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POSTURE PERFECT!?
We all have our own unique postural makeup, bought on from a combination of lifestyle and genetic variables.
As new mothers I’m sure you’ve all noticed your posture has altered dramatically during pregnancy. Your centre of gravity has shifted and with the addition of 25 pounds plus loaded on the front of your pelvis, you can understand why. Common findings include forward tilting of the pelvis and the associated increased arching of the lower back (lordosis),
rounded upper spine (kyphosis) coupled with a jutting forward of the head (forward head posture).
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Now, combine all this with carrying a growing and dynamic baby (or babies in some cases) in often awkward positions. This leads to musculoskeletal imbalances with certain groups of muscles becoming short and tight while opposing muscles becoming long and weak, as a result we end up with postural misalignment and often aches and niggles and the commonly associated lower back, and neck pain with poor balance and stability.
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Don’t panic though, this can be corrected and now you’re in the post natal phase its time to try and bring your post-baby body back into line.
TIP
Be aware of the position you carry and lift your baby from. When lifting, try and get as close to the baby as possible, bend the knees and focus on bracing or engaging the deep abdominal muscles (which you can strengthen with pelvic floor exercises). Alternate sides when holding the baby and more often that not, try and keep the baby positioned to the front.
TIP
Combat this rounding of the upper spine and shifting forward of the shoulder and head carriage. Try stand with the chest lifted and the shoulders, particularly the shoulder blades pulled back and down. This will also open up the chest cavity, enabling you to breathe more efficiently and take strain off the mid and upper spine and neck area.
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