Caring for a baby if you have arthritis

Arthritis support after having a baby

Coping with the demands of a small baby or young child is exhausting for any new mother. And if you have arthritis, the stresses can be much greater. You might also find that your arthritis flares up again in the weeks after the birth. But the risk of this is reduced if you continue taking pregnancy safe treatment during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

If you think you might have trouble with holding, dressing or washing your baby, speak to your health visitor about arranging extra support.

Many mums feel a bit down, tearful or anxious in the first week or two after having a baby. We call this the ‘baby blues’ and it’s very common.

However, if these symptoms last for longer than a couple of weeks or start later on, you may have post-natal depression. This affects more than 1 in 10 women in the year after giving birth – you may feel sad, struggle to sleep, have difficulty bonding with your baby, or have frightening thoughts. It’s important to seek help if you feel this way.

Your health visitor and GP can help you access any support or treatment you might need.

There are a wide range of services and support available for new parents. You can find out more information about what’s available on NHS services and support for parents.

Restarting your arthritis medication

If you’ve come off any arthritis medications before the pregnancy, such as methotrexate, your doctors will usually recommend going straight back onto them once you’ve finished breastfeeding. This is because the sooner you can get back onto your medication, the lower the risk of having a flare.

Some arthritis drugs can be restarted during breastfeeding, so you should discuss with your rheumatologist exactly when you can restart your medication.

If you flare before your drugs have started working, your doctor might suggest a short course of steroids. If only one or two joints are painful, your doctor might suggest a steroid injection instead. Physiotherapy can also be helpful during this time.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is good for both you and your baby. And the longer you breastfeed, the longer these benefits last. But any amount of breastfeeding is beneficial.

In the first few feeds, you’ll produce a thick yellowish fluid called colostrum. This is packed full of antibodies that will boost your baby’s immune system and protect them from harmful bacteria and viruses.

After the first few feeds, actual milk will start to come in. The antibodies that were present in the colostrum will still be in this milk, but in a lower amount. So, your baby will be getting a boost to their immune system every time they breastfeed.

We understand that breastfeeding isn’t for everyone, and for some women, it can be very difficult. It’s important to make the decision that’s right for you. And if you have any concerns or worries, it’s important you have a chat with your doctor, midwife or health visitor.

You don’t need to make the final decision until the baby is born, but it’s never too early to start thinking about it. If you choose to breastfeed, your doctors will make sure you’re on drugs that won’t affect your baby.

Some women choose to combine breastfeeding with formula or expressing. This can take some of the pressure off breastfeeding as it means that friends or family members can help with feeding.

Top tips for caring for a baby if you have arthritis

We asked mothers with arthritis for their top tips for caring for a baby. They said:

Gadgets and equipment

• Get a baby chair or rocker. They will help you comfort your baby without hurting your arms and back.
• Try to get a 360 degree car seat, these rotate so that you can easily strap the little one in. They are a massive help.
• Invest in an easy to put on baby sling so that you’ve not got to carry your baby in your arms all the time.
• Buy a cot which you can easily adjust the height of, so you don’t have to lean over too far.
• Try to find a comfortable chair for nursing and soothing your baby.
• Find simple ‘pull on’ baby clothes. Also see if you can get some baby grows with zips instead of poppers.
• Before you buy a pushchair, make sure you can easily put it up and take it down. The ones with controls by the feet might be easier to use.
• Child safety cupboard locks that stop toddlers from getting in can be difficult to unlock if you’ve got arthritis in your hands. But there are alternatives, magnetic locks which don’t require you to manoeuvre your hand in are worth a try.
• See if you can get a stairgate design which is easy to use.

Making tasks easier

• Try to have a birth plan and an alternative for if plan A doesn’t work out. Also a plan for when the baby’s come. These things do come naturally, but I think it helps to be a little more prepared.
• Find out if you are eligible for a disabled parking badge - this might make you more able to get out and about when struggling with your own mobility and a new baby.
• I found stairs a challenge so made sure I had two baby change stations. One upstairs and one downstairs.
• Place a stool or seat in the bathroom so that when bathing your baby, you’re not constantly leaning into the bath.
• Think about where you position things. A baby bath for example is mobile, I like to put mine on the kitchen counter, saves me from leaning over too much.

Talking to others

• If you want to go to a baby group but are feeling worried, contact the leader and explain your situation. Baby classes are often conducted on the floor, so don’t feel embarrassed to ask for a chair or table.
• Baby swimming classes can be a great way to bond with the little one and spend time with other parents. The warm water is also very soothing on aching joints.
• Tell friends and family what you’re going through and ask for help if you need it, especially if you’re having a flare. Invite people over to help with the baby so you can have a break.
• Once you go back to work, see if your employer can offer extra support. Mine allowed me to start work slightly later and work my hours more flexibly.

Staying strong

• Try to get out and about as much as possible. Walking the dog and keeping active was the best thing for me, both during and after the pregnancy.
• Remind yourself – if this medication doesn't work, another will. There will be better days.
• Keep a gratitude journal for each day, even if it's just something small like 'had a lovely cuppa' or 'had a relaxing shower' it may help you focus on something other than your condition.
• Only do what you can manage. Yes, lots of other mums might be out and about, doing a different baby class every day, but you may not feel physically or emotionally able to, and that's OK. You’re enough for your baby and you're doing a great job.
• Remember your baby loves you no matter what your ability. You are their world.