There are many joys to having a baby.  Unfortunately there are many health pitfalls added to your life during this time as well.  New mothers are in a very vulnerable position for a few months after the birth of their children.  With the added stresses, and decreases in time, there are a lot of ways that mothers are challenged.  By implementing the following steps and asking for a little help, they should be able to keep most health-related problems at bay, though.

In the past couple of years I have treated quite a few new mothers.  Most of them are suffering from upper back and neck issues.  This may surprise you, but it really makes a lot of sense.  Have you ever noticed that most mothers carry their children with one arm more than the other?  Over time this extra strain on the one side can compound into a much bigger issue, especially with the neck and shoulders.

Obviously this isn’t the only area that can be affected by carrying the child in the same arm all of the time.  If you are one of those parents that sit the baby on your hip while you lean to the opposite side, you are also setting yourself up for lower back issues as well.

These obviously aren’t the only risks of recent childbirth though.  For a few months after delivering, new mothers are under a large amount of stress.  Not only are they worrying about the baby constantly, but they still have their normal chores to finish throughout the day.  These added duties can have a great toll on them, both mentally and physically (please read last week’s blog for more information on the health costs of stress: Stress and health).

Unfortunately there are more difficulties that new mothers face.  Multiple new studies have shown a link between new mothers and diets that aren’t sufficiently nutritious.  The months following delivery are a very critical time for both the mother and the infant.  If the mother isn’t getting the right nutrients, she is not helping her body fully recover from the stresses that are placed on her.  To further complicate this, nursing depletes her even further.  This can lead to malnutrition, and a long list of other problems that these mothers can experience.

So, while there are a lot of things playing against new mothers, there is also a lot that they can do to prevent these stresses from becoming full-blown problems.  By following these simple steps, they can live healthier, happier lives, helping them enjoy the many wonders of motherhood.

1.        Seek regular chiropractic care to alleviate the muscular, and skeletal, problems associated with this time period.  By finding a chiropractor that will use muscle-based therapies along with regular adjustments, you will set yourself up to live a healthier, more comfortable life.  Let’s face the facts, babies get heavy very quickly.  They also require a lot of attention.  The repetitive lifting involved (especially if you are using the same side every time) puts a lot of stress on the back and neck (as well as the arms, legs and everything else after a few days).  Getting these issues corrected regularly will help decrease the likelihood that these annoyances will turn into longer-term problems.

2.       Stretch.  Those of you who read my column regularly are well aware of how much I push stretching.  It truly is one of the best things that you can do for yourself.  Everyone is aware of the decreased muscle tension that is a result of stretching.  Some people are unaware of the stress-busting affects that are associated with it as well though.  Taking a few moments to stretch every day is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

3.       Take time for yourself.  Every new mother that I have known feels that they have to be there for the baby non-stop.  This is understandable, as they spend 9 months taking them everywhere before delivery.  This is also one of the worst things that you can do, in my opinion.  You have to take some time to do the things that you need to do.  If you don’t have time away from your baby, it is similar to working all day without a break.  Your senses are constantly turned on, leading to exhaustion.  You must take some time and do the things that you find relaxing to help recharge yourself.  Trust me, you’ll be in a better position to care for everyone (yourself included) after your break.

4.       Find time to exercise.  This is usually the first thing that goes when we get busier.  Unfortunately it is one of the most important things to keep in your daily regimen.  Getting rid of the built up stress, keeping your muscles strong and pliable, and getting the social aspect many people associate with exercise can have an amazing effect on you.  No matter if it is just a mile walk, find some time to get the exercise that your body needs.  You will feel better physically (even if you think you’re too tired to do anything) when you get done.

5.       Eat as healthily as possible.  As I mentioned previously, malnutrition in new mothers is very common.  Their diets usually deteriorate after delivery, due to an increase in stress and decrease in free time (think microwave meals).  By taking the time necessary to get the proper nutrition, you are going to improve your own health, along with the health of your baby.  You must remember that your baby relies on you for their nutrition.  If you aren’t getting the proper nutrition, your body is designed to do more for the baby, which obviously isn’t optimal for your health.  Take the time to work on keeping your diet as nutritious as possible.

6.       Take naps when the baby is sleeping.  One of the most obvious things that happens with a new baby in the house is a change in your sleeping cycle.  You have to take any opportunity you can get to get the sleep your body needs.  If you don’t sleep, all of the things listed above will have minimal effect.  If you need help to accomplish this, ask for it.  You can take turns waking up to care for the baby, someone can watch the newborn while you take a nap, or like it says, take a nap when the baby is napping.  It is among the most important things you can do.  The improvement in your level of alertness alone will make it worthwhile.

Obviously these aren’t the only problems that face new mothers, and there are a slew of other fixes as well.  They do give a good overview of a lot of the challenges that they face though.  By taking these steps, you will improve the health of your family.  We all know that moms do as much as they can to accomplish that goal.  Take these actions, and there’s no reason you won’t achieve it.

If you have questions, or would like to discuss this further, please contact me at:

Jeffrey L. Cumro, Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified Personal Trainer
Better Life Chiropractic and Wellness, LLC
          Better Care > Better Health > Better Life
402-210-1472
BetterLifeNE@gmail.com
www.BetterLifeNE.com