ArticleBMC women's health2026
Breastfeeding-related musculoskeletal pain among lactating mothers in Arabic-speaking countries: prevalences, associations, and functional impact.
Article in BMC women's health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundBreastfeeding (BF) is a global practice essential for infant nutrition and maternal-child bonding. However, breastfeeding-related musculoskeletal pain (BFMP) is a common yet under-researched condition that may impair functional ability and contribute to early weaning. Although BFMP has been investigated in several populations, limited evidence exists regarding its prevalence, associations, and functional impact among lactating mothers in Arabic-speaking countries.
methodsA cross-sectional study utilized an online questionnaire developed in Microsoft Forms and distributed via different social media platforms through convenience and snowball sampling. Eligible participants included Arabic-speaking non-pregnant mothers aged 18 years or older who had been breastfeeding for at least one month. The questionnaire, adapted from validated tools, underwent expert review and pilot testing for the BF characteristics and infant/toddler characteristics. Additionally, pain severity (using the Numeric Rating Scale), and functional limitations (Neck Disability Index, Oswestry Disability Index, and DASH) were assessed. SPSS program, version 27 was used to analyze data using binary logistic regression, Spearman rho, and chi-square tests to identify associations between BFMP and related variables.
resultsOut of 471 participants (mean age = 31.3 ± 5.6 years), 81.7% reported BFMP, with the back (40.4%) and upper extremities (36.8%) being the most affected areas chosen. Higher maternal age, longer feeding duration and frequent sessions were linked to increased pain (p < 0.05). Moreover, Use of ergonomic support during BF was associated with lower pain scores (p = 0.01). Functional limitations were significantly associated with pain severity (p < 0.001). Furthermore, Psychological distress and a tendency toward early weaning were significantly higher among those with severe pain (p < 0.01).
conclusionsBreastfeeding- related musculoskeletal pain (BFMP) is highly prevalent among lactating mothers in Arabic-speaking countries and significantly affects functional capacity and breastfeeding (BF) sustainability. These findings underscore the need for targeted ergonomic education and early multidisciplinary intervention including physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) to support maternal health and prolong successful BF.
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