Breastfeeding back pain - help!

[BecDann]

Hi all
My baby is 8 weeks old and loves to bf for long spells day and night. All was going well but more recently I've been in absolute agony with my shoulders and back. I have tried changing positions but the only time i can get any marginal comfort is when lying down and applying heat. (Not always possible when dd decides she needs feeding immediately). I've started expressing milk and getting my husband to doing bottle feeds but this isn't ideal and hes not around during the day. I'm doing regular stretching etc but I think the problem dates back to an injury I obtained a few years back. Has anyone had back problems whilst breastfeeding that can provide some advice? Pls help! Ive been for a massage, to a physio and to my gp but the being in the same positions regularly for long periods means I'm not getting any time to heal. Any advice welcome!

Hi, I have issues with back pain when feeding dd too - have had lower back pain issues previously before having dd. I found the best position for me when feeding is laying on my side on the bed as this tends to minimise the levels of pain. I also use cooling gel on the painful areas of my back which sometimes helps. Back pain is so annoying so you have my sympathies and I hope you find something that works for you. Dd is 16 weeks now and have found that the time she feeds for is usually less than it used to be - think she just sucks the milk out more efficiently now so hopefully as your dc gets a bit older the feeding times will reduce too which will make things easier for you and your back.

Lying down you can do either on your side of your back. Also try walking whilst feeding (there's a knack to it) so you're not still.

Thanks for the advice! I will try walking too and see how i go. Yes hopefully as she gets bigger her feeds will be a little quicker. I hate wishing this time away as its so precious but I am not enjoying it as I'm overcome with pain

Your problem is not unusual, many women feel as though they've fallen downstairs for quite a while after giving birth, breast or bottle fed. Bless you it will go. You're in 'early days' yet.

Have you considered using a breastfeeding bed? This would provide you with neck and back support. Check out bellamoon.co

Yes I am in early days so I will persevere The breastfeeding bed looks ace. Something like this would be a tremendous help. I will look into it further. Thanks for the tip. I didnt know this was a thing!

If you have a long foam roller I found lying on it (along its length) and doing shoulder drops (arms to ceiling, stretch up and bring them down, wrapping your shoulder blades round the roller) helped with a bit of release. (Be careful getting back up especially if you had any kind of separation). The shoulder and upper back is sometimes a result of tightness across the chest (from leaning forward) so arm openings can also help a bit - or they did for me.

Thanks @megasaur5keeper. I have actually been doing this for a while and it does help but doesn't heal, if you know what I mean. I have bit the bullet and bought a breastfeeding bed (the Bellamoon as recommended above). Early Christmas present from hubby to me [santa] It arrived 2 days ago and so far its helping. Its actually really comfortable. Combined with foam roller, heat, cooling pads and stretching I'm feeling confident it will get easier from here! Thanks for all your advice mamas!