Being new parents can be an awesome and life altering experience for themselves and their families, but early parenthood comes with unique challenges. Various movements associated with the care of a baby or toddler can cause serious distress to your body if you don’t perform the movement correctly. You can lesson the risk of injury by incorporating proper movement patterns for typical activities you do with your baby.
1. Carrying the Baby
Incorrect position-“slumped” forward with your spine “collapsed” or carrying the baby on one side with your hip jutting out, wrist flexed to grip the baby, scapula stretched and protracted(moves away from midline).
Correct Position- spine in neutral (straight) position and shoulders pulled back, bringing the baby to the bodies center whenever possible, maintaining a neutral wrist position.
2. Feeding the Baby- Breastfeeding
Incorrect Position- hunching your shoulders to bring your breast to the baby, holding your breast for the baby straining your wrist, crossing your legs causing pelvic and spinal imbalance.
Correct Position- sitting in a neutral spine position in a ergonomically correct chair using a footrest, using a support pillow to elevate the baby, putting anything else you will need while feeding within easy reach to avoid reaching and twisting (this also applies to bottle-feeding).
3. Pushing a Stroller
Incorrect Position- leaning forward, lock your elbows and extend your wrist while pushing.
Correct Position- keep your head and chin up, ears over your shoulders, shoulders depressed(down), chest leading, arms in soft bend not locked, wrist neutral, engage the abdominal muscles throughout the movement, take full comfortable strides.
4. Carrying the Car Seat
The car seat that goes from your car and snaps into your stroller may be convenient but puts a strain on your back and body. According to the American College of Sports Medicine: use the car seat carrier as little as possible- it’s better to lift the baby and put it in a stroller or holding it. When you do pick up a car seat stand in front of the seat, bring the seat toward your body and use your core and knees to lift while standing. When taking the seat out of the car (or putting it in) if possible get in the car, keep the seat close to and at the center of your body using you abdominal muscles when lifting. Be careful of twisting motions while carrying the seat. Use your biceps to hold the car seat close to your body (like carrying a full laundry basket).
NEWBODY TRAINING SYSTEM LLC.
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MASTER FREDERICK NEAL ACE CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH
ACE CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER ACE SPORTS & FITNESS NUTRITION SPECIALIST
ACE ORTHOPEDIC & FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SPECIALIST 6TH DAN BLACK BELT MASTER
906-206-0077 www.newbodyts.com
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