Newly postpartum mom holding her baby while breastfeeding in the grass
Mama, you've spent months preparing for your little one. Now let's make sure someone is taking care of you, too. 💗
Feeding. Rocking. Burping. Carrying. Bending over the crib. And then doing it all over again!
Those newborn days are filled with so many sweet moments, but goodness, they can be hard on your body!
Maybe you've noticed your neck feeling tight after feeding your baby. Maybe your shoulders are constantly tense, or your lower back starts aching by the end of the day.
Sound familiar?
First, know that you're not alone.
Your body has spent nine months growing and nurturing a little life, and now you're asking it to keep up with a whole new set of demands, often on very little sleep!
At The Chiropractic Place for Mommy & Me in Aledo, Texas, we have a special place in our hearts for mamas navigating pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and all the beautiful (and exhausting!) seasons of motherhood.
We want you to know that caring for your own body isn't selfish. It's an important part of caring for your family.
Let's talk about why those aches and pains happen, a few simple things you can do at home, and how our team can walk alongside you during this season.
Why Does My Back and Neck Hurt After Having a Baby?
Our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made, aren't they?
Think about everything your body has experienced. Throughout pregnancy, your posture, muscles, and center of gravity have been adapting to support your growing baby. Then comes birth, recovery, and the physical demands of caring for a newborn.
And those demands add up quickly!
Think about how much of your day involves:
Feeding your baby, whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Looking down at that sweet little face
Lifting car seats, diaper bags, and maybe a toddler, too!
Bending over the crib, bathtub, or changing table
Holding and rocking your baby for extended periods
Getting interrupted sleep and having less time for yourself
It's a lot!
When we repeat the same movements or stay in the same positions for long periods, our muscles and joints can become sore and fatigued.
And while some discomfort is common during the postpartum season, we never want you to feel like pain is simply something you have to push through.
Your recovery matters, too.
6 Simple Ways to Support Your Back and Neck at Home
One thing we tell our mamas all the time is that caring for your body doesn't have to be complicated.
You don't need another overwhelming routine or a long list of things to accomplish. You're already doing plenty!
Sometimes the smallest changes throughout your day can make a meaningful difference.
1. Bring Baby to You During Feedings
Whether you're nursing or bottle feeding, it's so easy to find yourself leaning forward with your shoulders rounded and your neck bent down.
Before you know it, you've been in that position for 30 minutes!
Try using pillows to support your arms and bring baby closer to you rather than bending your body toward baby.
Make sure your back is supported and your shoulders can relax.
A little reminder: You don't have to hold yourself in an uncomfortable position to feed your baby. Your comfort matters, too!
2. Give Your Neck a Little Break
We know how hard it is not to stare at that precious baby!
But all that looking down can leave your neck and upper back feeling tight.
Throughout the day, take a few moments to gently lift your gaze, relax your shoulders, and change your position.
Even those little movement breaks can help your muscles get some relief.
3. Change Positions Throughout the Day
Our bodies were designed to move!
If you always feed in the same chair, carry baby on the same hip, or hold your little one with the same arm, try switching things up when you can.
Small changes in position can help distribute the physical demands of caring for your baby.
And remember, there's no such thing as perfect posture that you have to maintain all day long.
Your next position is often your best position!
4. Be Mindful of How You're Lifting
Between the baby, car seat, stroller, and everything else that comes with motherhood, you're lifting more than you might realize.
When possible, keep what you're lifting close to your body, bend through your hips and knees, and avoid twisting while carrying something heavy.
If you're recovering from a C-section or had complications during delivery, follow your OB or midwife's recommendations about lifting and activity.
5. Find Little Moments to Move
You don't have to jump back into an exercise routine to begin moving your body again.
Depending on your recovery and your provider's guidance, gentle movement might look like:
Taking a short walk with the stroller
Enjoying a few gentle stretches
Practicing slow, relaxed breathing
Getting outside for a few minutes of fresh air
Start where you are, and give yourself grace.
Your body doesn't need to bounce back. It deserves time to recover.
6. Let Someone Take Care of You, Too
This one might be the hardest!
If someone offers to hold the baby while you rest, take a shower, or enjoy a quiet moment, let them.
You were never meant to do all of this alone.
Asking for help doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. Sometimes it's exactly what your body needs.
How Soon After Having a Baby Can I See a Chiropractor?
This is one of the questions we hear most often!
And the answer is that every mama's recovery looks a little different.
Some women feel ready to come in relatively soon after delivery, while others need more time, especially following a C-section, a difficult birth, or other complications.
There isn't one timeline that fits everyone. We generally recommend that sometime within the first two weeks postpartum is where most new mamas land.
Your OB or midwife should always be part of conversations about your postpartum recovery, and we love working collaboratively with your healthcare team.
When you visit us, we'll take time to understand your pregnancy, birth experience, current symptoms, and recovery before discussing whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
And please don't worry about finding someone to watch your baby just so you can make an appointment!
Bring that sweet baby with you!
Our office was designed with families in mind. We have a private feeding room, diaper-changing areas, and toys in every treatment room.
We understand that babies cry, need to eat, and sometimes need a diaper change right in the middle of an appointment.
That's motherhood, and you're always welcome here.
What Does a Postpartum Chiropractic Visit Look Like at TCP?
If you've never visited our office before, we want you to feel comfortable knowing what to expect.
We believe that you deserve to feel heard, understood, and empowered when making decisions about your health.
Here's how we approach your visit.
First, We Listen
We want to hear your story.
How was your pregnancy? How did delivery go? What has recovery looked like? Where are you experiencing discomfort?
