This is not medical advice, please talk to your clinician.
You’ve navigated the wild ride of childbirth and now you're in postpartum, ready to soak up those newborn cuddles.
But instead of feeling at ease, you’re dealing with chronic back pain after pregnancy that just won’t go away. If that’s your reality, know that you’re not alone.
This kind of pain is common, frustrating, and can make those early days of motherhood feel way harder than they already are.
Why Is This Happening?
Let’s be real—pregnancy changes your body in ways you never imagined. One of the culprits behind this lingering back pain is a hormone called relaxin.
During pregnancy, relaxin helps loosen up your ligaments and joints to prepare your body for childbirth. The problem? Relaxin doesn’t just disappear after you give birth.
Dr. Charles Yu from Ochsner Health says about dealing with chronic back pain after pregnancy:
“The sacroiliac (SI) joints, which connect the pelvis to the spine, are often the source of this pain. When these joints aren’t stable, the muscles around them tighten up to compensate, which can cause significant discomfort.”
That’s right—the very muscles that are supposed to be helping you are also the ones causing you pain.
How It Affects Your Life
Chronic back pain after pregnancy doesn’t just hurt—it seeps into every aspect of your life.
You’re already exhausted from sleepless nights, and now you’re dealing with pain that makes even the simplest tasks, like bending over to pick up your baby or sitting comfortably to breastfeed, feel impossible.
It’s hard to enjoy those early moments with your newborn when your body feels like it’s betraying you.
The truth is, chronic pain wears you down, both physically and mentally. It’s okay to feel how you feel.
What You Can Do About It
The good news is, you don’t have to just put up with the pain. There are options that can help you find some relief and get back to enjoying your new role as a mom.
Manual Adjustments and Physical Therapy:
Dr. Yu suggests that realigning your spine and pelvis through manual adjustments or physical therapy can make a big difference.
“The best time for these adjustments is within six weeks postpartum, when relaxin is still in your system,” he says. But even if you’re past that window, it’s never too late to seek help.
Exercise:
Gentle exercises like postnatal yoga or Pilates can strengthen your core muscles and help support your back.
These workouts are designed to be safe and effective for new moms, focusing on rebuilding your core strength and improving your posture.
And while you’re focusing on taking care of yourself, consider small changes that could make your life a little easier.
For instance, if finding comfortable breast feeding clothing is a struggle, the Springrose Easy-on Bra is designed for women like you.
With features like its front Velcro closure, it’s all about making your daily routine a little bit easier—because you deserve to feel good while taking care of your new baby.
Remember, you don't have to navigate dealing with chronic back pain after pregnancy alone.
It’s always best to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment options