up on household chores.

Share Nighttime Feeding Responsibilities – Use your partner to help with diaper changes, passive burping and bottle feeding.

Create a Sleep - Friendly Space — Use a white noise machine and blackout curtains to shut out distractions.

More Advice from Doctors

Consider a Supplement – Some doctors will recommend iron supplements (to address anemia), or vitamin D and calcium (for healthy bones), or omega-3 fatty acids (for the brain and heart).

Establish a Sleep Routine in the Baby – Start distinguishing the baby from day to night within 3 – 4 months. Creating a simple bedtime routine (bath, massage, lullaby).

Mastitis and Engorgement – Health Issue #03

Engorgement is an accumulation of milk in the breast, which makes it swollen, hard, and painful. It occurs in those early breastfeeding days when the milk supply is still getting to where it needs to be, or the baby isn’t feeding as effectively as he should be.

Mastitis refers to infection or inflammation of breast tissue from a blocked milk duct or bacterial infection. Mastitis can, however, be accompanied by other flu-like symptoms, such as a fever and/or chills, which are not present in engorgement.

a. Causes of Engorgement

Reducing or missing feed (missed feeding/switching to bottle).

Low supply of the milk when the baby does not get enough to drink.

Bottling: Bottling with low milk (this causes the baby to fall into undynamic feeding, as well as to the poorly removed milk (poorly removed milk causes mom to have a lot of milk)

Weaning too fast so that overall drainage of the milk is suddenly lowered.

b. Causes of Mastitis

If not treated, engorgement can lead to block milk ducts which develops into mastitis.

Bacteria can enter from the baby’s mouth or from cracked nipples and cause infection.

Tight clothing or pressure on the breast preventing proper milk drainage.

Chronic stress and fatigue could compromise the immune response.

— Give a Side-by-Side Illustrations of Mastitis and Engorgement —

c. Preventing Breast Engorgement

Breastmilk on Demand: Ideally feed on demand every 2 – 3 hours.

Cold Compresses for Swelling – You can use a cold compress and apply it over the swelling.

Warm Compresses Prior to Feeding – Warm compresses makes the breast softer and milk to be flow to easily.

Make Sure They Are Latched Correctly – A deep latch allows milk not to be left in the ducts.

d. Treatment for Mastitis

Keep breastfeeding even with pain to avoid worsening the problem.

Warm Compresses to Loosen Blocked Ducts – Take a warm cloth and apply it to the affected breast before nursing the baby.

Stay Hydrated and Rest – Commit to drinking plenty of water and healthy fluids to help with your physical recovery.

You may need a medical help if you are having Worsening Symptoms – See a doctor to get medicines prescribed for fever beyond 24 hours.

More Words of Wisdom From Doctors

When to Go to the Doctor — Don’t wait to seek medical care until your fever is above 101 F (38.3 C) and you have the chills. If the nipples itch, are painful or produce pus or unusual discharge, the same applies.

How to fix it: Try different breastfeeding positions — Switching things up can allow the milk to drain in different parts of the breast and help prevent any clogs. Different positions might shift your body, giving you better drainage, such as a football hold, or you can use a side-lying position to relief pressure.

Health Issue #04 – Postnatal Depression and Stress

1–Symptoma•Date:2-3-2020Reasons Behind Postpartum Depression and Stress

Estrogen and progesterone fall off a cliff and impact brain chemistry and emotions. Stress suppresses oxytocin which is associated with lower levels of maternal bonding and happiness.

More frequent night feedings and sleep deprivation lead to irritation, anxiety, and fatigue. Breastfeeding is hard work, which is tiring and also makes you thirsty.

The pressure to appear as the mom with the perfect care for everybody creates anxiety for many moms. Household work, breastfeeding, baby care initiates overwhelm.

Latching issues, nipple pain, mastitis and engorgement can add to your frustration and stress. The perception of not making enough milk is stressful, and increases a woman’s overall anxiety levels.

How to Combat the Depression and Stress of the Postpartum Period

Rest and Sleep – Sleep when the baby sleeps. Even brief naps can restore energy.

Find Emotional Support – You are not alone; share your feelings with your spouse, family or close friends.

Light Physical Activity – Soothing postpartum yoga or strolls are endorphin-releasing for mood elevation.

Self-Care – Try doing small things you like (reading, listening to some nice music, or taking a hot bath).

More Guidance From Doctors

Use Natural Remedies for Stress Relief — Herbal teas such as lavender can induce relaxation.

Don't Take Caffeine and Alcohol – Caffeine may increase anxiety and sleep issues. Alcohol negatively affects our ability to produce milk and regulate our moods.

Therapy and Medication – Therapy session does help you out greatly in case if you are suffering from clinical depression.

Health Issue#05-Nutritional Deficiencies and Dehydration

Why Nutritional Deficiencies and Dehydration in Wuhan?

Many moms will not eat a full meal or a balanced meal because they're too tired or they don't have the time. Quota of protein, healthy fats, and important vitamin deficiency

Milk production causes you to lose more water. Dehydration, dizziness, headaches, and lower milk supply are all symptoms of not drinking enough water.

Women bleed during childbirth, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia. C-section and postpartum bleeding can also increase the need for iron and folate.

Avoiding Nutritional Deficiencies and Dehydration

Nutrient-Dense Diet – Every meal should contain protein + good fat + fiber + complex carbs. Eat iron-heavy foods — meat, spinach, beans — to stave off anemia.

Arein Drink Lots of Fluids – 10 – 12 cups (2.5 – 3 liters) of fluids a day. Drink water, herbal teas, milk, or fresh fruit juices.

Small But Frequent Meals – Eat 5 – 6 small meals in a day to keep energy up. Have healthy snacks (nuts, yogurt, fruits) at hand for quick nutrition.

More Advice From Doctors

Meal Prep in Advance for a Nutritious Postpartum Diet – Prepping meals or having support from family to cook can help ensure healthy eating.

Do not Crash Diet – When mothers want to help you lose the weight you gained during pregnancy as soon as possible. Aim for slow and steady weight loss using healthy foods.

Wrapping Up

The breastfeeding journey is a demanding one — there is nothing good coming out of it if self-care isn’t a regular part of it. Then keep all the following common health issues as mentioned during breastfeeding to keep you healthy.

You can make a home more comfortable for new moms by getting tools that help her prioritize her health like an ergonomic nursery chair.

• Share on:
WhatsApp Deel Tweet Pin it Messenger Email