Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Breastfeeding

By Jasna Cameron

What should be the most precious and cherished time of bonding with your baby can sometimes be marred by intense pain and discomfort for various reasons. Some moms experience aching, burning, or stabbing pains in their fingers, wrists, and arms and numbness or tingling that stems from a condition called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a well-known condition caused by increased pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. The median nerve runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist (carpal tunnel) to the hand. It provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb and fingers, but not the little finger.

The nerve is affected by the intense pressure from a build-up of swelling, which causes a loss in sensation in the fingers.

What causes CTS?

La Leche League leader and co-author of Dr. Jack Newman's Guide to Breastfeeding, Teresa Pitman, explains that CTS in breastfeeding mothers is the wrist pain caused by trying to hold the baby's weight with your hand, wrist, or forearm during each feed while nursing. Repetitive motions aggravate it, and so does the excessive bending of the wrist during breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

As Pitman pointed out: "A baby is likely to breastfeed up to 12 times a day, with each session lasting 20 to 40 minutes, so you can see that in some positions, it can put a lot of strain on the mother's arms."

CTS is also caused by any repetitive movement or motion of the wrist. Even typing can lead to CTS.

What can be done to reduce and prevent CTS?

Simple activity modifications can easily reduce the amount of strain placed on the wrists.

Your doctor may recommend seeing a lactation consultant to help you find the most comfortable breastfeeding position which will not compromise your wrists and cause further pain.

It also seems that some women experience wrist pain as their babies grow, because they continue using the newborn position or the cross-cradle hold while nursing. In this position, the mom uses the arm opposite the breast the baby is feeding on to support the baby's weight. As the babies get older and gain more weight, this puts enormous pressure on the forearm, wrist, or hand.

Alternate breastfeeding positions

• Mothers could try to alter their breastfeeding or bottle feeding positions and could even use a nursing pillow. In addition, she can put some pillows and blankets under the wrist to prevent unnecessary wrist overextension.

• She can also lean back as much as possible once the baby is properly latched so that the gravity doesn't add more pull to the growing weight of her baby.

• Pitman recommends using alternate feeding positions to prevent repetitive wrist motions and strain. She also stresses that most lactational specialists promote semi-reclined positions, where the baby is lying tummy down against the mother's chest, and her body supports his weight (not her wrist). If you can breastfeed while lying down, this would be even better. Try lying on your side with the baby facing you.

• Some other upright positions which are easier on the wrist are the so-called "football hold," where you place your baby on the side of your arm with his head by your body. You may also want to try babywearing and feeding your baby in a sling worn close to your body. This can be completely hands-free!

How should I deal with pain?

To address the pain in your wrist, your doctor may ask you to do some stretches and exercises. In addition, you may need to consult a physical therapist who can assist you with improving the range of motion and reducing the swelling.

Should the pain become unbearable, consult your doctor about which pain medications are suitable if you are still breastfeeding. Some doctors may recommend steroid injections which are safe for breastfeeding moms.

In some cases, a vitamin B6 injection is necessary, but this is usually only prescribed when a deficiency is present.

Conclusion

Much more research is needed to address this syndrome further. In addition to affecting a mother's ability to breastfeed, CTS impedes their performance of everyday tasks.

Don't wait too long if you start experiencing CTS symptoms; nip it in the bud and consult your doctor on the best course of action to alleviate the pain.