Exercise And Milk Supply - What You Need To Know!

Exercise And Milk Supply – What You Need to Know

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When it comes to exercise, many breastfeeding mothers hesitate due to hearing that exercise can decrease their milk supply. Or perhaps they have heard that exercising can make their milk taste sour and they are afraid of their baby not drinking their milk. Are these sayings true? Is exercise safe to do while breastfeeding? How should a breastfeeding mother start exercising and when should she stop? We will discuss all of these things in this article. Let’s dig in together.

Is It Safe To Exercise While Breastfeeding?

In short, yes. It is perfectly safe to exercise while breastfeeding. However, mothers who just had their baby should follow the guidelines of their doctors or midwives before resuming exercise. For example, most doctors advice to wait at least 6 weeks before resuming exercising. Mothers who have had a C-section may need to wait longer in order to protect their bodies from further injury.

Mothers should also be aware that while breastfeeding, your relaxin hormone levels are still higher than normal. Relaxin is responsible for keeping your joints and ligaments loose. Because of the lack of support in your joints and ligaments, your body is more likely to be injured during exercise. Breastfeeding mothers should start out slowly and cautiously in their exercise routines during breastfeeding.

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Does The Taste Of Breastmilk Change With Exercise?

Some mothers will tell you that their babies will not drink their breastmilk after they have exercised. On the other hand, many babies will drink their mother’s milk happily after the mother has exercised. So what gives?

The issue lies in lactic acid. It is true that lactic acid levels rise in the blood stream and breastmilk during exercise. However, this is usually associated with very strenuous exercise, which most breastfeeding mothers are unable to do due to relaxin levels causing their joints and ligaments to be loose.

Additionally, lactic acid levels tend to drop rather quickly. So the likelihood of your baby becoming fussy from your breastmilk after you exercise is very unlikely.

Does Exercise Decrease Milk Supply?

Studies have not proven the idea that exercise decreases milk supply. Many breastfeeding mothers who exercise see no difference in the amount of breastmilk their bodies produce for their babies after exercising.

I suppose if breastfeeding mothers become super dehydrated after exercise and do not keep their fluids up then, yes, a drop in milk production can occur. However, dehydration can happen at any time and not just from exercise.

It’s super important to stay hydrated as a breastfeeding mother! Did you know that 90% of breastmilk is made up of water? That’s because your baby needs to stay hydrated just like you do!

If you struggle to stay hydrated as a busy, breastfeeding mother, fill out the form below to gain tips on how to stay hydrated throughout your day!

Tips To Remember While Exercising

Breastfeeding mothers should keep these tips in mind while exercising to maintain safety and good health.

Abide by your doctor’s guidelines. Do not resume exercise until they deem it safe.
Start slow with low-impact exercises like walking.
If it hurts, stop.
Stay hydrated! Be sure to fill out the form above for tips to help you stay hydrated throughout your busy day!
Try breastfeeding or pumping before exercising to help keep your breasts comfortable during your workout.
Wear a supportive bra. To find the best nursing bra for you, read my article Best Nursing Bras For Mothers That Won’t Break The Bank.