Postpartum Care

New Mom Alert: Baby Lifting & Post Partum Wrist Pain

Becoming a mother brings the greatest joy! But parethood can also include numerous physical challenges that many new parents don’t anticipate. Among the most common – yet often overlooked – issues new moms face is wrist pain that develops in the weeks and months after childbirth. At the practice of board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD in Dearborn Heights, MI, many new mothers report experiencing significant wrist discomfort that interferes with their ability to care for their babies comfortably.

This postpartum wrist pain typically results from repetitive motions involved in lifting, holding, and caring for newborns, creating a condition that deserves attention and proper management.

Understanding why this postpartum wrist pain occurs, how to prevent it, and what treatment options exist helps new mothers navigate this challenge without suffering unnecessarily. While wrist pain might seem like a minor concern compared to other postpartum issues, the persistent discomfort can significantly impact daily functioning and bonding with your baby. Recognizing the signs early and implementing preventive strategies protects your wrists while allowing you to enjoy motherhood more fully!

Why New Moms Often Experience Wrist Pain Post Partum

The postpartum period brings dramatic hormonal shifts as the body transitions from pregnancy to lactation and eventually back to pre-pregnancy hormone levels. These hormonal changes affect connective tissues throughout the body, including the tendons and ligaments in the wrists. Relaxin, a hormone that increases during pregnancy to loosen ligaments in preparation for childbirth, remains elevated for several months postpartum, especially in breastfeeding mothers. According to research in the Journal of Hand Surgery, this hormonal influence makes tendons more susceptible to inflammation and injury during the postpartum months.

The repetitive motions required to care for a newborn place extraordinary stress on the wrists and thumbs. Lifting a baby from cribs, car seats, and changing tables dozens of times daily, often using awkward positions, strains the tendons controlling thumb movement. Breastfeeding positions that require supporting the baby’s weight with bent wrists for extended periods add additional stress. Even simple activities like fastening tiny snaps on baby clothes or manipulating bottle parts require fine motor movements that can aggravate irritated tendons.

Sleep deprivation, nearly universal among new parents, reduces the body’s ability to recover from repetitive stress injuries. When muscles and tendons don’t get adequate rest and recovery time, small injuries accumulate into more significant problems. The postpartum body is already healing from pregnancy and childbirth, making it less resilient to additional physical demands on the wrists and hands.

Many new mothers develop poor posture while nursing, feeding bottles, or soothing babies, which transfers additional stress to the wrists. Hunching shoulders, bending necks, and holding arms in static positions for long periods creates muscle tension that affects wrist mechanics. First-time mothers, unfamiliar with optimal baby-holding techniques, are particularly vulnerable to developing postpartum wrist pain from improper positioning.

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD in Dearborn Heights, MI helps new mothers understand the multiple factors contributing to postpartum aches and pains and provides guidance on prevention and management strategies.

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis in the Postpartum Period

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is the most common cause of wrist pain affecting new mothers, affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. The condition involves inflammation of the tendons that control thumb movement, specifically the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons that run through a narrow tunnel on the wrist’s thumb side. When these tendons become irritated and swollen, moving the thumb or wrist causes pain that can be quite severe and debilitating during the postpartum months.

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis includes pain at the base of the thumb that worsens with gripping, pinching, or twisting motions. Mothers often notice sharp pain when lifting their babies, turning doorknobs, wringing washcloths, or even texting on phones. According to research in Obstetrics & Gynecology, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis occurs significantly more frequently in new mothers compared to the general population, with some studies suggesting up to 30% of postpartum women experience symptoms to some degree.

Swelling at the base of the thumb near the wrist, tenderness when pressing on the affected tendons, and sometimes a catching or snapping sensation characterize this postpartum condition. The Finkelstein test, where the thumb is tucked into the palm and the wrist is bent toward the little finger, typically produces sharp pain in people with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. While not a definitive diagnostic test, a positive Finkelstein test combined with typical symptoms strongly suggests this condition.

The repetitive thumb motions required for baby care—scooping babies up with thumbs extended, supporting baby heads with outstretched thumbs, and countless other daily movements—directly stress the exact tendons affected by De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Combined with postpartum hormonal effects on tendon integrity, this creates a perfect storm for developing this painful condition that can persist for months if not properly addressed.

Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD in Dearborn Heights, MI can diagnose De Quervain’s tenosynovitis during your postpartum visit and recommend appropriate treatments to relieve pain and restore function for new mothers.

The Best Way to Lift Your Baby to Prevent Postpartum Wrist Pain

Proper lifting technique dramatically reduces stress on wrists and thumbs, preventing or minimizing postpartum wrist pain. The key principle involves using your whole hand to support your baby rather than relying primarily on your thumbs. When reaching to lift your baby, spread your fingers wide and slide your hands under the baby’s body with palms flat, supporting the weight with your entire hand and forearm rather than gripping with thumbs extended away from your palm.

Keep wrists in neutral position—neither bent forward nor backward—when lifting and holding your baby. Bent wrists place tendons at mechanical disadvantage and increase friction within the tendon sheaths, promoting inflammation. According to research in ergonomics and occupational health, maintaining neutral wrist alignment during repetitive tasks significantly reduces tendon injury risk during the postpartum period and beyond.

When lifting from low surfaces like cribs or car seats, squat down and use your legs rather than bending and reaching with extended arms. This keeps the baby’s weight closer to your body’s center and reduces the leverage stress on your wrists. Slide the baby toward you before lifting rather than reaching out and lifting from a distance. These small adjustments in postpartum lifting technique reduce wrist strain substantially over the dozens of daily lifting episodes.

