Dealing With Body Pain as a New Mom with Little Time for Self-Care

Between sleepless nights and endless loads of laundry, there’s hardly any scope for self-care as a new mom. Even months after childbirth, things can seem relentless. Growing children go through phases like sleep regressions and teething pains that may make rest even harder.

Many women experience body pains for an extended period after having a baby. Some of these pains are down to hormonal upswings and general fatigue. Others may have less innocuous causes.

In any case, dealing with body pain is a prerequisite for living a more fulfilled and calmer life as a parent and an individual.

*This post is not written by a doctor and not intended to diagnose or treat any conditions. If you are having medical issues, please consult a doctor before taking medication.

Pain Relief That Won’t Affect Your Breast Milk

A worrying thought enters the minds of many new moms who are breastfeeding: What if I fall ill and must take medication? Some drugs are not recommended during breastfeeding as they may have residues in the milk. Among painkillers, many doctors warn against aspirin and codeine.  

The Breastfeeding Network, a UK-based advisory organization, observes that paracetamol and ibuprofen are safe medicines for lactating mothers. However, aspirin could have a connection to Reye’s syndrome. It is an inflammatory condition that could follow a viral infection.

It can be a concern if you are used to taking aspirin to deal with headaches or period pain. However, your doctor can prescribe you safe pain relief options like paracetamol. It is safe when not used in combination with other, potentially unsuitable, drugs.

Period Pain Management to Keep You Up and About

Cramps and other associated period pains can feel much harder after becoming a parent.

While some women don’t resume their period for several months after childbirth, others have a different schedule. Periods can be a discomfort for busy new moms who have a hundred errands and little time to rest with a heat pad. Taking a painkiller may also not be optimal for those who feel drowsy and tired afterwards.

You can deal with this situation through neurobiological options that suppress pain signals and trigger the body’s natural responses. An advanced period cramp relief machine can send micropulses to shut the gateway that delivers pain cues to the brain. It is a drug-free approach that allows you to be pain-free and complete your daily tasks more easily.

It is reassuring to see how scientific research has made it possible for women to find relief from period cramps without resorting to strong medication. Livia notes that the relief from such devices can be instant, within 30-60 seconds. Even so, this approach does not cause side effects or build tolerance.

The FDA has approved this pain management approach, reinstating its safety. However, breastfeeding women should consult with their GP. (Many lactating women don’t have periods, which can be a relief. But we are all different, after all.)

Lifestyle Adjustments to Reduce the Odds of Back Pain

Back pain, primarily in the lower back, is quite common among many new moms. The reasons differ, but they usually relate to hormonal changes and muscle strain. Poor posture during breastfeeding and performing other baby-related chores also strains the back.

Thankfully, these pains aren’t something one must endure for months. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends starting light exercises to improve back and leg flexibility. It will help your muscles work more smoothly during activities like lifting or carrying your baby.

Investing in ergonomic furniture, like an armchair with a backrest, can make breastfeeding more comfortable. It can be tempting to nurse while sitting on the bed, but an upright chair is more sustainable in the long run. You won’t need to bend over the baby either. You can bring them to the breast instead.

It is essential to receive clearance for exercise from your doctor before starting any program, such as yoga or pilates. Moms who have had C-section deliveries may require a longer healing time.

Choosing to Seek Medical Attention for Severe Pain

In rare cases, severe pain can indicate a possibly undiagnosed but serious health problem. 

For postpartum women, a sharp headache with blurry vision is a serious concern. The Washington Post reports the experience of a mom who faced a thunderclap headache a few days after childbirth. It turned out to be an intracerebral hemorrhage in her brain. Post-pregnancy strokes are not uncommon, which is why seeking urgent help for such symptoms is crucial.

Another condition to watch out for is the possibility of osteoporosis, a depletion in bone density that can make you prone to fractures. Some women face mineral density loss during breastfeeding, which can manifest as sudden but intense pain in the lower back and spine.

While these conditions are rare, being aware is crucial to differentiate between regular pain and a potentially life-altering problem. It can be easy to confuse the two during an overwhelming time in life when you function on little sleep and inadequate rest.

You cannot pour from an empty cup, they say. Moms have a lot on their plates. Ignoring our needs will leave us incapable of attending to the needs of our loved ones. 

Let’s not ignore body pain or treat it as an inevitable side effect of being a parent. A few concrete steps to prevent and manage pain can also make a palpable difference to everyday comfort and happiness.