Breast Feeding And Back Pain
When you’re a new mom, you’re probably going to be excited about breastfeeding your baby. After all, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it, (bonding with your baby). Unfortunately, many new moms don’t realize that they will be very prone to back pain while nursing their baby, especially if they don’t get their posture just right!
If you have suffered from back pain while pregnant, it is very likely you will suffer from back pain while breastfeeding your new baby. However, all is not lost. Here are a few tips to get the most out of breastfeeding your baby and keeping your back in good shape.
An excellent supportive chair is essential. It sounds obvious to say, but how comfortable and supportive is the chair you are planning to use to breastfeed your baby. If it’s not supporting your posture correctly, you should consider putting some pillows behind your back to enable you to sit straighter, thus improving your posture.
Bring your baby towards your breast rather than straining your back by bending over him. In my time as a midwife, I’ve seen some horrendous positions adopted by new (and not so new) moms when breastfeeding their baby. Unfortunately, when assuming this type of posture, the ligaments in your back will become strained, and much damage that may become permanent can be done in this area.
Try using a glider or a platform rocker with some arm support to breastfeeding your baby. These can be bought from any store which sells baby products and furniture and can end up becoming an essential piece of equipment in your nursery. It takes the pressure away from your back while letting your arms rest when holding your baby.
Try using a footrest while breastfeeding; A small footstool can be bought very cheaply while your out shopping and again can become an instrumental piece of furniture. When you sit with your feet and legs raised, not only does it rest them, but it also automatically positions your body backward, so your back is more firmly resting against the back of the chair. Again this improves your posture and decreases the chances of you succumbing to back pain.
Breastfeeding should be a pleasurable experience for both you and your baby if you are in discomfort or pain; this will communicate itself to your baby, who will probably become fractious and distressed. In turn, this may lead to feeding problems and, eventually, a situation where you feel unable to continue to breast feed your baby.
Breast Feeding in Public
The key to successfully breastfeeding your baby in public is to be both prepared and organized.
One of the most important things you must check before deciding to breastfeed your baby in public is to check the local rules, regulations, and customs within your local area. If breastfeeding is not allowed under local laws or is frowned upon or forbidden under local businesses, then think about your actions before attempting to breastfeed in public.
It doesn’t matter that you think you should be allowed to breastfeed in public; it’s how the law interprets your most essential actions.
Once you’ve decided you’re ok breast feeding in public, then you have to think about doing it discreetly and tastefully. Many women believe it’s their god-given right to breastfeed their baby in public. While I’m not debating this attitude’s rights and wrongs in this newsletter, I think it’s essential to think about the sensibilities of other people who may not feel the same as you do. After all, their rights and wishes should be respected as well.
One of the first things you should do is wear clothing that allows you to gain easy and instant access to your breasts without flaunting them and making it obvious to others what you are doing. Breastfeeding should be a natural thing, even in public. As there is a vast range of tasteful designer clothing mostly made for “nursing” mothers, there should be no problem finding something to wear that is both suitable and discreet.
Additional tips for breastfeeding your baby in public include:-
Practicing breastfeeding your baby at home in front of a mirror, some women are nervous about breastfeeding in public as they are concerned they will bear intimate parts of their body. Practicing at home can be an effective way of reducing this problem.
Waiting for your baby to get hungry can pose real problems. If your baby is screaming because he is hungry, it can draw both him and you. If you tend to be self-conscious when feeding your baby in public, this will make you feel even more awkward.
Instead of ignoring people as they pass you, smile at them. Nine times out of ten, you’ll get a smile back. It will also ensure they smile at your face rather than look at your breasts.
Turn away from people when you breastfeed. Breastfeeding your baby is an intimate process not shared with others unless they are your nearest and dearest. Drape a pretty shawl around your shoulders or use a blanket to screen yourself from view. This also tells people you view your breastfeeding as a private affair and gives them a subtle reminder that it is not to be shared.
If you get caught short when you are out, and there is no convenient place to breastfeed your baby, it’s worth a try asking a store manager or someone else in charge if they can provide you with somewhere private to feed your baby. You may be surprised at how accommodating many people can be.
Breastfeeding & Drug Misuse
When you are breastfeeding, it’s important to remember that many different things you eat and drink can pass your body into your breast milk. It is therefore imperative you are careful about what you consume while breastfeeding. You should always check with your pharmacist and doctor before taking any prescribed or over the counter medicines.
You should never use recreational drugs while breastfeeding as the substances can easily pass through your breast milk, putting your baby at risk. Drugs such as cocaine are very toxic, and you should therefore refrain from breastfeeding for at least 48 hours if you have been using cocaine.
Mothers who misuse substances and who have been prescribed methadone should feel encouraged to breastfeed the same as other mothers as long as their drug-taking is stable. Their baby is gradually weaned with professional help.
Below is a list of recreational drugs and their effects on breastfeeding and the infant.
Amphetamine (Speed/Whizz)
Amphetamine concentrates in breast milk, and although the long-term effects are unknown, it causes the baby irritability and disturbed sleep.
Cocaine
Cocaine is excreted into the breast milk and straight to the baby. Again the long term effects are unknown, although it is known to cause baby vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
Pseudoephedrine is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. It causes baby irritability and disturbed sleep.
MDMA (Ecstasy)
The long term effects are unknown, although it has been proved to cause irritability for the baby.
Methyl-amphetamine (Ice/Crystal)
Methyl-amphetamine can cause baby irritability. The long term effects are unknown.
Benzo-diazepines (diazepam, oxaxepam, flunitrazepam)
Benzo-diazepine is excreted into the milk in small amounts, although it can accumulate in the baby. It can cause sedation and poor feeding when used in high or prolonged doses.
Cannabis (marijuana, grass, dope, weed, pot hemp)
Breastfeeding while taking cannabis is considered unsafe as it can accumulate in the baby’s fatty tissue. It is also essential to avoid smoking cannabis in the baby’s presence as it can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Heroin
Heroin is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. It can cause vomiting, tremor, poor feeding.
Volatile Substances (petrol, glue, aerosol cans, butane gas)
Breastfeeding should not occur while you are intoxicated. Most volatile substances have short half lives.
LSD (Trips/Acid)
Unfortunately, little is known about the effects of LSD during breastfeeding. LSD is rapidly distributed around the body when orally taken. It is always recommended that breastfeeding is avoided due to the potency of even a low dose.
PSP Phencyclidine (Angel Dust, GBH, Peace Pill)
As PSP is stored in the fatty tissue, it can accumulate and concentrate in breast milk. Breastfeeding is, therefore, not recommended.
HIV
An HIV positive mother should also never breastfeed as HIV can be passed to her baby through her breast milk.
