Ergo Experts - Why is it hurting my back to wear my newborn??

LJUTCMommy · August 2013

DD is only 3 weeks and maybe 7-8 lbs max. When I wear her more than 15 mins, my lower back hurts so much. I am 5'3 and 130 lbs. I've attached a pic here, but it might be hard to see because I'm wearing black and my phone camera isn't all that great.

Any tips or advice?

Also, I am in San Diego, so if any of you know of any baby wearing groups that could assist, please let me know.

TIA for any responses.

Pookers7 · August 2013

Wear him much higher. You should be able to kiss the top of his head without scrunching up.

Pookers7 · August 2013

Like this. Also, wear the belt above your hips.

pixieprincss · August 2013

Ditto PPs about baby's head being high enough to kiss. As for groups, check out this list. I think that height is the big issue with your back, but I will throw out that people 5'2 and under tend to find the Ergo's body too long for a petite frame. Since you are 5'3, it may be worth going to a babywearing meeting to try on some other carriers.

musicalmama5 · August 2013

Ditto about it being too low. Also, try tightening the straps.

Pookers7 · August 2013

pixieprincss said:

Ditto PPs about baby's head being high enough to kiss. As for groups, check out this list. I think that height is the big issue with your back, but I will throw out that people 5'2 and under tend to find the Ergo's body too long for a petite frame. Since you are 5'3, it may be worth going to a babywearing meeting to try on some other carriers.

I'm 5'2" and I really hate the Ergo. DH is 5'10" and he loves it. I use a Mei Tai as a double shouldered carrier and I'm much, much more comfortable. Although a ring sling is seriously hard to beat for the first months.

Mrs.AmyDylan · August 2013

I don't know much about the ergo and the PPs have great advice.

My back finally stopped hurting when I strengthened my core. Being pregnant stretched my abs and my Pilates instructor helped me understand that my back would continue to hurt until I rebalanced. I stand up straight and engage my abs the entire time I wear a carrier.

Meganequine · August 2013

I'm only 5 ft. and the ergo works well for me. However, I did want to mention that the straps are normally as tight as they can go; so you might want to try tightening the straps. (like some others have mentioned.)

JoyfulW&M · August 2013

Here is a San diago baby wearing group. You should be able to get hands on baby wearing help

https://babywearingsandiego.com/

LJUTCMommy · August 2013

Wow! Thanks everyone for all of your responses. I guess I've always seen it worn low, but that position doesn't work for me. I will try tightening the shoulder straps and wearing it higher up.

LJUTCMommy · August 2013

theresat858 said:

The BWSD group is great! Join the facebook group; there are way more meetups than are listed on that website.

I also could not wear my LO comfortably until a month or longer after she was born just b/c my muscles were so messed up from pregnancy.

I do think this is part of the issue too. I had a traumatic hospital experience and I may just be pushing myself a little too much. I don't do FB, but I'll check out the website and MeetUp. Thanks!!

LJUTCMommy · August 2013

CTGirl30 said:

My son is 10wks and my core muscles are so weak still - I have lower back pain & my hips ache almost constantly. Your Ergo looks fine - it's probably more postpartum discomfort than anything you're doing wrong with the carrier. Pretty hard to fudge the Ergo anyway ;-)

I tried it way higher up and with the shoulder straps super tight, but still had back pain. Hopefully, its just a pp issue.

opheliainwaders · August 2013

MrsWahidi said:

CTGirl30 said:

My son is 10wks and my core muscles are so weak still - I have lower back pain & my hips ache almost constantly.

Your Ergo looks fine - it's probably more postpartum discomfort than anything you're doing wrong with the carrier. Pretty hard to fudge the Ergo anyway ;-)

I tried it way higher up and with the shoulder straps super tight, but still had back pain. Hopefully, its just a pp issue.

When you wear it (or any carrier), make sure to engage the muscles in your core. If you let your back arch, it'll hurt! Tuck your hips, and stand straight (like you're in mountain pose, if you do yoga), and see if that helps align the baby's weight better with your own.

Pookers7 · August 2013

Try an abdominal wrap. I find I keep slouching and it just makes it all worse. A wrap will force you to stand up straight and it will help your abs heal up.

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