Breastfeeding can be such a challenging part of a new mom’s experience. We have many clients who work very hard to be able to breastfeed who are then scared to exercise due to the myths surrounding breastfeeding and exercise.
The good news is that studies have found that moderate-to-high intensity exercise does not impair the quality or quantity of breast milk. That’s good news!
What CAN affect breastfeeding however, is hydration. Women who exercise sometimes forget to increase their water intake and can become dehydrated. Dehydration affects the volume of milk produced—so be sure to drink plenty of water before, during and after exercise. It is recommended that you monitor your hydration status using the color of your urine- the paler, the better.
Another note- if breastfeeding, you’ll need an additional 300 to 600 calories a day. Be sure that you keep appropriate caloric intake even if exercising. We know you’ve worked hard to be breast feed, and we want to be sure that you can exercise and keep your supply up!
Moms- do you have any advice for exercising while breastfeeding? What worked for you?
