Bad back made worse by babywearing, what to do?

[buttercupmama]

So I've had a bad back most of my life. Using the chi machine 3 years ago, within 3 days every pain in my body was gone. I haven't used it much since then, but in the last trimester of my pregnancy, pain returned. I suffered through it, not wanting to hurt my baby. It's not the same pain, but there are similar issues--like bending is a no-no. My mother has a bad back too. Weak skeletal structure perhaps?

Anyway, we have a Moby wrap. It has been a big help. Specifically if we spend alot of time out walking around. Carrying my DD without it gives me severe pain I think mostly down the middle of my back. Going too long like this, I get to the point where I can't function. The Moby spreads out her weight which means I can walk for longer, but then my entire back hurts after long enough. So it just delays the inevitable.

I can use the chi machine now to help it, but since I'm always lifting her, it may be like taking a big step forward and a baby step backward everytime. My question basically ends up being for those who have a bad back or know someone in the same situation. I want to be able to carry my baby. I don't like strollers, no offense to those who use them. I just prefer to have her in my arms/strapped against me. Am I being unrealistic? Is there maybe another product I can use to carry her? i don't blame the Moby for my back pain because it didn't start with it. But maybe there's something else I can use that won't affect my back. Any ideas?

[MittensKittens]

I have a bad upper back and shoulders - runs in the family, like in your case. I find I can wear a podaegi for the longest amount of time, but my back does hurt more if I strain it in any way, including babywearing. It is just one of those things you have to accept, I guess

[syd'smom]

How old and how heavy is your little one? It could be she's outgrown the moby. If you like wrapping, a good supportive woven wrap would be awesome. A mei tai (perhaps with a padded waistband or a soft structured carrier (ssc) will all give great support. I'm sure we can help you figure something out - as a good carrier should be easier on your back than in arms carries.

[buttercupmama]

Not close to outgrowing it--she's about 15 1/4 lbs. at 9 months. But we're all petite, so she's not considerably small/light from my point of view, know what I mean?

I notice the podaegi is used to carry little ones on your back. I had considered this as I find that things are usually easier on my back if carried there instead of in front of me. I'm just paranoid and would like to always have her 100% visible. Gosh, it seems like I can't compromise with my own self.

[syd'smom]

hmmmm...most people find that the moby is too stretchy somewehere b/w 15-20lbs (that 6-10mos range) - so it very well could be causing back pain for you.

Are there any bwing meetings or stores near you where you could try out a woven wrap - I think you would notice a huge difference in comfort for you.

Pods can be used for front carries as well - very comfy for front and back. Again, a mei tai or ssc would work too. Lots of options, but I really think you've gotten awesome use out of the moby, but that it is probably time to retire her!

[buttercupmama]

No stores I can think of...but I may just not know how to look well enough. That's why I 'blindly' ordered the Moby. It has been good to us though sometimes a pain to go through the wrapping process. But it has definitely helped ease the pressure on my back to a point. One of the reasons I thought I would like it was actually the stretchiness, but it bugged me from the start...funny that.

I looked at the mei tai. It seems to have the same functionality of the Moby but with a lot less steps to get it on. That's appealing, definitely. SSCs are extra foolproof...so that's nice. Do you recommend any specific pod?