We can call this mom-chanics, not like moms who work on cars, but like the movements we make as moms. It is quite the change, going carrying on about our usual days to incorporating caring for a little nugget. Whether you’ve got work life going or staying at home with the kids, we ALL need some TLC for our bodies and these small simple changes make big impacts down the road. It can be asking for injury or issues (right away or in the future as we “age”), I’m looking at you pelvic floor. Prevention is the name of the game.
Keep baby or item close to your body to prevent straining, think car seats or loads of laundry or Amazon boxes.
Bend at the knees, contrary to Elle Woods, avoid bending and snapping during mom-chanics.
When bending over, imagine a line of energy through your spine instead of rounding your spine like a cavemen. There’s a time and a place for a yummy stretch with the spine round to release into your booty and back, but picking up heavy loads isn’t one of them. Add some bend to your knees, slight tuck of your chin to your chest like an orange is in between there.
Breathe out during exertion. Picking up for your babe or kid from a lower surface, standing up from bed or a chair, taking car seat in and out of car.
Pushing the stroller, keep handle close to hips and in same height.
