Postpartum Joint Pain: Why am I still hurting and what can I do about it?

As I handed my first born baby to my husband on my way to squeeze in a quick shower before the next feeding, I hear him say, ‘What is hurting, why are you still waddling?” 

It took me a minute to figure it out. After months of pubic bone pain, hip tenderness, low back pain, wrist pain, swollen feet and ankles, I wasn’t expecting postpartum recovery pain. This sharp, shooting pain in my feet was a surprise. Why does everything still hurt? And why do I have new pain during recovery?

Hormones.

Postpartum joint pain is incredibly common, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Pregnancy hormones, like relaxin, don’t magically disappear after birth. You needed them to soften your joints, to prepare your pelvis to open up for birth.  But they linger, keeping your joints loose and less stable while your body is recovering, healing, and running on very little sleep. 

It can feel alarming, especially when you’re already vulnerable and exhausted.

And when pain shows up during breastfeeding, it can make everything feel harder. It’s difficult to relax when your body is hurting. You might find yourself hunching or holding positions that just aren’t sustainable. It’s one more thing that makes breastfeeding feel hard. 

Small adjustments can make a big difference:

• Use more pillows than you think you need. 

• Try side-lying or laid-back feeding to take pressure off your wrists and back. 

• Bring your baby to your body instead of leaning forward to meet them. 

• Support your arms and wrists with rolled towels.

• Gentle movement like stretching and walking.

• Rest, as much as possible.

If feeding is hurting, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A lactation visit can help make feeding more comfortable and sustainable. If you are ready for solutions and problem-solving support, make an appointment with Natural Beginnings Lactation Consultants today. 

This season is intense, there is help available. And you will feel better, it just takes time. 

Natural Beginnings serves most of the city of Dallas, Highland Park, Irving, Plano, Frisco, Allen, Garland, Mesquite, Rockwall, Rowlett, Sachse, Wylie, Forney, Heath.