Working Out and Breastfeeding? - San Lorenzo,CA

I used to pump right before heading to the gym or else I was MISERABLE! Even then, I wore two sports bras and I was only a C. I shouldn't affect your milk supply at all, unless you cut calories/burn calories to the point your body thinks you are starving.

I have been told that if you were working out before, you should be able to resume that level. And that would be a normal level, not marathon training level. Just for comfort, I would say nurse, and then workout, just to "lighten the load". Get a VERY supportive sports bra that is snug and drink lots of water.

I always work out as soon as I can when breastfeeding. The worst part about it is dealing with the rocks for boobs that hurt when you bounce. I usually have to double bra it to work out.

As far as when, I try to do it as early as possible in the morning. Typically my babies ate around 5 am in the morning, so as soon as I fed them, off I went. For the first 6 months I worked out at home then moved to a gym once we had a system each day.

I have never had success at pumping so I did not have to deal with that element of nursing. So no advice there.

Good luck!
Good luck.

Everything I read said it was best to work out after a nursing session so that the maybe lactic acid or something didn't change the taste of the milk. Other that that make sure you continue to eat enough calories to support you and breastfeeding and stay hydrated.

do it anytime you want, provided you have a great bra

As a Stroller Strides owner (pre an post natal fitness) I can assure you is is more than safe for everyone, as long as you are at least 6 weeks post pardum and have been cleared for exercise by your doctor. I would start off slow, especiallly if you did not exercise during your pregnancy. Listen to your body! Don't feel presured to loose the baby weight right away, just exercise to make you feel better. I would nurse/pump right before I left to exercise, either the gym, a walk around the neighborhood, or your local stroller strides class. It will just make you more comfortable, and if you are bringing baby with you, you will know he/she has just been fed.

It will not affect your milk supply, just make sure you are drinking plenty of water before, during, and after exercise. While I was bfing my daughter I just always made sure to wipe off before feeding her, after working off, to get rid of the sweat smell/taste. (That sounds gross, but I'm sure you know what I mean)

Double bra for extra support. Make sure your bra fits well and doesn't pinch anywhere.

Wear nursing pads even if you're past the leaking stage...my milk would often let down near the end of my work-out. It could be hormonal or related to the fact that milk glands are modified sweat glands...lol...a little gross, I know.

Pump or nurse as close as you can to starting.

Keep extra hydrated before, during, and after. Ensure that you keep up your caloric intake. Consider Mother's Milk Tea, Fenugreek, or adding oatmeal to help protect your supply.

I didn't notice so much difference with my supply but I also wasn't restricted my calories in any way.

Good luck.