Abstract

Background: Breastfeeding plays an important role in baby’s and mother’s physical and mental health. The purpose of this study is to asses the musculoskeletal (MSK) problems in upper extremity, analyse the MSK symptoms of upper extremity in lactating mothers with or without support and MSK symptoms comparatively with right and left. Methods: 200 breastfeeding women were taken between the age group of 18–40 years based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. DASH Questionnaire was used to assess musculoskeletal symptoms. Results: The result of this study shows that average left DASH score in without support group was 14.02 ± 10.19 and in with support group was 12.50 ± 6.638 and the average right DASH score in without support group was 15.66 ± 11.68 and in with support group 12.56 ± 6.58. This means that the mothers who are breastfeeding with support are minimally affected than the mothers feeding without support. Feeding with support reduces the pressure on the mother’s arm. It is found that the cradle hold position of the left side is more common as 23% of the mothers have adopted this position. This includes handedness, the importance of maternal heartbeat, left breast sensitivity, socio-psychological factors, and advantages in monitoring the infants. Conclusion: There is no significant disability in upper extremity in novice lactating mothers with support and without support minimally and moderately affected. Also, the mothers who are lactating bilaterally and with support in cradle hold position have no musculoskeletal symptoms.