Has anyone hurt themselves using a sling?

Hi, I have a lump over one of my vertebrae on my neck since last week, have a sneaking suspicion it is from using my sling with my nearly 7 month old DD. I have used it more than usual in last few weeks with Christmas shopping etc, she doesn't like the pram and I love cuddling up to her in it. I only ever use it over one shoulder as I just can't get comfortable on the other side. The lump is sore but not unbearable and I'm off to the GP tomorrow. Haven't put her in the sling since last week.

Any thoughts anyone? (and wish me luck I'm really peeved about it!!)

Hey hun

what sort of sling are you using?

What type of carrier do you use? As your DD is getting heavier a one shouldered carrier may become uncomfortable and eventually cause pressure points. This would normally manifest in muscular or ligament pain though, it would be unlikely to cause a lump or swelling.

You said that the lump is over one of the vertebrae on the neck - does the carrier touch that part of your neck when you wear it? If you are wearing a one shouldered carrier (or any carrier for that matter) correctly, it shouldn't touch the back of the neck at all, you may find that reviewing the way you wear it will help.

You may also find that using a two shouldered carrier like a mei tai or SSC (soft structured carrier, eg, Ergo) distributes weight evenly and transfers more weight on the hips and less on the shoulders.

HTH, and good luck at the Dr!

Ouch! I haven't, but I try to spread any slings more over my shoulder than my neck near my spine. Still, if the sling is comfy with weight distributed evenly, I'd say you're probably wearing it the right way anyway...I hope it's not caused by the sling and it something easily fixed. :hug:

As Suse says, if it is an issue, something like a Mei Tai shouldn't cause any problems, and are super comfy.

All the best at the docs. xo

I reccon a baby bjorn put my upper back out. After wearing it for half an hour or so I'd get a searing pain that went upto the top of my head!

I'm using two slings - I have a Bubba Moe for around the house and a Baba Sling that I keep in the car which I'd say gets used a bit more. I was thinking of getting an Ergo when I get some $ as it looks comfy for baby on your back and would spread weight a bit better (haven't gotten her weighed for ages but I'd say she'd be about 6.5kg). I think I am wearing it right, I definitely don't hang it round my neck but will check the instructions. Thanks guys :)

will let you know how it goes ...

Turns out it probably had nothing to do with the sling.... good, it is a lipoma which apparently a lump of fatty tissue, it is just in a weird place. Thanks :)

Owie. Is it something that can be sorted? I'm glad it wasn't the sling. :hug: