breastfeeding posture

Body: 

Hi, I'm new. I am a healthy, fit 39 year old woman. I have a mild bladder prolapse following the birth of my 3rd son 5 weeks ago. 9 years ago I had my oldest and had a horrible 4th degree tear resulting in a vaginal/anal fistula, repaired follwing the birth of my 2nd son 2 1/2 years ago. I have had very few symptoms except problems holding in gas during pregnancy and postpartum. I ordered your book, and I am beginning to use the postures, diet changes and exercises recommended. I know I can facilitate my own healing. Surgery is not an option for me. Because I am spending a good amount of time breatfeeding my newborn right now, I am curious to know if there are some postures I can incorporate into my healing and his nourishment (I am the queen of multitasking). Thank you for your book, sharing your journey and your wisdom and opening up this forum for all of us.

Welcome Terri!

What a blessing the fistula repair is working! I believe perineal/anal deficiencies can be supported enormously with diet and the posture. Remember, the anus is significantly "uphill" from the very bottom of the perineal triangle where intraabdominal forces are supposed to be directed. You want to protect this area by moving the weight of your pelvis over your pubic bone. I think it would be particularly important for you not to sink back into seated positions where your knees are much higher than your bottom, because gravitational forces would be aimed right at your repair.

For nursing, try sitting on a small (20x20) pillow with your legs crossed. Your knees will be lowered onto the floor (or bed if that's more comfy.) Stack pillows onto your lap until the right height is reached to cradle your lower arms as you hold your baby. This should be a fine way to build strength in your back and neck muscles. Remember that you have lots of time to do this work and also the latitude to completely relax as much as you need. It is really just a return to a very natural body shape.

Thank you for joining us,

Christine

Thank you so much for your suggestions. It's glorious how when we listen to our bodies we end up doing the right thing most of the time--I had already been incorporating the crossed leg postion while nursing but hearing you confirm my choice made me realize I am on the right track in my healing. I am focusing a lot of my energy on keeping my navel over my pubic bone and am finding it has really helped with my postpartum gas problem. I am also delighted to find that when using the posture while standing, my postpartum abs (all new moms freak about the tummy) are supported nicely, especially when I focus on relaxing my neck and shoulders. I am looking forward to getting back to some more strenuous workouts and rather than the biking/weights/aerobics that I normally do I'm considering Pilates as a kinder, gentler way to get my prepregnancy body back. Any thoughts? Again, thank you for your book and your generous spirit. It is a joyous feeling knowing I'm not alone in this journey. Terri

Hi Terri,

I'm so glad to hear that you feel better!

I've been glued to my writing space for too long now (new book)...but I'm going to check out Pilates also, since so many have said it's very much in line with my work. I live way out of town on a mountaintop and regular classes are difficult to commit to. Do you know of a good Pilates video?

Christine

I, too, find it difficult to commit to a regular class right now with three little ones and my husband's crazy schedule. I have found that videos at home keep me on track better than most anything else. I have one Pilates video that I like--it's through Gaiam/Living Arts and it includes resistance bands. I find it very relaxing and I like the coach, Ana Caban. I would like to get a few more and am considering Mari Winsor. She has a website, Winsorpilates.com, and I'll check that out and get back to you. I have been putting the babies in the stroller and walking quite a bit when the weather is nice and have found that the posture forces me to take longer strides than I have been used to. I believe it's helping me get stronger in my core areas. Thanks, as always.

Wonderful.