Many women hurt their backs as young mothers and live a lifetime of pain because of it.  Don't jeopardize the quality of your life by straining your back unneccessarily.   A few reminders:

• Just because you've never had back pain, doesn't mean you wont have, if you lift too much, too often, the wrong way.
• Don't bend over to pick up heavy objects, bend your knees and lift.
• Don't let pride or fear of looking weak cause you to attempt to  lift or move something that is too heavy for you.
• It is okay to ask for help.  In fact, it is more than okay, it is smart.
• Recognize when your child has reached a weight that puts a strain on your back when you lift her or him.
• Letting a heavy child ride on your hip is asking for a back ache, so don't do it.  Realize that you will have to stop eventually, and that the time has arrived.
• Whenever possible, sit and let the child climb up on your lap, instead of picking him or her up.

Number one advice is to be aware of your own limitations and stop before you reach that point.  As most people who have back problems will tell you, if they had it to do over, they would have taken better care of their backs.  Learn from their mistakes and you'll be a healthier, happier mom in the long run.

From the Ben Gaye aisle,

The Schoolmarm