It’s pretty full on, isn’t it?
The first two years of a baby’s life are full of responsibility and hard work on your part. They grow quickly, and need constant care and monitoring. Whilst they can alert you to the fact that they’re unhappy (usually in the middle of the night!), they can’t tell you exactly what is wrong. And you’re left figuring it out, which often means bouncing your baby, pushing your baby in a pushchair or seeking other, often physical, ways to soothe them.
Until they can crawl comfortably, you’re their only mode of transport. And it doesn’t get any easier once they start to walk, as you realise you have supervise every step until they are competent on their own again. And of course, you still have to feed them and change them, added to which, you may well have a baby and a toddler to take care of.
You’re left taking the strain
It’s not hard to see how the demands on you can mount up, and time can be taken up by baby without much time left for you.
Then there are the many extra jobs that muscles have to do during pregnancy and beyond, such as stretching and supporting the growing baby, and giving birth. This can lead to weakness or strains in these muscles, which can be problematic for support of the lower back and pelvic region.
New mums struggle with a variety of aches or pains which often build up over months of baby care. Lower back pain is common, as is shoulder and neck pain, especially as baby gets bigger and heavier, but still wants picking up! So, wouldn’t it be nice to pamper yourself a bit?
You need to be at your best
It might sound clichéd but it really is important to take care of yourself so that you’re in the best possible shape to take care of your baby. You may have very limited time but don’t ignore mild discomfort for too long. Repetitive actions that cause a slight ache can lead to repeated strain of a joint or muscle, and that can lead to increased pain. In other words, putting off dealing with a small problem could lead to a worse situation later on.
Can’t find time for personal fitness?
You may well have found that your previous fitness activities (running, cycling, gym work) can’t be maintained after birth, and as a result, your overall fitness has suffered. Unfortunately, this can affect your ability to adapt to the new demands on your body, and it can also impede your recovery from any problems that do arise.
There is light at the end of the tunnel
Getting back to full fitness can seem like a distant dream for many new mums, but dealing with small issues promptly can help keep you more active and able to cope with your growing baby’s demands.
Minor issues can usually be helped by treatment and exercise advice, and as osteopaths, we’ll look at how care for your baby is helping or hindering your ability to use your body effectively. Due to the ongoing nature of child care, our blend of hands-on treatment and expert advice for exercises and lifestyle changes could help to keep you in good shape for the important years ahead.
