Tips for new mom with bad back

laabeja

Hi Ladies,

I'm due at the end of October and have had problems with my lower back for quite a long time prior to pregnancy.  I'm continuing chiropractic care throughout my pregnancy, but would also be interested in hearing an tips you might have to help with back issues.  Types of tips I'm looking for include type of car, car seat & placement, cribs, strollers, etc.  Of course, other types of tips are also appreciated!

TIA!

EmmieB

yoga. any time I have back issues (and in college I crushed the muscle that stretches over the right side of my pelvis) I do a nice restorative bit of yoga and that eases it.

as for a car - we have a Honda fit and I it. car seat, etc, is something you might want to just head to buy buy baby (they have the best selection I've found) and test out.

Good luck!

Mrs.BoomBoom

my biggest tip is to buy everything with your back in mind.  I bought a super light backpack diaper bag, a snap n go stroller (and then a very light full sized stroller when we transitioned...city mini) a lightweight snugride carseat, a moby (and beco) for carrying, a drop side crib (I know they've all been recalled now but I'd search CL for a great used one if I was searching now...it wasn't an issue when the mattress was higher but now that it's at the lowest level, I couldn't lay him down if the side didn't drop.)  If I had it to do now, I'd also get a minivan because I think the entrance would be easier. I have a cx-7 which is OK but you sort of have to sit oddly because you have to sit over the wheel well.

kittylove

My mom has a very bad back (fused spine at L4/L5 after two sliped disks turned to poped disks, with nerve damage down both legs and weakness down one leg). I know she had to put him into the car seat either on the couch or table and then in her car she put him behind the passanger, rather than in the middle because she couldn't reach him in the middle. The drop side crib was also a huge help, I know they are recalled but I can't imagine my life without it. Ditto the moby or other carrier so that your arms get a rest. It is easy on your back because he is right next to you. GL with the rest of your pregnacny.

hersheykiss

I have back issues and did chiropractic services the entire time I was pregnant. It was my lifesaver. I also had to sleep on the couch the last 2 months I was pregnant. For the carseat placement, E sits and always had right behind my seat. I realize it is not the safest place, but I cannot reach in and put her in and out if she is in the center.

Other things I do to avoid back issues, I hired a cleaning service so I am not cleaning myself. I make DH do a lot of stuff, such as lifting, pulling, etc. And when things get really bad, I put ice & heat on my back and take a pain pill.

Mrs.BoomBoom

hersheykiss:

 I cannot reach in and put her in and out if she is in the center.

Interesting.  I find it easiest to have Q in the center so I can sit with him and then get him in instead of having to bend with him.  Maybe it's partly my car.

laabeja

Thank you everyone!