QuestionHi Brenda,
I delivered a baby two months ago but very soon after the baby's birth i started having lower back pain and the pain often shifts to the hip joints also.I wake up every morning with severe body pain and particularly in the lower part of the body. I have gained 10kg extra weight during the time of pregnancy and because of the body pain iam not able to exercise also. please suggest something for this lower back pain and how to plan out for weight loss.
Thanks and regards,
Shiji
AnswerDear Shiji,
Postpartum back pain is caused by a number of factors. While you were pregnant, your expanding uterus weakened your abdominal muscles and changed your posture, putting a strain on your back. So your back may continue to ache until your stomach muscles regain their strength and tone.
A long or difficult labor can also cause sore back muscles because you tend to use muscles that you don't ordinarily use. You can often feel the effects of this for a month or two.
In fact, it's common to have some back pain for the first few months after giving birth. How long the pain persists depends on such factors as whether you have a history of back problems, whether you're overweight, and how soon you begin to strengthen your abdominal muscles again with exercise.
An excellent way to accomplish both the tasks of relieving back pain and losing the extra weight is simply walking. This is a gentle form of exercise that can help ease back pain and is safe to start almost immediately after either a vaginal delivery or a C-section. Take it slowly and keep walks short in the first few weeks.
It's also really important to watch your posture and sit up straight when feeding your baby, whether you're nursing or bottle-feeding. With the lower back and pelvic pain, try using a footstool to keep your feet slightly raised off the floor. Choose a comfortable chair with armrests and use lots of pillows to give extra support to your back and arms.
Always bend from your knees and lift objects and children from a crouching position to minimize the stress on your back. Let someone else lift heavy objects; this isn't the time to risk throwing your back out.
Treat yourself to a massage. It may not address the underlying source of your back pain, but it will help you relax and can temporarily soothe pulled muscles, tense shoulders, and lower back pain. It really can work wonders. If finances are strained with the new baby right now - it's an excellent idea for a Christmas gift!
Take a warm bath or a try a heating pad to ease soreness and tension. If heat does not help you, try using ice to the affected area. Whichever source you use, protect your skin.
I hope these ideas help you and that I've answered your question. I wish you well and a joyous Christmas season with your new babe!
Brenda
