Just under 4 million babies are born in the United States each year. If you’re one of these new moms, you’re rightfully reaching out for all of the advice and help you can get.
One oft-overlooked area of new mom training is the slew of common injuries that come with caring for a little one. Yes, that less-than-ten-pound bundle of joy can cause some physical pain and suffering to you, even after labor. But if you’re ahead of the curve, you can avoid hurting yourself or, at least, learn how to treat your aches when they happen.
Hare are the most common injuries for which you can prepare yourself as a new mom.
1. Herniated Hips
As soon as your baby starts holding up their head usually at around six months old chances are, you’ll start balancing them on one of your hips. Lots of moms do this, too, but there can be consequences if you hold your baby on the same side for years.
Over time, the hip that holds up the baby can suffer from painful herniation, and the knee on the other side might start to hurt, too. To avoid the pain, use a sling to hold your little one up, taking the brunt of the work off of you and your hip.
If you’ve already hurt your hip, then take an over-the-counter pain reliever to dull the ache. Try very gentle stretching to relieve the tension, too.
2. Carseat Elbow and Shoulder
Your baby’s car seat provides a shell of protection while they ride in the back seat. It’s nice and big and bulky for that reason. But that means it’s a huge pain to have to carry your little on to and from the car.
When we say pain, we mean that quite literally. The car seat will pull down on your elbow and shoulder as you lug it to the car or into a restaurant. So, after every journey with the car seat, be sure to straighten your arm and stretch your elbow. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner or friends to carry the car seat for a bit, either.
As for your shoulder, use strength exercise to bulk it up and protect more delicate muscles, such as the rotator cuff. You don’t want to develop rotator cuff disorder or other shoulder-based injuries that would require physical therapy or, worse yet, surgery.
3. Mother’s Wrist
Your baby’s asleep, finally, but you’re holding your hand in a weird position. Do you keep it there and placate your snoozing infant, or do you move it and hope they don’t wake up?
If you have a baby, you already know the answer it’s don’t move, even if you’re in pain. That’s what often happens when caretakers develop mother’s wrist, also known as De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Holding your wrist in a bent position for a long period of time can cause constant, nagging pain.
The best way to cure mother’s wrist is to stop using the joint. As a new mom, though, that’s a near-impossible ask. The second-best way to cure the problem would be to invest in a wrist brace and be aware of your arm’s position as your baby starts to nod off. Re-adjust before they start snoring!
4. Baby Scratches
You’re probably thinking, does a scratch count as an injury? You’re only asking that because, well, you’ve never been scratched by a baby before.
Somehow, the tiniest humans happen to have the sharpest nails. Even if you clip them, they’re deadly. Gentle contact can result in broken skin and bleeding, not to mention some serious pain on your part.
So, prevent baby scratches by putting your baby in little fuzzy mittens. If you do get a bad scratch, clean it before applying an antibacterial ointment and a bandage. Once that happens, we bet you won’t forget step one mittens will be a must-have for your little one.
5. Backaches
Adulthood brings on backaches motherhood just makes them more pronounced. It makes sense, too, since you’re carrying around a baby all of the time. You’re putting more pressure on your back and core to keep you upright, which eventually causes pain in the area.
You can assuage such feelings by working to strengthen your lower back and core with quick workouts some take less than 10 minutes. Signing up for a massage or a chiropractor visit can further relieve tension and restore your muscles to their prior, pain-free selves.
Be the Best For You and Baby
Your health is more important than ever your little guy or lady depends on you. So, while you take care of them, be sure to take care of yourself. That way, you can be the best parent possible, one that’s healthy and happy, just like the baby you’ve just begun to raise.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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