Anyone else have side-effects of pregnancy continuing during b/feeding?

[marsup]

I started getting SPD at the end of pregnancy,and now 4.5 months after giving birth I am constantly straining my ankles, back and mainly wrists. I tore a ligament in my left wrist 2.5 months ago and can hardly move my thumb now. Apparently I'm vulnerable because of hormones that are still present because I'm b/feeding, but I really like b/feeding and don't want to stop yet. Has anyone else had this sort of problem? is it really the b/feeding that is to blame?

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I did my back both times after dd1 and ds, and had endless back problems for ages afterwards. This time I managed to do my ankle, which actually still hurts, even three months later. Also I keep waking up at night with pins and needles in my hands 'cos I'm lying awkwardly.

I'm not convinced it's the feeding, I think it's just the postnatal hormones. Try Pilates for serious back and body strengthening, and simple hand-held weights for the arms and hands. Really -- it makes a difference. Also worth trying a chiropracter to get your alignment checked.

hth

Hi Marsup

I gave birth 6 months ago and am still suffering with twinges - particularly across the pubic bone. Gets very bad if I push a buggy for too long (esp if both ds1 and ds2 are loaded).

I had SPD with both pregnancies and was hoping to have seen the end of it when I had ds2. I think you're right regarding the hormone issue. I'm still breastfeeding as well.

I guess all we can do is be extra careful when lifting / breastfeeding etc. Easier said than done, I know. Have you spoken to your GP at all and had any physio? I was hoping to get a referral to an osteopath.

Not much help, but I know what you're going thru.

didn't suffer with spd at all with first but was very painful during second pregnancy. gave birth 18 mths ago to second and tbh it still has not totally gone away. got much better around the time of stopping feeding but still get it especially before and during periods so I am convinced it is hormonal. Hope your pain is not too bad - it will lessen in time.

Marsup ... I know where you are coming from. I still have SPD twinges 14 weeks on from having DD especially if I walk for a long time. And I have a sore neck pretty much all the time, but I think that is down to my constantly looking at DD when she is feeding 'cos she is just soooooooo gorgeous ... that and talking on the phone when carrying dd - very bad habit and must stop ....
My osteopath is really helpful ... I go and see him when it gets too bad ...
I'd love to do Pilates but can't find the time ...

The obstetric physio who did my antenatal classes first time around said that the hormone that causes spd (relaxin?) stays in your system for up to a year - whether or not you breastfeed.
Dunno if this is right but its what I was told.

I'm seeing an osteopath for my back, but when she has tried to do something for my wrist she has only made it worse. I've managed to get referred to an NHS physiotherapist for that and acupuncture seems to help. It is reassuring in a way that other people have had similar problems and susanmt - if it is not the b/feeding then I can keep going!! Well actually I had planned to stop fairly soon because of going back to work, but Ihadn't counted on liking it so much. Like Ghosty I get a sore neck from gazing down at the exquisite little sucking creature while feeding.

There is a theory that breastfeeding keeps the relaxin in your system longer, I'm afraid. Which would link to the SPD, and also to the separate issue of your other ligaments.

SPD takes bloody ages to go away. Mine has now just about gone, thanks to osteopathy. DD2's 10 months, though. Oh, and I am still breastfeeding.

I had spd with my 2nd pregnancy, but thankfully it went 4 days after the birth and I breast fed for 9 months.

I hope you can get it under control, it would be a shame to finish bf before you are ready.