Breast Feeding and exercise

sunshine336 · July 2011

I am thinking about picking up Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred tomorrow when I go to town, but I don't want my milk supply compromised. As someone who EBFs and pumps every 2-3 days (I'm a bit inconsistent there) how will I know if my supply is dropping? Sorry if that sounds like a stupid question- I feel kind of dense just typing it. Should I start pumping daily (I don't like pumping and it makes my nipples more sore than breast feeding).

Any other tips? I am desperate to start feeling/ looking good again!

mrsblueeyes · July 2011

Just be careful with the intensity of exercise. I know a lot of ladies have no problem with intense exercise and supply issues, but I'm not one of them. I started doing a one hour cross training class at the gym at about 8 weeks. It felt intense and my supply took a big hit. I still can't do intense exercise without a supply dip.

Right now I can do stair master for 30 minutes followed by a one mile walk on the treadmill and light weights without a drop. I do that about 4 days a week. Drink fluids, fluids, fluids. Good luck.

I think 30 day shred is good but a little intense.

LenMont · July 2011

PP is correct. Drink, drink and drink some more and then see how your body tolerates it. I don't think you need to pump--you'll be able to tell if your dc isn't satisfied.

I did 30 day shred starting at about 5 weeks post baby and I trained for and ran a half marathon before he turned 6 months old. I never had a supply issue but I drank gallons of water!

LenMont · July 2011

I should also add, though, that I never lost all the baby weight until I was done bfing. Sad, but true. I was exercising a ton, eating really well and just couldn't ditch the last 10 pounds. After he turned 1 and I weaned him, it flew off.

bookers1 · July 2011

I started running again very soon after having dd and was breastfeeding exclusively. I was really worried about the same thing. As previous posters said, it's different with every woman. I had a really good experience and was running about 30 miles a week and did my first 1/2 marathon 7 weeks after baby (with ok by dr). Never had any problems at all. But I drank a TON of water just to be safe.

Good luck!

FinallyMommy2B · August 2011

The previous posts are all pretty great I just thought I would add something I just read tonight. Apparently women that have issues with a dip in supply seem to do so just after exercise. So if you are going to start working out again, nurse your LO and then immediately after do your workout and drink, drink, drink when you're done so your supply can recoop before LO is ready for another meal. Also there is something in breastmilk called IgA and its important for LO's immune system. It takes a hit due to exercise with levels decreasing with length and intensity of the workout, but from what I read as long as you are still consuming enough calories of the right kind, IgA will fully replenish in your milk 60 minutes after your workout. Happy BFing!!

lily225 · August 2011

I would just take note now, befor eyou start up a program, of how full your breasts get, how long LO nurses for, how active of a let down you have, etc. And then hopefully you will more easily be aware of any changes that come up after you start working out.

At about 8 weeks pp I started up p90x. That on it's own was fine. I noticed no changes in my milk supply. BUT when I tried to add running (even just twice a week) on top of that, I noticed that Seth didn't seem as satisfied from nursings, my let downs weren't as big, etc. So I quickly cut out the running and just did p90x from then on out.

I think unless you are doing extreme work outs (like p90x seven days a week PLUS running , you will be fine. Just pay close attention to LO and your boobs

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