You do not have to be in pain just because you had a baby

I cannot begin to tell you how many times I hear people say that since having a baby they have more aches and pains. 

Yes, having a baby causes your hormones to shift and sometimes do crazy things. Yes, having a baby means that most likely you are carrying around more weight than you have in the past (most babies come out weighing at least 7lbs). Yes, having a baby means that you put your body in weird positions all day long to play, interact, and be a human jungle gym. But, NO! you do not need to be in pain just because you are now a parent.

There are many things that are important to address when addressing your aches and pains.

Posture: Posture is fairly important, but it is not the end all be all. As a physical therapist, I know the importance of posture and I can tell you that for the first 3 months of my daughter’s life, I was not worrying about my posture. I was sitting A LOT. I was lying down A LOT. I was doing whatever I could to survive the day. I was aware of my bad posture and knew that as my body got stronger my posture would get better.

Sleep: sleep is SOOOOO important! Yes, yes, you have already heard everyone say this. And NO, it is not as easy as “sleep when the baby sleeps”. Both my kids are finally on somewhat of a sleep schedule and guess what?!?! I still cannot sleep! I am very aware of how important sleep is. And I am very aware to take it easy when I am not sleeping well because I know that my body is more “fragile” when I have not gotten enough sleep.

Food intake: this one is one that does hold true. Luckily for me, my daughter was born the day Colorado went on mandatory stay at home orders. We were unsure how or if COVID would affect a new born so we were on strict isolation plan. We had my dad deliver our food from the grocery store to our deck. What did this mean? It meant that I could not get the sweet snacks and treats that I craved. I had my dad get fruits to satisfy my sweet tooth. I am grateful for this because once we started doing our own shopping I started buying sweets and man did I notice that once I put sugar into my body, I had more aches and pains. Sugar causes inflammation so it would make sense that it causes more pain.

Water intake: You body thrives off of water. It is made up of mostly water so it needs water to function properly. Drink half you body weight in oz of water a day. If you are breast feeding and/or exercising drink more! Aim for 100oz if you are breast feeding.

Exercise: YES!!! Exercising the right way will keep your aches and pains at bay or even gone. It is so important to have a strong foundation. After having a baby, when you are spending the first 2 weeks bonding with your baby and letting your body heal from the marathon it just performed, is the best time to start building the strongest foundation for your body. It is important to build your core before building your other muscles. 

You just had a baby. Let you baby grow as your body grows into the temple you have always wanted without aches and pains!