Alternate which side you use for holding and carrying your baby to distribute stress more evenly between both arms and wrists. Many parents unconsciously favor one side, overloading those tendons while the other side remains relatively unstressed. Consciously switching sides, even when it feels awkward initially, protects against developing one-sided postpartum wrist pain.

Certified Nurse Midwife Amy Schoemer, DNP at our OBGYN practice in Dearborn Heights, MI can demonstrate proper lifting techniques during your postpartum visits and provide personalized guidance on protecting your wrist while caring for your baby.

Other Tips for Avoiding Post Partum Wrist Pain

Beyond lifting technique, several strategies help prevent postpartum wrist pain from developing or worsening. Using supportive nursing pillows positions babies at proper height for feeding without requiring you to support their full weight with bent wrists for extended periods. Investing in quality nursing pillows that properly elevate babies to breast height protects wrists during the numerous daily feeding sessions throughout the postpartum months.

Strengthening exercises for wrists and forearms build resilience against repetitive stress injuries. Simple exercises like wrist curls, finger extensions against resistance bands, and grip strengthening can be performed during brief moments throughout the day. According to physical therapy research, even modest strengthening significantly reduces injury risk in people performing repetitive hand and wrist motions during the postpartum period and beyond.

Wrist splints or braces worn during activities that typically cause pain provide support and remind you to maintain proper positioning. Some new mothers find wearing splints at night particularly helpful, as we often sleep with wrists bent, which can aggravate inflammation. Thumb spica splints that immobilize both the wrist and thumb provide maximum support for postpartum De Quervain’s tenosynovitis but can be cumbersome for baby care tasks.

Applying ice to painful areas after intensive baby care sessions reduces inflammation and provides pain relief. Fifteen minutes of icing several times daily can significantly improve postpartum wrist pain symptoms. Some mothers find contrast therapy—alternating between ice and warmth—particularly soothing for tendon inflammation during the postpartum recovery period.

Taking breaks when possible allows stressed tendons to recover before inflammation becomes severe. While constant baby care doesn’t always permit regular breaks, accepting help from partners, family members, or friends for some lifting and holding tasks protects your wrists. Many new mothers feel they should do everything themselves, but protecting your physical health benefits both you and your baby long-term.

Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD in Dearborn Heights, MI provides comprehensive guidance on preventing postpartum wrist pain through proper techniques, supportive equipment, and self-care strategies during the demanding early months of motherhood.

How to Treat Post Partum Wrist Pain from Baby Lifting

When postpartum wrist pain develops despite preventive efforts, several treatment options provide relief and promote healing. Rest represents the most important but often most difficult intervention for new mothers. Reducing the repetitive motions that caused the problem allows inflammation to subside and tendons to heal. While complete rest isn’t realistic when caring for a newborn, modifying techniques and accepting help with lifting tasks provides partial rest that supports healing during the postpartum period.

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen reduce pain and inflammation effectively for most cases of postpartum wrist pain and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. These medications are generally safe during breastfeeding when used at recommended doses, though mothers should always consult with their healthcare providers. According to research in maternal-fetal medicine, short-term use of NSAIDs for postpartum musculoskeletal issues poses minimal risk to nursing infants.

Thumb spica splinting immobilizes the thumb and wrist to prevent aggravating movements while tendons heal. Wearing splints consistently for several weeks often resolves mild to moderate postpartum De Quervain’s tenosynovitis. Custom-fitted splints from occupational therapists provide optimal support, though over-the-counter versions work adequately for many patients during the postpartum recovery period.

Physical therapy or occupational therapy teaches specific exercises, provides manual therapy to reduce inflammation, and offers education on proper body mechanics for baby care. Therapists specializing in hand conditions can provide treatments like ultrasound, iontophoresis, or other modalities that reduce inflammation. Many new mothers find the education component particularly valuable for preventing recurrence of postpartum wrist pain.

Corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath provide rapid relief for moderate to severe postpartum De Quervain’s tenosynovitis that doesn’t respond to conservative measures. Research shows that injection therapy has high success rates, with many patients experiencing complete resolution after one or two injections. The procedure takes just minutes and can dramatically improve quality of life for mothers struggling with debilitating wrist pain during the demanding postpartum months.

Surgery represents a last resort for persistent postpartum wrist pain that doesn’t respond to all conservative treatments. The procedure releases the tight tunnel compressing the inflamed tendons, providing immediate mechanical relief. According to hand surgery literature, success rates exceed 90%, though surgery is rarely necessary if conservative treatments are implemented early and consistently during the postpartum period.

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD in Dearborn Heights, MI and Certified Nurse Midwife Amy Schoemer, DNP can evaluate postpartum wrist pain during follow-up visits and can provide treatment recommendations or referrals to specialists when needed to help new mothers find relief and return to comfortable baby care.

Postpartum Care | Dearborn Heights, MI

Wrist pain represents one of many physical challenges new mothers face during the postpartum period, but it’s one that shouldn’t be ignored or dismissed as simply part of motherhood. Understanding the causes of postpartum wrist pain, particularly De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and implementing preventive strategies protects your ability to care for your baby comfortably. When pain does develop, numerous effective treatments can provide relief and restore function so you can enjoy motherhood without constant discomfort.

Board-certified OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad, MD in Dearborn Heights, MI – along with Certified Nurse Midwife Amy Schoemer, DNP – provides comprehensive postpartum care that addresses all aspects of recovery, including musculoskeletal issues like wrist pain. Don’t suffer through postpartum wrist pain thinking it’s normal or unavoidable—schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms and receive expert guidance on prevention, management, and treatment options that will help you care for your baby comfortably and confidently1

Dearborn Heights  | Postpartum Care: 313.561.2200