Joint pain from nursing?
I have been breastfeeding for seven months and have had some joint pain in my elbows and fingers. Can this be from nursing?
Question:Debbi Donovan
Debbi Donovan is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as a retired La Leche League Leader. For more than a decade, Debbi... Read more
Some mothers do experience joint pain while breastfeeding, just as they might at any other time in their life. (There has been virtually no research on joint pain reported during lactation.) The pain you are experiencing in your elbows and fingers could be from something as simple as the way you are holding, feeding, and/or carrying your baby. Because most of these are repetitive movements that you are probably doing many times each day, you may be putting stress on certain muscles and joints.
When nursing your baby, you may find it helpful to use pillows to support your arms. Since you mentioned involvement with your fingers, I am wondering if you are pressing on your breast during a feed to give your baby an "airway.' If so, that really isn't necessary. Your baby's nose should be gently resting on your breast. His little pug nose makes it easy for him to breath while in this position. Pulling your baby's bottom in closely toward your body as he nurses will give you the same result without pressing on your breast.
Carrying your baby around much of the day can be very tiring, and may be adding to your joint pain. You may find that using a baby sling is very helpful.
The pain you're experiencing could be caused by a swelling of the tissues, and you may find relief by icing these areas for about 15 minutes, four times a day.
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and has been approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics for use in breastfeeding mothers.
If your pain continues, or becomes worse, it would be wise to be evaluated by your Health Care Provider. Hope these ideas help to bring you some relief from the pain!
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