BE CAREFUL With your back !!

[Inspired by Reggio]

....So, does anyone have suggestions for taking care of our backs? There is going to be a certain amount of lifting, carrying, pushing, etc that needs to be done in this field. Should we just limit it? Does any sort of exercise or stretching help prevent back injuries?

When you HAVE to bend or lift make sure you are doing it properly ... take the time to bend at the knees verses the waist and lift slowly with your LEGS and not your back. Make a goal of setting up your environment to promote minimal bending and lifting to only what is 'necessary' to meet the kids needs and keep them safe... aka get kids independent as fast as possible to limit the carrying, bending and lifting .... aka change them on an accessible surface to avoid lifting them up onto a change table OR have step or ladder up to change table for them to get onto it with 'support' from you but not you doing ALL the lifting, if they are old enough to walk steadily start getting them to 'walk' instead of riding in a wagon or stroller, once they are following simple direction and commands get them out of a highchair and sitting at a small table where they climb up into the chair independently , out of the crib and sleeping on a mat or cot, climbing up and down stairs, climbing into the car and carseat on own and so forth .... all my kids do these things by 18 months at the latest some earlier

Than make sure you focus on a healthy diet, proper sleep and exercise in general ... yoga is awesome cause it stretches and tones muscles. A focus on lower body strength .... great visual slide show here of many of the ones I do.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/back-pain/LB00001_D

I also second the use of massage and chiropractic care as 'preventative' maintenance BEFORE you have trouble!

[Spixie33]

xcellent question about preventative stuff for backs....
In retrospect and from what I have learned....I would strongly suggest everyone do Pilates that focus on your core or look up core exercises to strengthen your back muscles.
Things like doing the plank position or simple back exercises will hopefully keep your muscles strong.
You can even search core strength or back exercises on you tube and there are some good instructional videos.
I thought I was pretty fit, young etc but in retrospect I wish I had done some core workouts and listened to my body sooner rather than just taking the Advil to stop the pain.