🧠 Why It Matters (OT Lens)

When my son was an infant, I remember rocking him with one hand while scrolling my phone in the other—until one day, my wrist felt like it was on fire. I brushed it off as exhaustion, but the pain got worse. Every diaper change, every bottle, every car seat buckle sent a little zing of pain up my forearm.

After some research (and my OT instincts kicking in), I realized I’d been bending and twisting my wrist in the same direction all day long. Once I adjusted my posture, switched hands more often, and started strengthening my grip and forearms, the pain faded. I could finally lift my baby again without wincing.

That experience stuck with me—and now it’s one of the first things I talk about with new moms in my OT sessions.

Motherhood is repetitive work—feeding, carrying, typing, cooking, cleaning, soothing. Without proper mechanics and breaks, those micro-movements can add up to inflammation, nerve compression, and chronic pain.

Here’s what’s going on under the surface:

• 💥 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Pressure on the median nerve inside your wrist causes numbness, tingling, and pain (especially at night).
  

• 👍 De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Inflammation of the thumb tendons from repeated lifting with bent wrists (“new mom wrist”).
  

• 💪 Overuse Strain: Repetitive motions and poor ergonomics overwork small muscles that aren’t meant for heavy lifting or constant grip.
  

Pain isn’t weakness—it’s feedback. The goal isn’t to stop doing what you love; it’s to do it smarter.

🛠️ “Mom-Body Reset” Routine

These mini exercises and adjustments can make all the difference:

1️⃣ Switch Your Hold
Alternate sides when feeding or carrying. Keep wrists straight, not bent.
➡ Try a “scoop and hold” position—elbows in, wrists neutral.

2️⃣ Stretch Every Few Hours

• Wrist flexor stretch: Extend your arm, palm up. Gently pull fingers back with your other hand for 10 seconds.
  

• Thumb stretch: Tuck thumb into a loose fist and gently rotate wrist side to side.
  

3️⃣ Strengthen the Helpers
Use therapy putty or a small stress ball. Squeeze, roll, and pinch for 30 seconds each hand, once or twice a day.

4️⃣ Support at Night
If you wake up with numb fingers, wear a neutral wrist brace. Rest is repair.

5️⃣ Use Your Core, Not Your Wrists
When picking up your baby or car seat, squat and use your legs. Keep wrists aligned with your forearms.

🔬 Why It Works

Pain often starts when we use small muscles for big jobs.
By aligning your posture, strengthening supportive muscles, and giving your joints breaks, you protect your nerves and reduce inflammation.

Think of it like baby-proofing your own body—you’re preventing long-term wear and tear while staying strong enough for all the hugs, lifts, and snuggles ahead.

💬 This Week’s Parent Check-In

Last week, we asked how your little ones feel about clothing tags and textures — and the results are in!

👕 48% of you said tags are public enemy number one — instant meltdowns the moment that fabric itches.
🧵 27% said your kids have mild discomfort and you’re pros at cutting every tag out.
🩵 18% said it depends on the day — some mornings they’re fine, others you’re negotiating with a T-shirt.
✨ And 7% said no issues at all — lucky you!

What’s beautiful about this? It shows how differently every child’s sensory system is wired. There’s no “right” response — just information that helps us meet them where they are.

This week, let’s switch gears to our own bodies — because moms deserve sensory care too.

Tell me: which number below feels most like you right now?

1️⃣ Sore wrists or thumbs – lifting, typing, or bottles are taking a toll.
2️⃣ Aches everywhere – motherhood’s a full-contact sport.
3️⃣ Doing okay – just trying to stay mindful and strong.
4️⃣ Feeling great – movement and posture are under control.

👉 Hit reply and tell me your number!
Next week, I’ll share what most moms said!

_{Disclaimer: The content in Mom on the Clock is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental, or therapeutic advice. Every child is unique—always seek the advice of your pediatrician, occupational therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or developmental concern. When in doubt, trust your instincts and seek personalized guidance}