Take Care of Your Back

With a baby in the house, you are doing a lot more lifting. You are bending and picking things up more often. This can put stress on your back and cause injury.

Think about taking care of your back. Having a strong back will help you take care of your baby and yourself.

Staying physically fit is a great way to take care of your back. Muscles in your stomach, legs, arms and back are used when you lift things. Strong muscles will help you avoid straining your back.

Ask your doctor what exercises are best for you. Even standing up straight and sitting up straight will help your back. With a little planning, you can learn to lift things without strain.

Here are some tips to help you prevent hurting your back:

• When possible, don’t bend over from your waist when you pick up your baby. Instead, lower yourself by bending your knees. Then use the muscles in your legs and buttocks to push yourself back up.
• Lift your baby up slowly and smoothly. If you use jerky movements, you can strain your back.
• Never twist your waist and bend at the same time.
• Don’t try to lift something heavy any higher than your shoulders. When you need to put something heavy up high, get some help. Use a step stool or a ladder.
• Hold heavy objects close to you. Don’t reach out to pick up a heavy object. Carry your baby close to your body.

This content has been provided freely by CMC. Click Healthy Start, Grow Smart—Your Five-Month-Old for your free download. Click GreatDad Free Ebook to download the entire Health Start, Grow Smart series.

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