Medically reviewed by M. Thurairaj, Registered physiotherapist. · Last reviewed June 2026.
Where the aches come from
Long feeds with the head bent down load the neck and upper back, while carrying and lifting a baby repeatedly strains the lower back and wrists. Add poor sleep, which lowers everyone tolerance for aches, and it is no surprise new parents feel battered. Recognising that these are common, mechanical aches, rather than something wrong, can be reassuring in itself.
Practical ways to ease it
Bring the baby up to you with cushions when feeding rather than hunching down, switch sides and positions, and keep the wrists neutral when lifting. Carry close to your body and use both arms. Tiny moments of stretching and shoulder rolls between tasks help. None of this is about doing it perfectly; it is about reducing the repeated strain where you can.
Where a home visit helps
Getting out is hard with a newborn, so a home-visit massage can be a practical way for a parent to ease a tight neck, shoulders and back without arranging childcare or travel. For mothers after birth, it is best to wait for clearance at your postnatal check before booking, and we will always ask. As ever, anything beyond ordinary muscular aches should be checked by a doctor.
Key takeaways
- New-parent aches come from feeding, carrying and poor sleep
- Bring baby up to you and keep wrists neutral when lifting
- A home visit avoids travel and childcare hassles
- Mothers should wait for postnatal clearance before booking
Frequently asked questions
Why does my neck hurt so much since the baby arrived?
Long feeds with the head bent down and constant carrying load the neck and upper back. It is a common, usually muscular ache that better positioning can ease.
When can I have a massage after giving birth?
It is best to wait for clearance at your postnatal check, and to mention the type of birth you had. We will always ask before booking to keep it safe.