Hi, I’m a new mom and also the chiropractor behind Hebdon Chiropractic here in Dickson, TN. I’ve always known that proper posture plays a vital role in our overall health — but I didn’t fully feel the impact of that truth until I began my own breastfeeding journey.
Like many new mothers, I was spending hours each day nursing, often hunched over with a pillow awkwardly placed and my baby cradled just so. I thought I was doing everything “right” — but within weeks, I began experiencing intense tension in my neck, sharp upper back pain, and a dull ache in my wrists and shoulders. Sound familiar?
It’s something I hear all the time from other breastfeeding moms in my practice. The emotional reward of breastfeeding is undeniable, but the physical toll it can take when posture is overlooked is very real.
Why Breastfeeding Posture Is So Important
Whether you're feeding for ten minutes or an hour, your body is holding a position that strains muscles and joints that aren’t used to prolonged static posture. Slouching, leaning, or twisting to latch your baby can quickly lead to:
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Neck and shoulder pain
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Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
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Mid-back tightness
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Headaches
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Wrist discomfort (hello, "mommy thumb"!)
I’ve personally dealt with all of these, and as a chiropractor, I knew exactly what was going on: my spine and joints were under stress, my posture was out of alignment, and my nervous system wasn’t functioning at its best. The good news? These are exactly the kinds of issues chiropractic care can help with — and that’s when I turned to the same care I provide every day.
How Chiropractic Helped Me (and Can Help You)
After a few gentle adjustments to realign my spine and release tension in my upper back and neck, I began to feel relief almost immediately. Regular chiropractic care didn’t just help me feel better physically — it helped me breathe better, sleep better, and most importantly, it made those precious nursing moments more enjoyable and less painful.
At Hebdon Chiropractic in Dickson, we take a whole-body, nervous-system-focused approach to postpartum care. Chiropractic adjustments support your healing body, reduce inflammation, and help restore balance — all without medication or invasive procedures.
And as a mom, I know how important that is.
Tips for Better Breastfeeding Posture (From a Chiropractor and a Mom)
Here are a few things I’ve learned that I now share with other nursing moms in my care:
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Support your body – Use a supportive nursing pillow and keep your baby lifted so you aren’t hunching or leaning forward.
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Bring baby to breast, not breast to baby – Keep your spine aligned and avoid rounding your shoulders.
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Alternate sides regularly – Not just for your baby’s benefit, but to balance your own muscle use and reduce strain.
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Use a footrest – Keeping your feet flat and slightly elevated can help maintain a more neutral spine.
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Check in with yourself – Tension creeps in slowly. Take a moment during feeds to breathe deeply and adjust your posture.
And finally — get adjusted. Even one visit can make a big difference. You deserve to feel your best, and your baby benefits when you do.
If you’re a mom in the Dickson area struggling with pain, stiffness, or just not feeling aligned since birth, I’d love to support you. At Hebdon Chiropractic, we’re here for the whole family — especially the ones doing the hard, beautiful work of motherhood.
With care,
Dr. Hebdon
Hebdon Chiropractic – Dickson, TN
Nadine Hebdon
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