Madison County Record
By Michelle Nesin
A sweet baby on a mother's hip is a precious sight. However, to a physical therapist, this can be a back injury in the making if moms are not careful about their technique. Lifting and holding a child, pushing a stroller, picking up baby paraphernalia around the house and hoisting a child out of a crib are constant daily tasks for mothers. A few tips from Dr. Janine Nesin and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) will help mothers and other care givers accomplish these tasks with comfort and ease.
When babies reach both arms up, all moms know this is the universal sign for "Pick me up." Using the "half-kneel" lift will allow mom follow through with this request without straining her back. With a straight back, put one foot in front of the other. Lower yourself onto one knee by bending your hips and knees. Once on the floor, wrap both arms around your child and hold him close to your body. Return to the standing position by tightening your stomach muscles and pushing slowly upward with your legs. Use this same technique to return baby to the floor.
While holding or carrying a child, moms should always hold baby close to her, just as in lifting, so that his weight remains balanced in the center of mom's body. Balancing a baby on the hip with one arm is hard on mom's back. If mom is using a child carrier, she should remember to keep her back straight and her shoulders back to avoid injuring her back.
After sleeping, babies are ready to be out of their cribs. If one of the crib rails lowers, then the rail will need to be at the lowest position possible before attempting to lift baby out.
In preparation for lifting, plant your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bend your knees. Bend from the hips, rather than leaning forward, keeping your back straight. As in other lifting techniques, wrap both arms around your baby and pull him close to your chest. Straighten your hips so that you are in an upright position. Straighten your knees to return to a standing position. Use this same technique to return your child to his crib always remembering to keep him close to your body.
As springtime approaches, more moms will be out and about enjoying the weather with baby in a stroller. Moms need to stay as close to the stroller as possible while she is pushing. Keeping a straight back with shoulders back is always important. Avoid standing back from the stroller and leaning in to push. The force to maneuver the stroller should come from the entire body rather than just the arms.
Every mother spends time cleaning up after her baby. When picking small objects up off of the floor always remember to keep your back and neck straight. Bend at your waist and lift one leg off the floor extending it behind you. This will center your balance and take the strain off of your back. When lifting heavy items, this type of "golf lift" is not appropriate. Heavy objects require the "half-kneel" lift just as in lifting a child.
Enjoying your new baby does not have to mean enduring back pain and strain. Taking a few moments to think about your daily tasks and how you go about them can spare you a great deal of discomfort. A more comfortable mommy makes a happier baby.
For further information please contact Nesin Therapy Services at 256-461-9654 or visit our web-site at www.nesintherapy.com.
