Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural bonding experience, but for many new mothers, it can bring unexpected physical discomfort especially neck pain. Whether it's neck pain from nursing, poor breastfeeding posture, or shoulder and neck pain during pregnancy, these issues are incredibly common and often overlooked.
Why Does Breastfeeding Cause Neck Pain?
Many women experience breastfeeding neck pain due to repetitive movements and improper positioning. Common causes include:
Repetitive Motion: Constantly turning your head to feed on both sides or gazing down for long periods can strain the neck muscles.
Poor Breastfeeding Posture: Hunching over or craning your neck forward during feeds creates ongoing tension in your upper back and shoulders.
Muscle Imbalances: Holding your baby more on one side or using unsupported nursing positions can lead to uneven strain and postpartum neck pain.
Some moms even report that neck pain during pregnancy begins before their baby arrives, especially during the third trimester. So, you might be wondering when does neck pain start during pregnancy? It varies, but stress, posture, and hormonal changes can all contribute even before delivery.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help Postpartum Neck Pain
Chiropractic care offers a safe and effective way to manage both postnatal chiropractic issues and discomfort from breastfeeding posture. Here's how it helps:
- Postural Corrections & Adjustments: A postpartum chiropractor can evaluate and realign your spine to relieve tension from pregnancy or nursing-related strain.
- Targeted Exercises & Stretches: These help loosen tight muscles and build strength where needed, preventing recurring neck pain from nursing.
- Holistic Stress Reduction: Postpartum life can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. Chiropractic care supports your nervous system, helping you feel more grounded and less fatigued.
Tips for Preventing Breastfeeding Neck Pain
To reduce the risk of postpartum neck pain, try these simple adjustments:
- Use a nursing pillow or extra cushions to support your arms and elevate your baby
- Sit in a chair with good back support and keep your shoulders relaxed
- Alternate breastfeeding positions to avoid overloading one side
- Take short breaks to stretch during or between feeds
These small changes can go a long way in protecting your neck and shoulders as you care for your baby.
Find Postpartum Chiropractic Near You
At VSWI Chiropractic, we specialize in postnatal chiropractic care to help new moms move, feed, and recover with more ease. Our expert team, Dr. Aaron and Dr. Annette are trained in supporting women through every stage: pregnancy, delivery, and beyond.
If you're dealing with shoulder and neck pain during pregnancy or struggling with neck pain from breastfeeding, you're not alone and you don’t have to push through it.
Click to schedule a consultation with our team and explore how postpartum chiropractic care near you can make a lasting difference.
