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Feeding with Comfort: How Postpartum Recovery Impacts Breastfeeding and Bottle-Feeding

Writer: Sabrina ThorpeSabrina Thorpe

Feeding your baby should be a bonding experience, not a painful or stressful one. Yet, many moms struggle with discomfort while breastfeeding or bottle-feeding due to lingering postpartum issues. What many don’t realize is that unresolved postpartum pain and weakness can directly impact feeding posture, milk supply, and even a baby’s ability to latch effectively. At Foundation Physical Therapy, we take a whole-body approach—helping moms recover so they can nourish their babies with ease.


mom and baby physical therapy

1. Postural Strain Affects Feeding Comfort

New moms spend hours each day feeding their babies, often in static positions that strain the back, neck, and shoulders. If a mom is experiencing postpartum core weakness or pelvic instability, she may compensate by hunching forward or shifting her weight unevenly—leading to discomfort, tension, and even headaches. Addressing postpartum recovery through targeted therapy can improve posture, making feeding more comfortable and sustainable.


2. Breastfeeding Success Starts with Maternal Strength

Breastfeeding requires both mom and baby to work together. If a mom has unresolved tension or weakness in her upper body, it can affect how she positions her baby, leading to latch difficulties, breast pain, or clogged ducts. Physical therapy can help restore strength and mobility, ensuring moms can comfortably hold their babies in various feeding positions without unnecessary strain.


3. Bottle-Feeding Positions and Baby’s Development

Even for moms who choose to bottle-feed, posture and positioning matter. A baby who is always fed in the same position may develop a preference for turning their head one way, which can contribute to tightness or asymmetries like torticollis. A therapist who treats both mom and baby can ensure feeding positions promote proper muscle balance and motor development.


4. Feeding Without Pain Leads to Better Bonding

When feeding is painful or exhausting, it can take away from the special moments of connection between mom and baby. By addressing postpartum recovery, moms can focus on the joy of feeding rather than the discomfort, leading to a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for both.


Enjoy the Feeding Journey with Confidence

At Foundation Physical Therapy, we help moms regain strength, mobility, and comfort so they can feed their babies with ease. Are you ready to rock your pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood? Book an appointment today and experience pain-free feeding.


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Phone: 262-627-0425

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