A device for relieving back strain for a user who is supporting a substantial weight which is off the user's vertical body axis at his or her front side. The device alleviates the aforementioned difficulties by utilizing the otherwise detrimental forces generated by the off-axis weight to press a rigid plate behind and adjacent to the spine of the device user against the user's spine. This rigid plate is preferably contoured to mirror the shape of the human spine. The device in one embodiment is used as a baby carrier. In another it is used with an abdominal support during pregnancy. In a third embodiment it provides support for the breasts of large breasted women.