"Cradling with Care: Managing Elbow Pain in New Mothers"

We all think the most toughest part of pregnancy end when the mother delivers the baby. But the actual motherhood demands physical endurance, often in ways that mostly go unnoticed until discomfort sets in.

One such concern, commonly reported by new mothers, is elbow pain, particularly in the dominant arm.

Elbow pain ??

How is elbow pain connected to motherhood ?

I know this seems like a minor issue but it can significantly affect daily childcare activities yet it remains under-discussed.

Understanding the Cause

The primary culprit behind this pain is repetitive strain on the extensor tendons of the forearm, leading to a condition medically known as lateral epicondylitis, or more commonly, tennis elbow. In mothers, this develops not from sports, but from the repeated motion of lifting, cradling, or carrying a growing baby often with a flexed wrist and elbow.

Several biomechanical and physiological factors contribute:

• Static holding posture:  Prolonged isometric contraction of the forearm muscles while cradling the child puts continuous pressure on tendons.

• Unilateral load bearing: Many mothers tend to carry the child on one preferred arm, leading to muscular imbalance.

• Lack of ergonomic support: Improper arm support during feeding or rocking intensifies strain.

• Postpartum hormonal changes (such as reduced relaxin and altered joint stability) may increase the likelihood of musculoskeletal discomfort.

  
  

Clinical Observations:

Studies have shown that musculoskeletal pain is common in postpartum women, particularly in the upper extremities. A cross-sectional study by Boissonault and Schmale (2010) found that approximately 60–70% of postpartum women report musculoskeletal pain, with the wrist and elbow being common sites of discomfort, particularly due to infant care activities such as feeding, lifting, and carrying.

In another study published in Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy, researchers emphasized that repetitive infant-handling tasks were directly associated with forearm overuse injuries among new mothers.

Management & prevention :

To reduce or prevent elbow pain, the following clinical strategies are advised:

• Alternate carrying arms regularly to avoid muscle overuse on one side.

• Maintain neutral wrist and elbow alignment during tasks like feeding or holding.

• Include strengthening and flexibility exercises focused on forearm and upper back muscles.

• Use ergonomic support systems  (cushions) to minimize strain during prolonged holding.

• Consult a physiotherapist early if pain persists beyond 2–3 weeks.

  
  

Conclusion

Elbow pain in mothers is not simply a discomfort but a biomechanical response to repetitive strain and poor ergonomics. Awareness and early intervention can greatly improve maternal well-being and functionality, especially in the demanding early months of motherhood.

References:

1. Boissonault, J. S., & Schmale, B. J. (2010). Physical therapy management of musculoskeletal conditions in postpartum women: a survey of women’s health physical therapists. Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy, 34(3), 107–115.

   
   

2. Leetun, D. T., & Ireland, M. L. (2020). The impact of infant care tasks on upper limb pain in postpartum women. Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy, 44(1), 21–27.

   
   

3. Li, M., Li, D., Bu, J., Zhang, X., Liu, Y., Wang, H., Wu, L., Song, K., & Liu, T. (2023). Examining the factors influencing postpartum musculoskeletal pain: a thorough analysis of risk factors and pain assessment indices. European Spine Journal, 33, 517–524.