Nursing moms sometimes develop "nursing slump", or a slightly slumped over posture, from always bending a little forward at the shoulders while nursing and carrying around their babies.
Here are three easy stretches you can do that will help correct this slump. You don't have to be a new mom to benefit from them – most of us could use a little help with our posture even if we aren't nursing!
First: stand up straight with your ams hanging at your sides, and slowly roll your shoulders up and back, exaggerating the motion as much as you can. I usually do this for about 30 seconds, then I shake out my shoulders and arms. It feels great!
Next: clasp your hands behind your back, and pull your arms straight back and up as far as they will comfortably go. Hold the stretch for about 10 seconds, then release. Repeat a couple of times, then shake out your arms and roll your shoulders backward and forward a couple of times.
Last one: With your hands clasped in front of you, straighten your arms and lift them up over your head and back, slightly arching your back as you do this. It might feel good to stretch slightly to each side, slowly, while you are doing this. Unclasp your arms and circle your arms backward a few times. Finish by rolling your shoulders backward and forward, and shake out your arms and shoulders.
These stretches feel fantastic, you can do them anywhere even if you only have a minute, and they help improve posture. I think they also help energize me when my arms are really tired from carrying my baby around all day – I love to do this sequence of stretches at the end of the day to relax and rejuvenate a little bit.
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Leah Hitchcock Ybarra is a group fitness instructor, mom, and jewlery maker. Visit her health and fitness blog for more tips and advice.
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Thanks for the post! My posture has TOTALLY suffered as a result of nursing.