After giving birth, your body has been through quite a great ordeal and it definitely takes its toll on you, not to mention your cute baby who may not want to let you rest as often as you'd like.

 

The first 6 weeks after having a baby is really an important time to rest and look after yourself. The pregnancy hormones (particulary relaxin) are still active in your body for a few weeks after having a baby. These hormones cause ligaments to stretch inorder to allow for birth, however it also means that you may be more prone to injury as you ligaments are more lax therefore causing joints to be less stable.

Therefore, it's important not to over exert your body in this time.

 

Few tips on how to prevent pain/injury:

 

• Try not to lift heavy items –rule of thumb; in the first 6 weeks try not to lift anything heavier than your baby, that includes older toddlers. Rather ask for help when available and instead of lifting toddles, ask them to climb onto you when sitting or sit on the floor to play with them.

 

• .If breastfeeding or even bottle feeding choose a comfortable chair that supports your back and feet. Make sure your hips are at a comfortable height and arms supported. Use a small stool/ packet of nappies to help bring knees up closer and use pillows underneath the baby so as not to bend over to the baby when feeding. Otherwise you may end up with back and neck pain.

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• Wear supportive maternity bras , unsupportive bras can also cause back, neck and shoulder pain.

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• When changing nappies try to do it in standing or standing on knees (if done in bed) so as not to bend over as this can cause back pain when done reputedly throughout the day.

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• When going to the toilet in the first few days after having a baby, bowel movements may still be painful. Try using a stool for your feet which will raise your hips above 90degrees, lean forward with your body and try applying pressure to the vagina area. This position can assist in making bowel movements more comfortable.