Has anyone ever had back ache/pains from nursing in bed?

Question

Me and my little bundle sleep together (as I did with my two older daughters in the past). I nurse her from both b*****s whilst laying on one side. I'm noticing I'm getting slight back aches. I just wonder if anyone else experienced this? As sometimes it's an awkward twist to nurse this way?

Answer 1

I have large b*****s and it is very uncomfortable to nurse laying on my sides.  It hurts my back too.  I don't do it anymore.  I would rather sit back in a comfortable chair with my Boppy.

Answer 2

i also nurse laying down, i don't do both b*****s from one side, i also turn according to which i am feeding on. but i don't have back pains. i did have back pains from nursing him in a bundle position sitting up, that is why i lye down with him now. good luck.

Answer 3

I know it is really bad, but all 3 of my kids have been nursed in a water bed. it cradles my body great and they are in just the right position.

you might want to see about getting a bolster pillow or a body pillow to put behind you to support your weight . I assume your back hurts from tensing up in bed trying to lay just right on your side. If you have a pillow to help support you it might help. If all else fails, you can ask hubby to turn his back on you so you can use HIM as a back support ( laying back to back).

Answer 4

I find that it's a side effect of co-sleeping, not necessarily breastfeeding whilst lying down. I'm not against co-sleeping -- I co-sleep with my five-month old for half of every night but I find that I sleep much lighter with her in bed with me and that I unconsciously tense up all my muscles so that I don't roll about in my sleep. Also, depending upon where she is, she likes to be tucked into my side with her head just under my armpit, I will get sore muscles from keeping my arm up in one position for so long.

To combat that, and to try and get a good chunk of sleep in for myself, I put my daughter down in her own bed. She'll sleep in there for a few hours and then I'll pull her in with me, typically after her second wake-up to feed. It what works for us. :) As for feeding, I either flip sides or do both from the same side as she definitely feeds best in the lying down position. I personally think doing both sides on one side is easier and has less chance of waking my daughter up.

I've found that if you're feeding from the top breast the best position is to be on half your belly and half your side, your upper arm up over your head, your bottom leg straight, top leg bent in half, and your upper breast kind of hanging a little bit downward, if that makes any sense. This way your body isn't as twisted.

Answer 5

Yeah I sure do, particularly on those nights that baby just won't let me roll over when they are done.

Sometimes if you can nurse with your back against a wall it can help, on the other hand then  you can't roll over. A pillow between your knees is sometimes helpful as well.

Answer 6

yeah that's not fun. try switching sides. way more comfortable and easier on your body.