For Healthcare Professional use. Caring for your back as you care for your baby.
Handy information and helpful advice. Feeding. After your baby is born your ...
Factsheet
Caring for your back as you care for your baby Handy information and helpful advice Posture
Feeding After your baby is born your spine is particularly vulnerable. When sitting feeding, place a small roll in the curve behind your waist, a pillow on your lap and at least one other under your arm. Sit well back with your knees level with your hips.
• Lying on your side is a comfortable way to breastfeed if your back aches. • Try your pelvic floor and deep abdominal exercises in both positions.
Changing and bathing Don’t bend and stoop over your baby. Change and bathe on a surface that’s the right height for you and safe for baby. Never leave baby unattended on a high surface.
Good posture
Bad posture
• Standing correctly protects your back, flattens your abdomen and improves your shape. • Stand and walk tall, pelvis over feet, tummy drawn in and pelvic floor lifted up slightly.
Lifting • Always put the cot side down. • Bend your knees, keeping your back straight. • Hold baby close to you when you pick up.
There are lots of other Factsheets available with advice and help about caring for babies. Important Notice: Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. Breastfeeding is best begun immediately after birth and the decision not to breastfeed is difficult to reverse. Combined breast and bottlefeeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breastmilk. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a healthy, balanced diet. Always consult your doctor, midwife or health visitor for advice about feeding your baby. If you use an infant milk, you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use carefully. Only available via in-practice, for Healthcare Professionals to use as an information and education resource. Correct as at March 2010
