Exercise & Supply

PennyLane26 · May 2013

I have my PP check up on Thursday and I'm sure ill be cleared for exercise again, I'm so ready to get back into a routine!

That being said, I'm a little nervous about my supply. I comfortably EBF, but don't have much of a supply to build a stash on the side, so going out to dinner or for the night is tough b/c it takes a lot of pumping to make a few bottles while we are out.

what was your experience with getting back in shape while BF? Any advice?

Ill be watching what I eat (to clarify- NOT cutting calories but switching out junk for healthy foods) and also attempting to exercise 30 minutes a day (alternating between 30 Day Shred and walking/jogging at first).

TJ1979 · May 2013

I'm not able to do much more than Pilates or walking, but I have a very sensitive supply. What worked best for me was cutting out all processed foods. The most important thing is to make sure you stay hydrated. If you notice your supply dipping, just cut back or add more calories. GL and have fun working out!

Mr. & Mrs. Woodtick · May 2013

I didn't have an issue with my supply when I started working out either. I second the PP that you should try to schedule your WOs for right after a feeding. Just make sure you are drinking enough water so that you stay hydrated esp. with the temps going up!

pb_bride · May 2013

My supply didn't change, though I'm not doing any major aerobic exercise. I mostly walk M in his stroller for 45-60 mins/day, though I walk at a pretty good clip. Make sure you drink PLENTY of water.

Are you going to be a SAHM? I am, so I didn't worry about building a stash. But I was going out once a week to concerts at night, and it was quite stressful to pump enough for 1 bottle even just once a week. Some weeks I had to pump several times a day, several days in a row just to get 4 oz total (I was getting 1/2oz at most after nursing).

Since you're still fairly "early" pp, I suggest you pump once a day in the AM after the morning feed. That will slowly build up your supply and you can freeze the extra milk.

HTH

Mrs.AmyDylan · May 2013

I swim twice a week, Pilates once and walk the sad-woeful pooch once or twice a day (she walks twice, but sometimes DH takes her without me). I've done some additional workouts before DH goes to work, but it is hard since our MOTN is still a bit up and down.

I just echo drinking a lot of water and feeding before. Also make sure the girls have good support, but arent super squished (uniboob style).

TXwife9 · May 2013

I started doing Cross Fit when DD was about 8 weeks old and I didn't notice any change to my supply. I had previously had issues but nothing changed when I started excercising. I definitely always made sure to drink tons of water and I drank Mother's Milk tea.

PennyLane26 · May 2013

pb_bride:
My supply didn't change, though I'm not doing any major aerobic exercise. I mostly walk M in his stroller for 45-60 mins/day, though I walk at a pretty good clip. Make sure you drink PLENTY of water.
Are you going to be a SAHM? I am, so I didn't worry about building a stash. But I was going out once a week to concerts at night, and it was quite stressful to pump enough for 1 bottle even just once a week. Some weeks I had to pump several times a day, several days in a row just to get 4 oz total (I was getting 1/2oz at most after nursing).
Since you're still fairly "early" pp, I suggest you pump once a day in the AM after the morning feed. That will slowly build up your supply and you can freeze the extra milk.
HTH

i am a SAHM too, so I'm lucky in that I don't need a stash, but I'd like to have some for nights out and when DH wants to give her a bottle. I've been pumping after our a.m. Feed but its a measly 1/2 oz, no biggie though since I just use it as "extra."

PennyLane26 · May 2013

Thanks girls! I'll do my best to drink lots and workout after nursing. Looking forward to it!

PennyLane26 · May 2013

Ducky719:
My supply remained the same when I started working out. Biggest recommendation is work out after you feed LO or pump if you can. The girls are bigger and all the jumping in the shred may be uncomfortable. Btw, I love the shred. Just did day 18. Go me!

i love it too! I did it before my wedding, helped with toning which I loved Day 18- you're almost there!

mdiblasi10 · May 2013

I didn't have any issues with exercise and supply, but I also had a good supply to begin with. I would just monitor it as you go, and as others have said, keep the calorie and water intake up. Good luck and enjoy your work outs!

Dragonfly1226 · May 2013

Make sure that you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during and after your exercising. Also, I agree that it is more comfortable if you pump or feed LO right before your workout. Have fun!

cbubbles2 · May 2013

I didn't have a problem with my supply and working out. My supply tanked with my period though. It was super annoying that my cycle returned 7 weeks pp and even more annoying that it really hurt my supply every month.