Joint pain experienced immediately after giving birth, known as postpartum arthritis, is a type of joint pain that can be exprienced by new mothers after giving birth. The sudden drop in hormones, in particular progesterone, along with higher levels of prolactin when breastfeeding, can trigger acute inflammation of the joints causing significant pain and stiffness. The worst affected areas are typically the back, knees, wrists and hands, which can swell significantly, making it hard to even lift a new born baby.
According to studies postpartum joint pain flares of arthritis are common, with almost 90% of women experiencing some sort of temporary joint pain flares, while among women with pre-existing joint conditions, almost 50% of women with a history of rheumatoid arthritis and up 55% of women with psoriasic arthritis experience more long-term postpartum arthritis, with pain and stiffness peaking around six months after giving birth.
Aside from hormonal shifts, the process of givig birth causes a huge strain on the body especially the lower back and the lack of nutriants such as calcium and vitamin D, which are used up by the growing baby and breastfeeding, can also add to chronic postpartum joint pain.
Some studies have also linked postpartum arthritis with postpartum depression. The ongoing joint pain can make it hard for new mums to care for their baby which can affect mood.
Over the counter painkillers, such as NSAID's like ibuprofen, are not generally recommended during breastfeeding, expecially in high doses or regular useage, leaving many new mum's desperate for some sort of pain relief.
Newcastle-based administration worker Sophie, 34, knows all too well how joint pain can overshadow what should be the happiest time of your life. After giving birth to her daughter Aria in 2022, Sophie suffered debilitating flare-ups in her hips, pelvis, lower back and wrists, making even the simplest moments of early motherhood a painful challenge.
“I expected sleepless nights and tiredness after having a baby – but I wasn’t prepared for the level of pain,” Sophie says. “My wrists were so inflamed that some days it physically hurt to hold my own daughter. Adjusting to life as a new mum was overwhelming, and the pain made everything harder.”
Sophie’s issues with joint pain began years earlier, at just 19, after a sports injury left her with long-term shoulder damage due to her hypermobility. Years of GP visits, prescription painkillers, physiotherapy, steroid injections and ultimately surgery followed. While rehabilitation helped her return to fitness for a time, pregnancy in 2022 triggered widespread flare-ups that brought everything sharply back.
“During pregnancy and afterwards, my hips, pelvis and back flared up constantly. Even after Aria was born, my pain didn’t settle – my wrists, shoulders and lower back were all affected. When you’re breastfeeding, your treatment options are very limited, so it was back to ice packs, hot water bottles and basic paracetamol. I felt so frustrated because I couldn’t fully enjoy those special early moments.”
Now a mum to a tall, energetic three-year-old, Sophie still experiences frequent shoulder flare-ups from lifting and carrying her daughter.
“There are days I have to tell her I can’t pick her up because the pain is too much – and that breaks my heart as a mum.”
After years of trying different creams and medications with limited success, Sophie discovered Actimas Celafen a few months ago when she decided to return to the gym to rebuild her strength and confidence.
“I honestly felt a difference within about 15 minutes of using it. The menthol scent is lovely, it absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy. It doesn’t completely take the pain away, but it gives me enough relief and mobility to function – I can get dressed more easily, play with my daughter, and actually complete a gym workout without feeling defeated.”
GP Dr Donald Grant says,“There is good evidence for the efficacy of long chain fatty acids in preparations such as Actimas Celafen ™ for the treatment of chronic joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. In my opinion Celafen is a great option for new mums becasue it's natural and there is a good evidence that its can be an effective alternative to NSAIDs. This can only be a good thing as postpartem arthritis can be a chronic condition and long-term use of painkilling drugs is not an ideal solution for breastfeding mums.”
Sophie now regularly uses Celafen on her shoulder and calves to help manage flare-ups, alongside her growing fitness routine, which includes body pump, Zumba, Pilates and swimming.
“For the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m getting parts of my life back. I can swim again, I’m trying new classes, and I’m starting to put myself first after years of just coping. I want to be strong and active for my little girl – and Celafen has become part of how I manage my pain so I can keep moving forward.”
Reflecting on her journey from painful pregnancy to renewed confidence, Sophie adds:
“Joint pain really does affect every part of your life – physically and emotionally. But I’m finally at a point where I feel hopeful again. I’m showing my daughter that it’s okay for mummy to look after herself too.”
