{"id":4946,"date":"2014-08-19T09:29:45","date_gmt":"2014-08-19T13:29:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mayahoodblog.com\/?p=4946"},"modified":"2014-08-19T21:45:51","modified_gmt":"2014-08-20T01:45:51","slug":"tips-new-parents-reduce-postpartum-backache-giveaway-ontario","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mayahoodblog.com\/tips-new-parents-reduce-postpartum-backache-giveaway-ontario\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for New Parents to Reduce Postpartum Backache – Giveaway {Ontario}"},"content":{"rendered":"
It’s amazing how much your body changes once you have a baby. \u00a0I feel that in a certain way, I’ll never be able to get my pre-baby body back. I often hear the same sentiments from other fellow moms. \u00a0One of the biggest changes that impacted me through pregnancy and postpartum\u00a0when I had my first son was my knees. \u00a0As an avid runner, I always prided myself on how well my knees held up. \u00a0That all changed when I gained 40 pounds during my first (and second) pregnancy and was left with a nagging knee injury. \u00a0Postpartum, my knees didn’t get any better and working out didn’t help either. \u00a0That’s when I decided to seek the support of a Chiropractor. \u00a0It was amazing how much better my knee felt only after a few weeks of sessions. \u00a0My chiropractor also gave me some great advice on how to work-out safer and bend when picking up, holding and putting down my newborn.<\/a><\/p>\n While knee joint pains are just some of the issues I experienced during pregnancy and postpartum, I know that the most common pain is backache. \u00a0That’s why the\u00a0Ontario Chiropractic Association<\/a>\u00a0 has put together some great tips on how to reduce postpartum backache.<\/p>\n Tips for new parents to reduce postpartum backache include:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n 1.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Keep your baby close –<\/b>\u00a0Bring your baby close to your chest while picking up and putting down. The closer you hold your baby to your body, the less strain on your back.<\/p>\n 2.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A bag\u2019s not just a bag –\u00a0<\/b>Choosing a diaper bag that will help distribute weight evenly across your body will help avoid the stress of isolated muscles overcompensating for unevenly distributed weight.<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Turn off twisting –\u00a0<\/b>By avoiding a twisting motion while picking up your child, you\u2019ll avoid straining muscles.<\/p>\n 4.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Eyes up front –<\/b>\u00a0Consider using a \u201cfront pack\u201d to carry your newborn baby when you\u2019re heading out for the day; for older babies switch to a back carrier to protect your back.<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0If you don\u2019t need it, leave it –<\/b>\u00a0Diapers, yes. Soother, check! 3 changes of clothes and half a dozen story books, you can leave that at home. You\u2019re a new mother and don\u2019t need to add any excessive weight on your shoulders!<\/p>\n 6.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Feeding frenzy \u2013<\/b>\u00a0When nursing, use a comfortable, upright chair and ensure you bring the baby to you, instead of bending forward to reach. Pillows of different shapes and sizes can be used to help support your lower back, arms and the weight of baby while feeding.<\/p>\n 7.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Stretch and stabilize\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0–<\/b>\u00a0While baby enjoys some tummy time, join them on the floor and stretch your neck\/upper back or do some exercises to strengthen and stabilize your core<\/p>\n 8.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Mommy fitness<\/b>\u00a0–<\/b>\u00a0Resume exercise as soon as your health care provider gives you the go ahead; put baby in the stroller or in a front carrier and go for a walk every day.\u00a0 The exercise and change of scenery are stimulating for both mom and baby.<\/p>\n 9.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Trouble in the tub –<\/b>\u00a0Bending over a tub can put a lot of strain on your back; try to keep your little one as close to you as possible to avoid reaching or twisting.\u00a0 If kneeling beside the tub kneel on a non-slip mat to try to take the pressure off of your knees.<\/p>\n Routinely lifting a 7-10 pound infant up to 50 times a day can create crushing damage to your back if you\u2019re not taking proper precautions. By the time a child is a year old a parent is lifting and carrying up to 17 pounds numerous times a day.<\/p>\n Regardless of the weight of the child, the combination of carrying a baby and a\u00a0diaper bag puts ample stress on a new mother\u2019s spine. With a baby in one arm and a diaper bag on the other, keeping stress off your lower back is a balancing act. That’s why the Ontario Chiropractic Association is giving away a diaper bag filled with goodies valued at $100.<\/strong> The prize pack will include a baby-and-me yoga video, a portable foot massager, an exercise ball, an active heat wrap for back pain, and of course, a new diaper bag for all the goodies to go in.\u00a0Enter the giveaway via Rafflecopter below (please\u00a0give it a\u00a0few seconds to load).\u00a0\u00a0Contest is open to residents of Ontario, Canada.\u00a0Contest ends Tuesday September 2nd, 2014.\u00a0Good-luck!<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nGiveaway<\/h1>\n