New parents face many novel experiences and challenges. Pain after the delivery should not be one of them. Yet moms of newborns face an increased risk for repetitive strain injuries. Increased fluid retention, hormonally-induced ligament laxity of pregnancy, possible trauma of IV sites during delivery, sleep deprivation, and the new tasks of caring for a baby all contribute to micro-trauma, inflammation and pain.

New moms are at particular risk of experiencing wrist, hand and thumb pain during the first months of delivering a baby. This thumb tendonitis, officially called DeQuervains Tenosynovitis, is commonly known as Mom’s Thumb or Cradle Thumb. The bending, lifting and carrying activities associated with caring for an infant also place new parents at increased risk of back pain.

Here are some ergonomic tips for new moms (and dads, too) to help prevent injuries.

BASIC BABY CARE

Bottle feeding tends to drop the wrist into ulnar deviation (cocked toward the small finger side of the hand) and into flexion (bent forward toward the palm). Be conscious of wrist positioning. The wrist should stay neutral (flat and straight, not bent forward or back and not cocked to one side or the other).

When breast-feeding, use gravity to assist you in holding the baby. Recline back in a comfortable chair that supports your lower back. Next, prop the baby’s weight against your body rather than holding the baby up with your arms. If your feet are not comfortably flat on the floor, use a footrest. Use a boppy or a breast feeding pillow to support the baby. Or use pillows underneath the arms to provide support. Bring the baby to the breast keeping your back in good alignment. Be aware of wrist positioning while breast-feeding. Keep the wrists neutral.

When bathing the baby, use a padded bath that supports the weight of the baby rather than holding the baby. As the baby becomes older, use a bath seat.

When diapering the baby, use Velcro fasteners that require less forceful pinch than safety pins.

When dressing the baby, choose simple outfits with few buttons or snaps. Two piece outfits may be easier to manipulate than a onesie.

LIFTING AND CARRYING THE BABY

Whenever lifting and carrying the baby, keep your wrists strong and neutral.

When lifting your baby, scoop one hand under the baby’s bottom and support the body with the other forearm. Lifting the baby from under the armpits increases the risk of injury by ulnarly deviating the wrist and placing the thumbs into extension.

When placing the baby into or taking the baby out of the crib, release the crib side for an easier and less awkward reach. Squat slightly, tighten the abdomen, and use the strength of the legs when lowering or lifting the baby.

Placing the baby into a car seat, lifting a portable car seat into the car, and storing strollers and baby gear into the trunk can be strenuous activities for the back, wrists and hands. Use good posture and body mechanics for these tasks.

When lifting, bend at the knees, tighten the abdomen, and use the strength of the legs. Do not hinge forward from the hips and reach forward with the arms. To avoid rotation of the spine, point your toes to the child or the object being lifted and then, once standing, rotate the body so the toes are facing where the child or object will be placed. Keep the child or object close to the body.

Whenever possible, roll objects rather than carrying and lifting them (for example, place the baby in the portable car seat into a stroller).

When carrying the baby, use baby packs or front carrying packs to support the baby's weight. Try not to hold the baby on the hip for any length of time to avoid back pain.

When choosing baby equipment, try a variety of handle and clasp styles to determine those that work most easily and most efficiently. Seek out equipment that offers ergonomic advantages. When possible, adjust the height of the stroller handles so that your wrists are in the most neutral position.

CARING FOR THE BACK, WRISTS, THUMBS AND HANDS

If you are experiencing pain with baby care activities, use cold packs (2-3 times per day for 10 minutes) to help reduce inflammation. If you are not breast-feeding, an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Advil, Ibuprofen or Aleve may be helpful. Take only as directed and consult with your physician if you have any questions or concerns. A pre-made, soft splint that supports the thumb and the wrist may provide some relief and still be soft against the baby’s skin. A custom-made rigid splint that immobilizes the thumb and rests the tendons can be provided by a certified hand therapist to help reduce inflammation. Many back supports are currently available for use both during the pregnancy and afterwards.

For more information on hand and upper extremity injuries, prevention and recovery, visit Hand Health Resources.

This Breast Feeding Pillow received the iParenting 2007 Media Award for Best Product. View the pictures to see how much more comfortable mom is holding the baby.


This baby pack allows for hands free support of the baby while out and about.