When you talk about the struggles of being a new mom, many dive into subjects like mood swings or sleep deprivation. Physical well-being is often overlooked despite the amount of mom injuries that can come up during this period. Ensure you’re at your best self by learning how to
prevent these.

Here are 9 common “Mom Injuries” and how to prevent them:

1. Sore Wrist

It’s a joy to hold your little one close to you. However, bending your wrist too much can strain the area. To avoid soreness, try to keep your hand and wrist aligned while carrying your baby. Readjust until you feel comfortable.

2. Stiff Neck

Neck pain can arise when you’re resting your baby by your collarbone or even when you’re breastfeeding. Consider rolling back your neck to add a little bit of motion. You can also switch which shoulders you use when cradling them to distribute pressure along your body.

3. Mommy Shoulder

Feel a little tension on your shoulders? You may have forgotten to alternate between each one when holding your baby, or you’ve been carrying too heavy of a baby bag lately. Give these areas a little massage. Moms can also practice a few shoulder stretches here and there.

4. Tennis Elbow

Even without playing sports, moms can experience tennis elbow. The condition mostly occurs due to overuse, so one of the best ways to avoid this is to lay your baby down and rest.

5. Pulled Back Muscles

Poor posture and repetitive motion are hard to avoid when you’re focused on your child. You can usually manage pulled muscles through immediate rest. If there’s lingering inflammation, wrap some ice cubes in a towel and place it on for 20 minutes or less. Further reduce the pain
with a compression bandage.

6. Hip Aches

One of the most common ways to carry your kid is to hold them on one hip and tilt the pelvis for balance. However, while this frees up a hand, you may be setting yourself up for hip pain. As often as the situation allows it, make sure you’re carrying your baby with both arms without leaning.

7. Scratches on the Eye

As lovable as your baby is, it’s pretty tough when they decide to poke or scratch your eye out of the blue. Try to keep your face away from their little grabbers as much as possible. You can also take extra precautions by clipping their nails as short as possible.

8. Heel Pain

New moms love being on their feet when tending to their newborns and their needs. That said, being a supermom is a little hard on the heels at times. Remember to hit pause and just sit down now and then. You can still carry your baby and play with them while on the couch or bed.

9. Swelling

Swelling around the stomach area when you have a C-section is uncomfortable. Full recovery could take anywhere from four to six weeks or more, so ask your partner, family member or best friend to assist with carrying your baby first while you rest.

What to Do When You Get Mom Injuries

If you do experience any mom injuries, try to consult a medical professional. Resting or icing the affected area should also do the trick to keep the pain at bay. You can also practice stretching for further prevention.

Exercise like running is also ideal for increasing mobility and strength. It’s best to wait about 12 weeks after giving birth before you start running again. Even then, you should keep it to just 20-minute sessions at least three times a week to avoid overwhelming your body.

Pay Attention to Your Health, Too

From stiffness to pulled muscles to downright pain, there are numerous conditions you have to be wary of as you start being a mom. Paying attention to your physique and preventing all these can help you become a healthier version of yourself and care for your new baby more efficiently. You got this!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mia Barnes is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at Body+Mind

Cover image by Karolina Grabowska