15 Jan How to Hold Your Child Without Hurting Your Back
How to Hold Your Child Without Hurting Your Back
As you can see above, I have a wonderful 4 year-old who Loves to pretend she is still a baby. One of my favorite parts of motherhood is the cuddling with her. I hear from so many moms, dads, aunts and uncles, grandmas and grandpas–that they feel the same, but “Oh, does it do wreckage to my back!”
I always want to say to them, it’s not the carrying of the child or baby that is making your back hurt, but HOW you are carrying them that is making your back hurt.
Take a look at the picture directly below.
This is a normal example of how many of us hold our children. (I too, have been guilty of this when I am not paying attention).
We thrust our hips forward and rely on those big pelvic bones and joints to carry the weight of our children (Mine is 36 lbs. in this pic). This is Murder on our lower backs. Those joints are just not equipped to do this over and over again without serious ramifications.
But Hallelujah! There is a Better Way! Look at the picture below, my hips are lined up under my shoulders and above my ankles. But surprisingly, and maybe most importantly:
**I Feel Like I am Leaning Forward, Hinging From My Hips.
I am in what most Alexander Technique teachers call, a Monkey Position. A teeny tiny monkey. I am holding Olivia as close to me as possible (which makes her part of my weight) and in the end she feels much LIGHTER to hold!
The Next Key to Good Holding is: Stay in Movement! Allow your ankles, knees and hips to have little smooth adjustments like your joints were casters on the bottom of a swivel chair. Smooth teeny tiny movements. This allows different muscles in your legs and back to share the weight, instead of you locking down your joints and only a few muscles/joints taking the weight.
Although this seems very simple, and it is–It is not always Easy to find it on your own. A Certified Alexander Technique Teacher, however, can help you find this super fast.
Need help finding one near you?
In America, go to: AmSat Find a Teacher
In Europe, go to: STAT Find a Teacher
If you live in other places in the world, I don’t have a direct link, but type in “Alexander Technique Teacher near me” into your search engine, and you should be able to find a Certified Practitioner.
Let me know how it works for you!
Warmly,
Lena