![\"cramps](\"https:\/\/mommyinstinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/cramps-and-lower-back-pain-while-breastfeeding-1.jpg\" "\\"cramps")
<\/span><\/p>\nWhy do women have cramps while breastfeeding?<\/h3>\n
Cramps are also known as uterine afterbirth pains, or simply understood as the result of your uterus contracting to help it return to its original size before giving birth<\/a>. This process is called involution.<\/p>\n Uterine pain after childbirth is usually mild for first-time mothers and does not last long. But these symptoms can be quite bothersome after the second birth and often worsen with each subsequent birth. <\/p>\n That’s because first-time moms tend to have better uterine muscles, which means the uterus can contract and retract more than the uterus stretching and contracting intermittently, leading to postnatal cramps.<\/p>\n Cramps will be most intense during the first day or two after birth, but they should subside around the third day. However, it may take six weeks or so for your uterus to return to its normal size.<\/p>\n Breastfeeding can make cramping symptoms worse or make them more intense because breastfeeding triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin, which in turn causes contractions. <\/p>\n However, breastfeeding is a good thing as breastfeeding cramps help your uterus shrink to its normal size faster, reducing the risk of postpartum anemia caused by blood loss.<\/p>\n Back pain is not a problem that can go away overnight, it can last a long time, depending on each person.<\/p>\n Many moms experience lower back pain in the second trimester and it continues for a few months after giving birth.<\/p>\n The main culprit behind postpartum back pain is hormones. The body normally releases progesterone and relaxin during pregnancy to help relax the ligaments and joints of the pelvis or make it easier for the baby to be delivered during labor. Because these hormones can persist for a long time, they can easily lead to back pain.<\/p>\n The labor process also plays a part in your postpartum back pain. If you choose to give birth vaginally while pushing, many muscles will begin to feel overloaded and tight.<\/p>\n The lack of sleep due to having to take care of the baby, bending over, and holding the child up makes the back area suffer a lot.<\/p>\n Incorrect breastfeeding posture will also stress the lower back muscles, causing back pain. This is one of the most common reasons for new moms, especially first-time moms. <\/p>\n Here are some tips to help limit cramps and lower back pain while breastfeeding that you can refer to.<\/p>\n Wrong breastfeeding posture is the most common cause of back pain and cramps. There are a lot of unwitting mothers who can do so. <\/p>\n You should not lean forward or let your body loose. It has also been found that many women feel uncomfortable with certain breastfeeding positions. <\/p>\n Therefore, try breastfeeding in different positions to find the most suitable and comfortable position.<\/p>\n Comfortable breastfeeding positions that you should adopt:<\/p>\n Occasionally, you will find yourself leaning slightly forward to make it easier for your baby to breastfeed. However, this can put a lot of pressure on your back. <\/p>\n Instead, use pillows under your baby’s back and bottom to bring his\/her closer to your breasts. Also, use a back pillow when breastfeeding.<\/p>\n I have a guide on how to find the best nursing pillow here<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you sit in a chair to feed your baby, another important thing is to choose the right type of chair. Avoid sitting in a deeply cushioned chair because it will easily cause back pain. Instead, choose a sturdy chair and sit in an upright position.<\/p>\n Walking is very effective in strengthening the muscles in your back as well as your chest. No matter how busy taking care of a baby is, you should still try to set aside at least 15 minutes a day for a walk. <\/p>\n Daily walking will help your muscles to be active and relaxed. From there, it will improve cramps and back pain when breastfeeding.<\/p>\n Make sure you check out my guide on all the super fast self-care tips<\/a> that you can do in less than 5 minutes a day.<\/p>\n Getting enough rest after giving birth is of the utmost importance to any mother, especially if you have recently given birth. To get rid of back pain while breastfeeding, take care of yourself. <\/p>\n You should take advantage of a few minutes of naps when your baby sleeps instead of trying to stay awake to do housework because this only makes the pain last or even worse over time.<\/p>\n I’ve found out that sleeping with a pillow under your knees helps reducing back pain.<\/p>\n When engrossed in taking care of newborns, many mothers easily forget their need to drink water. Dehydration not only makes you feel tired and exhausted, but it can also lead to many different types of aches and pains, such as postpartum upper back pain and cramps. <\/p>\n Therefore, you should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day to avoid this situation from happening.<\/p>\n You can take an ice pack, place it on the painful back and cramping area for about 20 minutes, rest for 10 to 15 minutes, and then apply heat. This is a great way to relieve lower back pain and postpartum middle back pain while breastfeeding.<\/p>\n Negative feelings like anger, stress, or even postpartum depression are very common for new mothers. They affect the mind and have a negative impact on health, such as causing back pain or cramps in nursing mothers. <\/p>\n If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, ask your husband or loved one to help keep an eye on the baby so you can get a little extra rest and do what it takes to feel more comfortable.<\/p>\n After giving birth, the mother should ask for the support of massage and acupressure methods to stimulate blood circulation, effectively dispelling aches and pains. Not only that, but this therapy also works to reduce stress, helping to feel more relaxed.<\/p>\nWhy do women have lower back pain after giving birth?<\/h3>\n
9 Ways To Relieve Cramps And Lower Back Pain While Breastfeeding<\/h2>\n
Pay attention to the breastfeeding posture<\/h3>\n
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Use cushions or nursing pillow<\/h3>\n
Use the right type of chair<\/h3>\n
Walk for pain relief<\/h3>\n
Rest at the same time as the baby<\/h3>\n
Drink lots of water<\/h3>\n
Alternating hot and cold compresses<\/h3>\n
Limit stress<\/h3>\n
Massage and acupressure<\/h3>\n
![\"cramps](\"https:\/\/mommyinstinct.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/cramps-and-lower-back-pain-while-breastfeeding-2.jpg\" "\\"cramps")
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