Posture tips for mums … part 3

Posture tips for mums … part 3

Lifting
– Off the floor: stand close to your child and, keeping your back straight, drop into a one-leg kneel. Grasp your child with both arms and hold him or her close to your body. Tighten your tummy muscles (pull your belly button towards your spine) and slowly lift using your legs. Reverse this when putting your child onto the floor
– Out of a cot: if there is a side of the cot that lowers, put it in the lowest position. If you can, bend your knees and keep your back straight and bend from the hips. If not, keep your feet shoulder-width apart with your knees slightly bent, arch your low back and, while keeping your head up, bend at your hips. Grasp your child with both arms and hold him or her close to your chest. Straighten your hips so you are in an upright position, and then extend your knees to return to a full stand. Reverse this when putting your child into a cot and always remember to keep your child close to your chest
– If lifting your child in a car seat off the floor, bend your knees and keep your back straight and your shoulders back. When removing a car seat from the car, get into the car to undo seatbelts. Then stand so that the seat is as central to your body as possible. Pull the car seat towards you first, bend your knees and, as you lift, pull in your tummy muscles. Try not to twist when lifting the car seat out of the car. If it is not necessary to lift the car seat at the same time, lift your child out of the car seat first so that the overall weight is reduced, then lift the car seat, with or without the child in your arms

If you would like to discuss any of the above or if you are experiencing any difficulties related to the above, please do call us and we will be happy to listen and give further advice where we can. Alternatively, make a appointment if you feel you are suffering with posture issues or aches and pains related to being a mum!

Sally

23 September 2013