What was your back like after childbirth?

[Bluepanda86]

I wrote a post earlier in the week as I was struggling with back pain and also concerned about my mood after the recent birth of my DD2.

I was advised last week by the physio team for women's health at my local hospital to self refer to another physio company locally and complete a referral form to explain my reasons for getting in contact.

Fast forward to yesterday and I received a call from the hospital to bring forward a physio appointment with them to next week.

I am currently on naproxen which meant I had to pause breastfeeding and express meanwhile to keep milk flow going but not give milk to DD2.

My back is that bad I can barely walk/ stand for too long and had to move downstairs in my house so i could access bathroom facilities. It is too much to go up and down stairs.

All this combined has impacted on day to day and the feeling of mum guilt is too consuming at times.

I had physio with DD1 but not this early after childbirth.

I do have a history of having a bad back as well.

Just wondered what other mums have gone through?

What kind of back pain is it? Whereabouts? Can you tell if muscular/boney/something inside like kidneys?
I had some strange pain after childbirth which was caused by being in a really unnatural position for a few hours giving birth. It was mild nerve damage and the pain was a sort of prickly pain and also numbness. But I'm guessing that's not what you're meaning. So maybe if you can narrow it down to eg muscular pain, and where it is exactly, people might be able to help a bit better.
It sucks being unwell with a new baby, you have my sympathies.

The best way I can describe it is in the lower back area (lumbar). At first it felt like my coccyx was aggravated and both sides of my lower pain were tender then the pain moved partially to the right of my lower back where i already have slipped discs and the pain slightly moved around the top of my right hip.

I was feeling better but then at the end of last weekend I started to feel the pull again in my lower back area on both sides. Nothing was working with ibuprofen or paracetamol with help and heat compress would help temporarily. It feels like that area is so inflamed or at least to tender because it hurts when I stand up or sit down and I struggle to lie down as well.

I have been told by my midwives could have it could have been caused by labour or affected by my previous history with my back but that has made me struggle with the postnatal exercises that they suggest after birth.

Did you have an epidural? These can cause back problems. This isn’t in any way usual and you need to keep pushing them to help, and a physio referral

The other thing that won't be helping is that your core will be ruined so anything that used to support your back has gone. Physio will be the key to sorting that bit out and the earlier you can start the better.

But please don't feel guilty there's nothing you can do about it and you are doing your best for your baby ❤️

I had a spinal for surgery to repair a tear post birth and had a lot of lower back pain for about six months afterwards. It got a lot better after that :)

I remember when I was pregnant with DD1 I was told that there is a chance an epidural may not work due to the issue with my slipped discs and it may not provide full pain relief. The labour i had with with DD1 was spontaneous and went overdue by 5 days and the only pain relief I had was gas and air.

With DD2 I went a week over but had an induction planned as the guidelines had changed at the hospital and I was offered to have one at 41 weeks. The induction process triggered labour quicker than first anticipated so the full time scale of Labour was shorter in comparison with DD1. One of the nurses who assist with mental health and who I'm under the care of - suggested that my body may have gone into shock and trauma due to the speed of labour. I did have a water birth as I hoped to assist with pain relief along with gas and air again. But I tore again - same degree in two places as DD1.

I haven't had pain like this since pre children. Monday is my first appointment with the physio team - I'm intrigued to hear what they think is the cause of the pain and the plan from there. It has caused so much emotional pain as well as I currently struggle to pick up DD2/ change her and sometimes feed her if I can't get comfortable. I know it is only short term but it feels so long.

Fucked

Had an epidural

Feels very weak x

Hi OP. So sorry to hear you are struggling.

I had a fast birth with DD (also a water birth) I was in pain for a year afterwards. I had dislocated my coccyx. Wish I'd gone to see about it sooner. (Typical Sports Therapist mentality on my behalf - never took the advice I gave my own clients)

Physio will hopefully help you. As a PP said, a lack of core strength can also be a factor after pregnancy.

Wishing you all the best and hope you get sorted soon. Sending Unmumsnetty hugs x