Nighttime backache

[Maud]

I am really struggling with my back at the moment. I've had pains and twinges since having my daughter, but since she started sleeping through I'm waking up with horrific backache around my shoulder blades/back of my rib cage and it's getting worse and worse.

I wake up and I literally can't move. It's agony and I have to put a huge amount of effort into rolling onto my sideto get up. It's like when I had SPD during pregnancy but different part of the body. I go to sleep on my side and wake up on my back (couldn't stop myself doing this during pregnancy either, even with support pillows). I don't think I otherwise move a lot once I'm asleep. The longer she sleeps the worse it is as my boobs are full and tender too. Even once I'm up I stay stiff for ages. Sometimes I can't stand up straight for a few minutes or turn my upper body and it's a real struggle to lift my daughter out of her crib.

It takes a couple of hours before it eases off and then I'm (mostly) fine for the rest of the day (sometimes get some more twinges in the evening).

Has anyone else had this? I'm not sure if it's breastfeeding related or something else and am not sure if there's anything that can be done eg physio given that it only happens overnight.

 

[CamFi]

If it is around the top of your back, the first culprit I'd be looking at is your boobs. The reason it gets sore at night is because sore muscles tend to stiffen up when you're not using them, but the cause is probably daytime related.

With the bigger heavier boobs due to breastfeeding (mine weigh a whole kg each atm) it puts a lot of stress on your upper back to support the load. A well fitting nursing bra can help (make sure the band isn't riding up at the back, it should be horizontal - if it rides up you need to tighten the band or get a bra with a smaller back size, and the centre of your bra between your boobs should sit flat against the sternum, if it doesn't you probably need to go up a cup size) but I've found even that doesn't really cut it.

During the day really think about your posture, and get your husband to massage that area as often as possible. Doing this has reduced the pain for me, but sounds like you've got it much worse. I would also go see a physio to see if there's anything else they can suggest.

Also, do you use a sling/carrier with your baby? if so what type? probably worth investing in one that has a hip strap to take some of the load off your back. The manduca/ergobaby style ones are great for mums with back issues.

 

[Maud]

Thanks for replying.

I'm pretty sure my bras fit. They were only bought a couple of months ago and the fitter tried a dozen different ones to get the right fit! I do have dreadful posture though. I'm trying to reintroduce daily yoga stretches into my routine to strengthen my spine. I do have a carrier and a wrap but don't use them much anymore - it's too hot for baby wearing.

I think if it doesn't improve or it gets any worse I'll speak to my GP about getting referred to a physio

 

[CamFi]

The other thing is are you using a feeding pillow to breastfeed? Being hunched over while you're feeding can also cause issues. I was in agony the first couple of weeks until I went out and got a pillow.

 

[Maud]

I tried all sorts of pillows and cushions during our feeding problems, but we're now quite comfy with a pillow overnight and a cushion during the day, so I don't think it's that. Could be wrong of course.