Ergonomics Isn’t Just for the Office: What I Learned About Perinatal Care

When most people hear the word ergonomics, they think of standing desks, lumbar supports, and keyboard heights.  I have to admit that I too had begun to primarily associate ergonomics with the traditional workspace—until I recently took a course titled Upper Extremity and Ergonomic Considerations in Perinatal Care. It was a powerful reminder that workstations aren’t always at a typical office. Being a parent is one of the most physically demanding occupations there is, yet we rarely apply the same ergonomic rigor to the nursery as we do to the cubicle.

Shifting the Definition of "Work"

We spend years perfecting our posture at a computer, yet we often overlook the mechanics of the repetitive tasks we perform hundreds of times a day at home. Lifting a 10-pound infant 30 times a day, hauling a 20-pound car seat, and holding a feeding position for hours are all tasks that require the same ergonomic precision as any corporate role.

Applying the Workplace Mindset to Parenting

The core principle of ergonomics is fitting the task to the person, not the person to the task. Here is how we apply that to parenthood:

• The Supported Feeding Set Up: Just as you’d adjust your chair height, use pillows to bring the baby up to your level. Avoid leaning forward; let the furniture do the work.

• The Scoop Method: Instead of using your thumbs to lift, scoop your forearms under the baby to keep your wrists in a neutral, "handshake" position.

• Seizing "Micro-break" Opportunities: In an office, we suggest standing up every 30 minutes. In parenthood, you often can’t move because a baby is finally sleeping or mid-feed. Instead of worrying about a timer, focus on the opportunity. The moment you lay the baby down or transition them to a carrier, take a few seconds to reset—roll your shoulders back, stretch your chest, and gently move your wrists. It’s about taking advantage of those small windows to counteract the sustained postures of caregiving.

The Bottom Line

Ergonomics is simply the science of moving better so you can live better. Whether you are at a desk or in a nursery, your joints don't know the difference—they only know the load.

Applying an ergonomic lens to perinatal care allows you to care for yourself while you are taking care of your baby. Parents deserve to focus on their baby without being distracted by physical discomfort.