Guest Author - Jessica Gunsch

Beginning with the birth of a new baby and throughout toddlerhood, it is important to pay attention to your back to prevent aches and pains as well as other more serious back problems down the road. For many mothers, the worry and preoccupation with their baby causes them to ignore their posture. It is very common for breastfeeding moms to lean forward to nurse their baby and although at birth your baby is relatively light, breastfeeding in this or any other poor position can cause pain and fatigue throughout your entire body.

When you begin to breastfeed, it is important to make sure that your back is properly aligned which will help to strengthen both your back and abdominal muscles. Here are some tips for promoting good posture:

Don’t slouch. Many moms lean over their baby to nurse, in effect brining the breast to the baby. Instead position yourself comfortably and bring the baby to the breast. Squeezing your shoulder blades together while you nurse or while you are doing anything for that matter is an easy way to prevent slouching and poor posture.

Use pillows to support your back, under your knees and your head. You can also put pillows on your lap to raise the baby closer to your breasts. There are many products designed for this such as the “Boppy” or “My Brest Friend”. They help to properly position the infant for latching on correctly as well as providing your back with support. I think that pillows work just as well but I also have a Boppy which I really like because it is useful for breastfeeding as well as supporting the baby when he or she begins to sit up.

It is important to relax both your mind and body while breastfeeding. Being tense does not help your muscles and can inhibit your milk let down. I always tried to think of breastfeeding as the only thing in the world that I had to do, saving other worries or to-do lists for when the baby was done eating (easier said than done!).

For me, the easiest way to prevent back pain from breastfeeding is to nurse while lying down on my side. You can also lie on your back with the baby across your chest. These positions also help you to rest and relax which every mom needs.

Once you begin to take care of your back by paying attention to your posture, it will soon become second nature. As your child grows you will appreciate having good posture and strong muscles to support your spine. The habit of keeping your back straight while breastfeeding will prepare you for the ever increasing carrying and lifting that goes along with motherhood.


Boppy - Denim
Babies love to be propped up in a Boppy so they can check out their new world. It is a cozy place for babies to lay, to be fed, and to play with their toys. As babies get older, Boppy helps them learn how to sit up.

Zenoff Products My Brest Friend - Pink with Hearts
My Brest Friend adjusts securely to your body and stays where you want it. It’s designed to support your back, neck, shoulders and arms, so you can feel relaxed and comfortable holding and breastfeeding your baby.