The Importance of Postpartum Ergonomics
Ergonomics is a specialty in the Occupational Therapy practice that’s becoming more widely discussed. For good reason. As we all become more aware of our positioning for work related tasks and become more aware of how the way we sit at a computer desk can result in micro-injuries over time; it makes us better able to handle the workload that comes with a full-time job. What ergonomics is typically related to is work; but not many people relate it to one of the most popular jobs in the world -being a parent!
There’s a huge change in your body post-child birth. There is more of a holistic perspective needed in caring for a new mom and their child during that first year (perinatal period), with “mother-centered” solutions. Improving women’s health will in turn improve infant health, but sometimes it’s hard for moms to seek help.
Physiological Risk Factors:
Soft tissue edema, Ligament laxity – relaxin & estrogen production
Weight gain (+ ligament laxity = joint discomfort)
Weakened core muscles: Abdominals, pelvic floor
Sleep deprivation
Shift in center of gravity
Emotional stress of new role (plus other roles).
Postpartum stress can result in anxiety, fatigue, and decreased self care; which can lead to increased risk of physical and mental illness>impacting the wellness of the whole household. There is a connection between body posture, pain and Postpartum Depression (PPD); mental and physical symptoms & changes are interdependent. To counteract the symptoms of PPD, there’s a connection between exercise/wellness interventions & PPD prevention.
“Using an evidence-based approach, occupational therapy practitioners can contribute to preventing pain, increasing function, and promoting meaningful occupations during pregnancy and the postpartum period.” OT practitioners are seeing women during the perinatal period in clinics with musculoskeletal diagnoses. Women expect pain/discomfort during the perinatal period – but may not talk about it. OT can address issues preventatively via health promotion.
Common Risk Factors are:
Forceful Exertions
Repetitive Activity
Awkward or Static Positioning
Contact Stress
Research Study: Sit et al. (2017) study of 259 Chinese women
57% reported wrist pain after childbirth
Few new mothers had increased risk within first 8 weeks due to lack of experience of demands of childcare tasks
Hypothesis that other factors were baby’s size, breastfeeding, and attending antenatal classes
Wrist/Thumb Positioning Tips
Avoid the “L” position (wrist bent back)
Keep a neutral wrist (not bent, more straight)
Use larger joints/muscles
Loosen your grip
Posture Tips
There are ‘normal’ curves in your back
These curves MUST be maintained (especially the lumbar or low back)
Neutral to anterior pelvic tilt
DO bend at your hips (and knees)
DO NOT bend at your waist
Feeding
Breast or Bottle
Try to get comfortable before baby latches
Choose a comfortable ‘seat’ § Consider footrest
Maintain lumbar curve of spine
Avoid cervical flexion
Neutral or anterior pelvic tilt
General Suggestions
Look at grip and wrist position
Look at environment: height of objects, reach, arrangement of items
Decrease frequency of lift/hold/carry
Encourage independence, get help when available, get cooperation from child
Decrease stress/strain of task
Consider mood/behavior of child
Stretch during the day
Strengthen in preparation for childcare tasks
If you have more questions, I would love to discuss them with you! Please feel free to email me at smplytherapy@gmail.com.
