After labor and delivery, it may seem like the bulk of the physical work of being a new mom is over. In truth, it is just beginning. Being a new mom can be especially hard on your back and shoulders now that you are carrying, soothing, feeding, and bending over your little one. This can lead to major back pain as the days pass. This is especially true when poor postures are combined with lack of sleep, since your body will be missing out on the time it needs to heal. The following tips can help you avoid some of the pain.

Tip #1: Make time to stretch

Stretching your back and shoulders at the start of each day will help you avoid muscle fatigue and soreness, which can lead to poor posture and back issues. You can do a favorite yoga routine, or you can simply take turns touching your toes and reaching for the sky a few times to help loosen your back and shoulder muscles.

Tip #2: Elevate the changing table

Changing your new baby will be an oft-repeated task, whether it's a full diaper change or a clothing change. Bending over a too-low changing table is going to put unnecessary stress on your back. Purchase an adjustable changing table and set it so you don't have to bend over.

Tip #3: Bathe baby in the sink

Bathing baby in the bathtub is the same as using a too-low changing table—hard on the back. The sink is better for your back and safer for baby. There are inserts for sinks that you can purchase that help keep the baby upright and safe during bath time.

Tip #4: Invest in a carrying aid

You will be carrying your baby a lot the first few months, if not for longer. A quality infant sling will allow you to carry baby while removing the weight from your back and transferring it to your hips. As an added benefit, you will also have your hands free while still carrying your baby.

Tip #5: Get adjusted

A trip to a chiropractor, such as one from Excellence In Health Chiropractic & Rehab Clinic, after delivery can help you avoid many issues down the road. You likely changed your posture as your pregnancy progressed, which means you may need an adjustment to get you back into the proper alignment now that you are post-birth.

Your chiropractor can also provide advise on avoiding further pain. Contact them if you have any questions or concerns.