Why Postpartum SI Joint Pain Is So Common — and What Helps!
Postpartum SI joint (SIJ) pain can be brutal. One of the most common contributors? Constantly holding your baby on the same hip.
It’s an easy habit to fall into—one arm feels stronger, one side feels more stable, and before you know it, your body spends most of the day rotated into the same position. Over time, that asymmetry adds up.
How Holding Your Baby on One Hip Affects the SI Joint
When you’re consistently shifted or rotated into one side, your pelvis never fully unloads. Instead of weight being shared evenly between both hips, one side takes on the majority of the load. This creates increased tension through the pelvis and can irritate the SI joint, especially during a time when your body is already adapting postpartum.
The SI joint’s role is to transfer force efficiently between your upper and lower body. It relies on balanced movement and load distribution. When one hip does all the work, surrounding muscles often become tight or overactive in an attempt to stabilize, which can contribute to ongoing discomfort.
Why These Exercises Matter
The goal isn’t to stop holding your baby—it’s to give your body better options. Targeted exercises help your body re-learn how to shift weight into both hips, instead of constantly dumping load into one side. This improves pelvic control, reduces unnecessary strain on the SI joint, and supports more efficient movement throughout the day.
These drills focus on restoring balanced weight shift and control, so your pelvis isn’t stuck in one pattern from morning to night. Watch thes
Ready for Support?
If you’re struggling with postpartum SIJ pain and aren’t sure where to start, help is available.
Book a free phone consult with Fixxed Wakefield to talk through what you’re experiencing and learn how we can support your recovery. 📍