And just as importantly, what are you hoping to feel better doing?
Maybe you want to feed your baby without your neck aching. Maybe you're struggling to lift your toddler comfortably. Or maybe you simply want to feel more like yourself again.
Whatever brought you through our doors, we want to understand it.
Next, We Evaluate
Your doctor will assess your movement, posture, and areas of discomfort, along with other findings relevant to your symptoms.
We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to care.
Your body, your birth experience, and your recovery are uniquely yours.
Then, We Talk Through What We Find
We believe education is one of the most important parts of what we do.
We'll explain our findings, answer your questions, and discuss your options.
If your symptoms suggest that another healthcare provider should evaluate you first, we'll help guide you in that direction.
We love being part of a collaborative healthcare team because we believe families benefit when their providers work together.
Gentle, Individualized Care
When chiropractic care is appropriate, your doctor will discuss an approach tailored to your comfort, needs, and stage of recovery.
Depending on your evaluation, we may also discuss additional services offered at TCP for the future, including:
Shockwave Therapy + Chiropractic Adjustment: A separate 15-minute visit for $90
Dry Needling + Chiropractic Adjustment: A separate 15-minute visit with Dr. Parker or Dr. Leslie for $90
These services aren't necessary or appropriate for every postpartum mama, and your doctor will help you understand whether they may be worth considering.
Our goal is never to add more to your plate. It's to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your care.
Can Postpartum Massage Help With Back and Neck Tension?
Sometimes, you just need an opportunity to relax those hardworking muscles!
Between feeding, rocking, carrying, and the physical demands of caring for your family, it's understandable that your neck, shoulders, and back may feel tense.
Massage can be a wonderful way to address muscle tension and enjoy a little time focused on your own well-being.
At TCP, Rachel, our licensed massage therapist since 2002, offers individualized postpartum massage.
Her sessions are 50 minutes for $100 and can be coordinated with your chiropractic care when appropriate.
And if you haven't had a moment to yourself in a while, consider this your gentle reminder that you're worth caring for, too. 💗
Want to get to know the people who will be caring for you? Visit our Meet the Doctors page.
How Much Does Postpartum Chiropractic Care Cost?
We believe you should understand the cost of care before you schedule.
Here's what to expect at TCP if you have never been in before:
New Patient Visit: $150 (approximately 30 minutes)
Chiropractic Adjustment: $60 (approximately 10 minutes)
Postpartum Massage with Rachel: $100 (50 minutes)
We don't bill insurance directly, but we can provide a superbill for you to submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on your benefits.
You can learn more about what to expect on our Start Here page or explore our services.
When Should I Contact My OB or Midwife About Postpartum Pain?
While muscle soreness can happen during the postpartum season, not every ache or pain should be assumed to be normal recovery.
We always encourage our mamas to stay connected with their OB or midwife, especially when symptoms are new, worsening, or concerning.
Seek emergency medical care for symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, seizures, fainting, or a severe headache with vision changes. Contact your maternity care team promptly for fever, heavy bleeding, worsening abdominal or pelvic pain, or other concerning symptoms.
Severe back pain accompanied by new leg weakness, numbness around the groin, or loss of bladder or bowel control also requires emergency evaluation.
And if you're concerned about your baby's health, including fever, poor feeding, difficulty breathing, or unusual lethargy, contact your pediatrician promptly or seek emergency care when appropriate.
We never want chiropractic care to delay medical attention that you or your baby may need.
We are honored to be one part of your family's healthcare team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Back and Neck Pain
Is it normal to have back pain after giving birth?
Back discomfort is common after pregnancy and childbirth. Changes during pregnancy, physical recovery, repeated lifting, feeding positions, and carrying your baby can all contribute. However, persistent, severe, or worsening pain deserves evaluation rather than being dismissed as part of motherhood.
Can I bring my newborn to my chiropractic appointment?
Absolutely!
We love having babies in our office. We have a private feeding room, diaper-changing areas, and toys in every treatment room.
You don't need to have everything perfectly planned before you come in. We understand life with little ones!
How soon after delivery can I schedule an appointment?
Every mama's recovery is different. Your birth experience, symptoms, and any complications can influence when care is appropriate. We recommend discussing recovery concerns with your OB or midwife, and our team is happy to answer questions about scheduling.
Does TCP offer postpartum massage?
Yes! Rachel, our licensed massage therapist since 2002, offers 50-minute postpartum massage sessions for $100.
Do you accept insurance?
We don't bill insurance directly, but we can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.
You Deserve to Be Cared For, Too
There's something so beautiful about those early days of motherhood.
The tiny fingers wrapped around yours. The sleepy snuggles. The moments when you look at your baby and wonder how you could possibly love someone so much.
But there are also sleepless nights, tired muscles, and days when you feel like you've given every little bit of yourself to everyone else.
We see you, Mama.
And we want to remind you that your health matters just as much now as it did while you were carrying your baby.
At The Chiropractic Place for Mommy & Me, our heart is to walk alongside families through every season, offering thoughtful guidance, individualized care, and a place where you feel genuinely heard.
Whether you're a first-time mama or welcoming another little blessing into your family, you don't have to figure everything out on your own.
We're here when you're ready.
We proudly welcome families from Aledo, Fort Worth, Weatherford, Willow Park, Hudson Oaks, Benbrook, Walsh Ranch, Brock, and surrounding Parker County communities.
Ready to take a little time to care for you?
Or call or text us at 817-441-1921. We'd love to hear from you!
Blessings,
The Team at The Chiropractic Place for Mommy & Me 💗
