It wasn’t long into my career in software (~1997) that I first experienced discomfort in my wrists on the job, but with basic wrist exercise it has always been manageable. OK, there was that one period of time while at IBM where I had to switch to using my left hand for the mouse, but otherwise it has always been management.

I’ve had a few days lately where my wrist pain is beyond just mild discomfort, and I notice I feel it as much holding W as when I’m typing.

W was born six weeks ago, and I’ve spent a lot of time bouncing and holding him tight to comfort him. Invariably this involves me folding forward my shoulders, wrapping my arms with my wrists fully bend in. Or I often have my hands under his arm pits and hold him upright gently bouncing — his favorite position. It’s easy to do this for a long time when you’re holding your child.

As well as my sore wrists, my elbows feel a little funny, and although fine now my shoulders have bothered me a few times.

Tiredness/fatigue also must play a part. My posture for work and other activities can’t be as good as it normally is.

I’d heard of mother’s having sore muscles at first as they use them in new ways and hold their babies for many hours, but I was surprised by my symptoms, though I shouldn’t have been. Still, I wish I had read about this or someone had told me.

Searching the web I found a lot of moms describing sore wrists, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome — my heart goes out to these ladies as both hormonal changes and holding the baby during breast feeding can contribute to serious injuries if not aware and careful.

So I’m sucking it up some as I don’t have it nearly as hard as those moms, but I can’t be the only male web worker that has experienced this?

I’ve been really conscious about it the last few days and things are feeling a little better, but it’s not like I can stop using my wrists, so it will likely be a long time before my wrists are in good shape again.

Sat Jun 7th Update: still in manage mode, but the tip to turn your palm away from the baby when possible is golden.