Chiropractic Suggestions for New Parents
By Brandi Goodman
Being a new parent can be quite stressful. It is full of challenges never faced before. It can also be full of pain if you aren't careful. The constant holding, rocking, and bending down to pick up a little one can prove harmful to the back. Some chiropractic suggestions for new parents can help.
Try Targeted Exercises
Exercise is always great, but specific targeted exercises are best for pain. You want to work out the part of the body that seems to hurt the most so you can strengthen the bones and muscles in that area and prevent further pain from setting in in the future. If your hips are the problem, try some hip exercises. If your back is what's sore, do some stretches and exercises that will help it.
Make Careful Movements
It can be easy to make one wrong move and hurt yourself badly. You might think you need to get to baby quickly as soon as you hear the first cry, but taking a few extra seconds to move safely is better for both of you. Hurting yourself could leave you incapable of carrying for baby alone without help. Make careful movements and always follow correct protocol, such as squatting down to pick up baby rather than bending at the waist and using your leg power to bring yourself back up instead of your back muscles.
Limit the Weight You Carry
Many parents put their infant in a car seat and carry both out to their vehicle. This is extra weight that isn't necessary. Keep the seat strapped in and bring baby to it instead. This can help prevent strain due to excess weight placed on your body. You also want to limit how much you carry in your diaper bag. A heavy bag will weigh down your shoulder and cause an ache quickly. Keep only the essentials inside.
Get Regular Chiropractic Care
It might be difficult to schedule time for yourself with a new baby, but it's important to do so. Get regular chiropractic care as often as your doctor of chiropractic suggests so you can maintain your spine's alignment and keep your body working as well as possible. Each person may have a different recommendation based on his or her specific problem areas and level of pain. Visit The Joint Chiropractic to get an assessment.
Follow these chiropractic suggestions and you should experience a lot less pain in your parenting -- at least body-wise. Avoid the aches as much as possible and try to fully enjoy the joys of parenthood when you experience them.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Henderson, Nev.