Breastfeeding-related neck pain: prevalence and correlates among Nigerian lactating mothers

Abstract

Background Breastfeeding (BF) is a physically demanding task and is predominantly performed in a head-down position as the mother attempts to maintain eye contact with the infant. There are possibilities of BF-related neck pain (BFRNP) that have not been widely studied. This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of BFRNP in Nigerian lactating mothers. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 310 lactating mothers selected from post-natal clinics in Enugu, Nigeria. Information on their BF profile was sought as well as the prevalence and characteristics of BFRNP using a self-structured questionnaire. Results It was found that cradle hold was the commonly adopted BF position (94.0%) and the majority breastfed ≥10 times daily (55.2%) for <30 min per session (49.1%). BFRNP was seen in 51.7% of women, of which 55.0% reported moderate pain intensity and 60.0% experienced this pain during BF. None of the maternal characteristics and breastfeeding profiles were significantly associated with the prevalence of BFRNP (p>0.05). Conclusions There is a high prevalence of BFRNP among nursing mothers. Although maternal characteristics and BF positions were not associated with reported BFRNP, the results suggest that changing BF positions reduces neck pain during nursing sessions. Therefore this study recommends that nursing mothers should regularly change their BF positions to increase relaxation and comfort.

Prevalence of Upper Cross Syndrome in Multipara Women

“…A majority of the participants in a study by Chidiebele Petronilla Ojukwu et al, breastfed more than ten times a day, with the cradle hold being the most popular breastfeeding position, with each session lasting for over 30 minutes. Prevalence of breastfed-related neck pain was observed in 51.7% of women among nursing mothers 10 . A cross-sectional study on female undergraduates was carried out by Ashiyat Kehinde Akodu in another article to look into the relationship between breast hypertrophy, FHP, and functional impairments associated with neck and shoulder pain.…”

“…Twenty-eight participants had a "DD" cup size, twentysix participants had a "DDD" cup size. Thus, a correlation between breast hypertrophy, FHP, and weight was discovered 10,11 . The current study looked at multiparous women, where 43 participants were positive for FHP.…”

Impact of Targeted Exercises on the Musculoskeletal Disorders Experienced by Breastfeeding Mothers: A Pilot Study

“…7 Neck pain is another common musculoskeletal complaint, resulting from prolonged forward-leaning positions during breastfeeding and the physical strain of holding and caring for an infant. 4,8 Poor ergonomic practices during breastfeeding sessions can exacerbate this condition. 10,12 Carpal tunnel syndrome may also arise due to repetitive hand and wrist movements during breastfeeding and caring for an infant, compressing the median nerve in the wrist, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers.…”