Tips, Tricks, and Survival Guide to Handling Your Infant
Recently our office manager welcomed a beautiful and healthy baby boy and currently our physical therapist is expecting her first child. We constantly talked and tried to work on the proper ergonomics for those in the early stages of parenthood. Ergonomics is constantly thought of as taking place in the workplace and concentrates on the proper way to sit and lift. This can all be applied to the different activities that take place after welcoming a new baby.
Three areas that are of biggest concern are: Proper posture in seated positions, Proper posture in standing positions, and Tips for transportation.
Proper Posture in Seated Positions:
These tips can be applied to when you are holding the baby in a seated position or help while breastfeeding.
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Sit in a comfortable position that best promotes proper posture and support. Preferably seated in a chair with feet resting flat on the floor or a surface beneath you.
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Prop baby up on your lap to a comfortable height for nursing to minimize forward bent posture and reaching. The use of pillows, blankets or the infamous Boppy pillow works great. The Boppy pillow was designed specifically for proper positioning during nursing.
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Position baby as close as possible to breast using a preferred nursing technique
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Perform chin tuck stretches periodically to minimize forward head and/or neck strain.
Proper Posture in Standing Positions:
These tips can be applied, for example, when you are standing over a changing table.
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Assume a wide stance and a slight one foot forward position.
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If changing table or surface is low, bend knees slightly and assume a one foot forward position.
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If changing child on low surfaces such as a bed, couch, or floor – kneel vs. stand to reduce forward bending.
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Perform a back extension stretch after each changing.
Tips For Transportation:
These tips can be used when carrying infant seats or carriers or using baby slings.
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Always use two hands vs. one when carrying baby in infant carrier/car seat.
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When lifting or putting infant carrier into the car, prop one foot up on the floor of the car (build a bridge) to reduce reaching distance and keep your back in a safer and stronger position. If the vehicle is larger or an SUV and the baby seat attaches to the middle, prop a knee up into the vehicle to bridge your back.
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Perform a back extension stretch after lifting child into vehicle.
These are just some tips that that can help both moms and dads with the pains and strains that come along with these repetitive tasks.
Besides making these adjustments making sure that your body is being taken care of will only help. Regular chiropractic adjustments, relaxing massages, or physical therapy programs can help with all the aches, pains, and strains associated with becoming new parents or parents again!
Marron Wellness Center is a multi-disciplinary facility that offers Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Spinal Decompression Therapy, K-Laser Therapy, and Massage Therapy and is located conveniently in Shrewsbury. All of our practitioners will create a treatment plan that best suits your needs to deal with your aches, pains, and strains from parenthood!
Call our office today at 732.542.1272 and schedule your COMPLIMENTARY consultation or to schedule a massage appointment.
David Marron, D.C. is the owner and operator, as well as Chiropractor, at Marron Wellness Center. In December 2009, Dr. Marron established Marron Wellness Center where he specializes in spinal adjustment and rehabilitation to restore function and alleviate pain, treating sports injuries, patients with chronic pain and patients with spinal disc injuries. Marron Wellness Center is one of Monmouth County’s most comprehensive healthcare centers dedicated to fighting pain. Located conveniently in Shrewsbury, Marron Wellness Center creates a destination for patients to receive a full spectrum of healthcare services – Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Massage, Spinal Decompression Therapy, and K-Laser Therapy — at one location. Our mission is to get you on the path to regaining the active lifestyle you once enjoyed!
Marron Wellness Center :: 179 Avenue at the Common, Suite 5 Shrewsbury, NJ 07702 732.542.1272
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