Becoming a new parent is something that no one can fully prepare you for. The amount of love you'll have for your baby is unmatched, and it will only continue to grow and deepen over the years. Although people may have warned you about all of the sleepless nights, they probably forgot to mention that parenthood can also cause back pain. Lifting up your growing baby, nursing, and carrying them around can cause strain. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to avoid this. 

4 Ways to Prevent Back Pain as a New Parent

1. Lift With Your Legs

This is an age-old trick to avoid back pain in any situation, including parenthood. When you go to pick up your baby, avoid bending at your waist. This puts excessive strain on your lower back when you go to stand up. 

Instead, bend your knees into a squat position, pick up your child, and stand up using your leg muscles. Make sure your baby is close to your body before lifting to help make this easier and more comfortable.

2. Strengthen Your Muscles

Another tip to help you reduce pain associated with lifting, holding, or cradling your baby is to strengthen your back muscles. Make sure you get cleared for exercise by your doctor before starting anything new. 

Once approved, performing various movements to help restore flexibility, strength, and endurance can help you reduce pain in several areas throughout your body. Strengthening your back muscles will also give you more stability. 

3. Use a Front Carrier

When you're out running errands or just enjoying a walk, consider using a front carrier. If you're not using a stroller, a front carrier is the next best option, as it helps distribute your baby's weight more evenly across your body. 

This can reduce the strain that's placed on your lower back, thus preventing pain caused by traditional back carriers. You can also look into swaddling or baby wrapping.  

4. Stay Upright When Nursing

Breastfeeding is an integral part of becoming a new parent, but certain positions can contribute to back pain. Try to sit upright in a chair with a straight back rather than lounging on a couch. Rather than bending over to bring your breast to your baby, do the opposite. Bring your baby upward using a pillow or two so that you don't have to strain yourself to nurse. 

If you experience back pain as a new parent, don't hesitate to reach out to Spectrum Healthcare of Cornelia, GA. This medical clinic offers trustworthy, reliable services to help improve and maintain your health. Their pain management services include everything from massage therapy and chiropractic care to sports physicals and hormone replacement therapy. They also offer cutting-edge physical medicine services for those in need. To learn more about their practice, visit their website or call (706) 778-0077 to request an appointment.