Hey guys, I know it’s been awhile and I’ve missed writing so much. The last six months I have been focusing on healing during my postpartum journey. It has come at a price. Lots of time researching, going to physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening. I have been trying to stay emotionally and mentally healthy as well. Chronic pain can really take that away. (See cute baby below to realize this has all been WORTH IT.)I wanted to share more of my story and what steps I have taken to get to a much better place. Not healed, but able to deal with it. It is going to be an ongoing process for a while, if not forever. Because, just a reminder, your health is a TOP PRIORITY!

My low back pain started about 6 weeks postpartum. It took me a few months after that to see a physical therapist. She treated me for Sacroilliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction (pain). The joint that stabilizes between the sacrum and iliac is too loose, creating too much movement and makes it hard to stabilize. The hormone, relaxin, from birth and breastfeeding loosen the joints. All the muscles surrounding the area are sore from having to overcompensate. Also, my core strength has weakened since having two kids so close together.

I have felt defeated many times but I haven’t given up. The pain has been so unbearable at times making it hard to do the simplest things such as sit, stand and hold my babies.

Here are the symptoms that I have:
Pain transitioning from sitting to standing
Pain when rolling over in bed
Pain when sitting too long and long car rides
Pain in hips, buttocks, groin, full back and upper legs
Tightness in groin
Pain around SI joint
Pain going down stairs
Pain worse on one side

I am here to tell you there is hope. After reading so many negative things about chronic pain about this issue, it has been tough to stay positive. But then I think, when have I ever given up? And the one thing that has been the game changer for me? Well two things really. YOGA and self adjustments. Not just any yoga. I found a pain relief series by Lindey Samper on Amazon Prime. I am doing stretches and strengthening that I couldn’t do last week because of it. I believe the healing so far wouldn’t have been possible without physical therapy and of course my support village. Big shout out to my husband! I think he really understands that this postpartum healing journey is long and he has been my rock.

It took some time to figure out what is working for me specifically. Here are some of the steps that I have taken to find relief in addition to the aforementioned items:

>>Going to physical therapy for 4+ months
>>Saw an orthopedic doctor this week (who determined it was all childbirth related and the SI joint tests were negative)
>>Bought another Ikea Poang chair (full back support, amazing!!)

>>Hot epsom salt baths
>>Bought The Back Pain Secret book on Amazon (This has some great exercises and advice)

>>SI belt
>>Ice packs
>>TENS unit
>>Yoga
>>Baby wearing with the Lillebaby carrier with back support
>>Anti-inflammatory diet (no refined sugar, limiting gluten, adding superfoods)
>>Turmeric supplements (to be fair, I haven’t dosed enough to give much feedback)
>>Being intentional with every movement, posture, carrying and lifting (If I see you slouching I might say something)
>>monthly massages (This also is amazing and I highly recommend buying a massage chair)
>>Joined Facebook support group
>>Following blogs about SI joint pain
>>Spending more time home to focus on time for yoga and less carrying (carseats and toddlers)
>>Bought supportive bras for my measured size G breasts
>>Self adjustments to SI joint and pelvis (pelvis reset exercises)
>>Dry needling (starting this week, woohoo!)

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding (like me), I understand you are limited in terms of medicine. But it has honestly been for the better so I can focus on the problem vs the symptoms. That is also why you do not see chiropractor mentioned 🙂 And this is in no way to bash that alternative method. Just my personal opinion.

I would love to chat with you more if you are experiencing this too. The pain is SO REAL. Every day you have to fight. I think going through labor again would be easier, put it that way! I hope this blog post reaches one person who will have an aha moment. I pray it helps you 🙂

My journey continues from here and I will be focusing on this yoga series for now. One day at a time. My babies need me to be at my best.

Please comment below if I left anything out or you have words of wisdom. This is an ongoing journey and I can’t do it alone.

Thanks for reading!
Kim