Positioning affects more than latch.
One of the most challenging aspects of being a new mom is breastfeeding. Some mothers latch quickly and produce milk without much trouble, but for many others, being a beginner in this area is genuinely difficult. One of the most common problems is positioning, which takes a toll on a mother's body mechanics over time. Physical therapy can help new mothers with breastfeeding and with the challenges that come along with it.
Support for mom and baby, together.
In a typical session, you bring your baby along and use pillows or propping while your therapist guides you through better positioning. Slouching down toward the baby is discouraged; instead, the goal is a neutral back position with the shoulders and back supported, and the arms supported by pillows as well.
Your therapist will typically offer postural advice you can practice at home, including shoulder stretches, such as a doorway pectoral stretch at roughly 60, 90, and then 120 degrees, gently rotating the chest away from the arm until a moderate stretch is felt on each side. Neck stretches often include an upper trapezius stretch, gently tilting the head and holding for 20 seconds, repeated three times, and a levator scapula stretch, gently rotating the head toward the armpit and holding for 20 seconds, also repeated three times, using a hand to gently deepen each stretch. Upper back stretches using a chair, arching the back over the chair with the head supported by the hands and elbows open, held for 20 seconds and repeated as needed, round out the routine.
Relief for neck and back strain.
Looking down frequently to check on latching can cause real neck and back strain. A physical therapist helps manage that pain and teaches exercises that can meaningfully reduce it over time.
Catching mastitis early.
Mastitis is one of the most common infections a lactating mother might encounter. It usually happens when milk ducts become blocked, causing pain, decreased milk production, and sometimes breastfeeding cessation, since stimulation from the baby's sucking can become uncomfortable. Physical therapy uses non-invasive methods to help address this problem.
Making room to recover, too.
Physical therapists also teach relaxation techniques as part of the treatment plan. After sessions focused on infection control, pain management, and positioning, guiding a mother toward relaxation, especially at home, is an important final piece. Deep breathing paired with focused relaxation of specific areas of the body can turn this time with your baby into something closer to true bliss.
Treatment is always coordinated with your physician, so your care stays individualized. If you are a new mother and want to know more about how physical therapy can help with breastfeeding, get in touch with us today.