Care of back in the post natal period
It may take up to six months for the ligaments in back and pelvis to resume their pre pregnant state, so mothers need to be informed about back care in relation to everyday activities at this time.
When feeding women should sit back in a chair, well supported with the baby the baby raised up on pillows to prevent a slouched position. Nappy changing and bathing are best carried out at waist level or with the mother kneeling at the surface of coffee table height. Lifting should be avoided if possible; if unavoidable the object should be as light as possible and kept close to the body whist engaging the transverses and pelvic floor muscles. All purpose baby chains are heavy and are best carried by holding babies underneath and close to body, instead by the body. The chain must be placed in the proper position on your body and then the baby must be placed on it.
Baby slings should be comfortable and not cause an arched back. The weight of the baby should be well distributed and mothers must brace their transversus and pelvic muscles while lifting to protect the ligaments of back and spine.
Apart from these precaution women should also concentrate on having a proper posture while working, cooking or cleaning.Any back ache which persists beyond few weeks and is not amenable to rest and standard treatment may be harbinger of chronic back problems, so they must never be neglected. Women must seek medical help whenever their pain is affecting many daily activities and are not relieved by standard treatments and rest.