After having a baby, it’s common for new moms to experience neck pain—even if they’ve never had it before. Between feeding, changing, lifting, and caring for a newborn 24/7, your body is under a whole new kind of pressure. If your neck feels stiff, sore, or achy, you’re not alone—and physiotherapy can help.

Why Does Neck Pain Happen After Having a Baby?

Your daily routine has changed a lot since your baby arrived, and so has your posture. Here are a few common causes of neck pain in the postpartum period:

1. Looking Down All Day

Whether you’re feeding, changing, rocking, or just staring lovingly at your baby, you’re probably spending hours every day looking down. This puts strain on the muscles in your neck and upper back.

2. Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding Positions

Feeding your baby often means sitting still in one position for long periods. If you’re hunched forward or holding tension in your shoulders, it can lead to tight, sore neck muscles.

3. Increased Breast Size and Weight

After giving birth, your breasts may be larger and heavier—especially if you’re breastfeeding. That extra weight can shift your posture and make your upper back and neck work harder to stay upright.

4. Bending and Lifting

From diaper changes to floor play and carrying your baby around, you’re constantly bending, reaching, and lifting. If you’re not using proper body mechanics, it can easily lead to pain in your neck, shoulders, and upper back.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Physiotherapists are trained to understand the physical demands of new motherhood. Here’s how they can support you:

Posture and Feeding Advice

A physio can show you better ways to sit, feed, and hold your baby that reduce neck and shoulder strain. They may also suggest simple tools like feeding pillows or back supports to make daily tasks easier on your body.

Gentle Hands-On Treatment

If your muscles are tight and sore, hands-on therapy like massage or gentle joint movements can help relieve tension and improve movement.

Targeted Exercises

Your physio will guide you through safe, effective exercises to stretch tight areas and strengthen weak ones—especially in your upper back, shoulders, and core. This helps improve your posture and prevent pain from coming back.

Education and Support

Sometimes, just understanding why you’re in pain can make a huge difference. Your physiotherapist will explain what’s happening in your body and help you build habits that support your recovery.

Neck pain is a common part of early motherhood—but it doesn’t have to be something you just live with. With the right physiotherapy support, you can reduce pain, move more freely, and feel stronger as you care for your baby.

Need help with neck or shoulder pain? Make an appointment with one of our women’s health physiotherapists to get started—you deserve to feel good in your body again.