05/05/2025
🍼 Posture and feeding your baby 💕
Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, long periods of time holding your baby can lead to neck pain, back pain, or even wrist pain!
The way you hold your body during feeding can make a huge difference in your comfort. Here are a few posture tips to make your feeding journey smoother:
1️⃣ Sit Upright, Not Slouched 🪑
When you're feeding, aim to sit with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Use a good chair to support your posture and avoid hunching over. Think of gently lengthening your spine as if a string is pulling you upwards. This can reduce neck and back tension.
2️⃣ Support Your Elbows 🤲
Use cushions or pillows to support your elbows and baby's weight so your arms aren’t straining.
3️⃣ Keep Baby Close 👶
The more you can bring your baby to your breast/the bottle (instead of leaning forward or bending your wrist), the less strain you’ll put on your back, neck and wrists. Consider using a feeding pillow or adjusting the height of your seat to keep your baby at a comfortable level.
4️⃣ Use a Footstool 🦶
A small footstool or cushion under your feet can keep your body aligned and reduce pressure on your lower back.
5️⃣ Alternate Sides and Positions 🔄
Don’t forget to switch up your feeding positions from time to time. It can give your body a chance to recover from repetitive strain.
6️⃣ Take Breaks and Move 🚶♀️
Try to get up and stretch when you can. Simple movements, like rolling your shoulders or gently stretching your neck, can go a long way in preventing stiffness.
Feeding can be a lovely bonding experience, but it doesn’t have to come with unnecessary discomfort. If you’re struggling with pain or posture issues, reach out to a women's health physiotherapist—we can help give you guidance, exercises as well as using hands-on techniques such as massage and joint mobilisations to reduce discomfort!