Why Do My Joints Hurt After Having a Baby?
Understanding Postpartum Joint Pain
Many new moms are surprised by how much their bodies still ache months after giving birth.
You might feel it in your wrists every time you pick up your baby. In your knees when you kneel to change a diaper. Or in your hips and back when you finally sink onto the couch after a long day.
These sensations are so common that many women assume they’re just part of motherhood, something they have to tolerate.
But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s normal or necessary.
Why Does Postpartum Joint Pain Happen?
During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin, which helps soften ligaments and prepare your pelvis for delivery. But relaxin doesn’t vanish after birth, it can stay in your system for months.
That lingering hormone, combined with the demands of caring for a newborn, creates a perfect storm for joint discomfort.
Some of the most common postpartum aches and pains include:
- Mid-back tension: Often from breastfeeding or contact napping in unsupported positions.
- Wrist pain: Sometimes called “mommy thumb,” caused by repetitive lifting and holding in poor mechanics.
- Hip and knee discomfort: From the combination of hormonal changes and new movement patterns.
- Foot soreness: Widespread after months of carrying extra weight during pregnancy.
It’s no wonder so many moms say they feel “old,” “out of shape,” or “constantly sore.”
How Long Will This Last If I Ignore It?
The reality is that postpartum pain doesn’t always get better on its own. When discomfort goes unaddressed, your body begins to compensate by shifting weight or movement to other areas. Over time, this can lead to dysfunction throughout the body, making simple tasks even more challenging.
If you’re experiencing aches that linger beyond the early weeks, it’s a good idea to consult with a postpartum-informed practitioner. We recommend a postpartum assessment around six weeks after delivery to make sure your body is recovering well.
How Osteopathy Can Help
Osteopathy is a gentle, whole-body approach to easing pain and restoring alignment. Unlike chiropractic or physiotherapy, osteopathy works with the deeper tissues and fascia to encourage the body’s natural healing.
Your osteopath will:
- Meet you exactly where you are in your recovery.
- Use slow, supportive techniques to realign joints and ease tension.
- Develop a personalized care plan to help you feel comfortable and capable again.
At Crescent Health Collective, osteopathy is often combined with pelvic floor physiotherapy and acupuncture to address the full picture of your health. We may also recommend a consultation with our naturopathic doctor to assess your hormone and nutrient levels, ensuring that nothing is overlooked.
A Whole-Person Approach to Postpartum Care
We know that every woman’s postpartum journey is unique. Whether you had an uncomplicated delivery or a complex birth experience, you deserve care that honours your story.
Here, we listen deeply. We trust your intuition about your body. And we never assume that constant pain is simply “the cost of motherhood.”
Tips for Supporting Your Healing at Home
While professional care is key, there are also gentle ways you can support your recovery day to day:
- Give yourself grace. Healing takes time.
- Trust your journey, without comparing yourself to others online.
- Take breaks when you can and pay attention to your posture during feedings and diaper changes.
You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again
If you’ve been wondering whether osteopathy is worth it, or whether your discomfort is “bad enough” to get help, know this:
Pregnancy and motherhood should not mean living in constant pain.
And because the right fit makes all the difference, if the practitioner you see at Crescent Health Collective isn’t quite for you, we’ll thoughtfully connect you to someone who is. Your comfort and trust are always at the heart of our care.
If you’re ready to feel more like yourself again, we’re here to help. Send us a message or book your postpartum assessment today.