Breastfeeding can be one of the most intimate and rewarding parts of early motherhood—but it’s not always easy on your body. Many new moms are surprised by how much tension, neck stiffness, and shoulder pain can come from the hours spent nursing or bottle-feeding their babies.
If you’ve found yourself hunching forward or feeling sore after feedings, you’re not alone, and there are simple ways to find relief.
Why Breastfeeding Affects Your Posture
During feeding, most moms naturally lean forward toward their baby to help them latch or to check their positioning. Over time, that forward-rounded posture can contribute to:
Tightness in the neck and upper shoulders
Mid-back or between-the-shoulder-blade pain
Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
Headaches or tension that worsens throughout the day
Add in the demands of holding, rocking, and changing your baby (plus lack of sleep), and it’s no wonder your body feels the strain.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Gentle postpartum chiropractic care can help restore mobility to areas that are overworked during breastfeeding—especially the neck, upper back, and shoulders.
At your visit, we’ll:
Assess your posture
Use gentle, safe adjustments to relieve joint tension
Address muscle tightness or trigger points contributing to pain
Offer tips and stretches to support better posture at home
Many moms notice immediate relief and improved comfort while feeding after just a few chiropractic visits.
Tips for Better Breastfeeding Posture at Home
You don’t have to sit perfectly upright to improve your breastfeeding posture. Small changes can make a big difference. Try these:
Bring baby to you – use pillows or a nursing support cushion to lift your baby up to breast height rather than hunching forward.
Support your lower back – choose a chair with a firm backrest and add a small pillow behind your lower back.
Switch sides comfortably – alternate arms and feeding positions to balance muscle use.
Relax your shoulders – roll your shoulders gently before and after feeding to release tension.
Take stretch breaks – between feeds, stretch your chest and upper back to counteract slouching.
With posture, I love the phrase “your next posture is your best posture.” Meaning, the more you can keep moving and change up how you are sitting or standing, the better you will feel. Even if you sit in a hunched over position or “bad posture” for a period of time, moving out of it, stretching, and varying up your posture next time will counteract the period spent in an uncomfortable position!
Remember: Caring for You Is Caring for Baby
It’s normal to focus all your attention on your newborn, but your comfort and well-being matter too! When your body feels supported, feeding becomes more relaxed and enjoyable for both you and your baby.
If you’re experiencing neck or shoulder pain from breastfeeding, chiropractic care can help you move, feed, and rest with more ease.
We are here to support you on your breastfeeding journey. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Take care,
Dr. Gina