Hey there, mama! If you’re thinking about hitting the gym while breastfeeding, you might have some questions swirling around in your head. Is it safe? Will it mess with your milk supply? What about the taste of your milk? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are four essential facts that will help clear things up:
1. Exercise Doesn’t Decrease Milk Supply
No need to stress! As long as you’re eating right, working out shouldn’t impact your milk production. Your body uses around 500 calories a day to make that precious milk, so if you’re burning extra calories while exercising, just make sure to refuel properly.
2. Taste Changes Are Minimal
Contrary to some old wives’ tales, excessive exercise doesn’t necessarily make your milk taste sour. While high-intensity workouts can temporarily elevate lactic acid in your milk, moderate exercise won’t change the flavor. Stick to activities that keep your heart rate moderate, and just a heads-up—sweating during workouts can make your nipples taste salty, so a quick rinse afterwards is a good idea!
3. Nutritional Value Remains Intact
Good news for breastfeeding mamas! Research shows that babies who are exclusively breastfed by moms who exercise regularly grow just as well as those whose moms take it easy. Plus, the immune-boosting properties in breast milk stay strong with moderate exercise. For more info on this, check out this post on our other blog here.
4. Start Slow with Low-Impact Activities
Your body has been through a lot, so ease back into fitness. Begin with short sessions of low-impact cardio like walking or swimming, gradually increasing your time. Aim for at least 10 minutes of core-strengthening exercises too—some can even be done while you breastfeed, letting you multitask like a pro!
So there you have it! Exercising while breastfeeding can be safe and beneficial as long as you listen to your body and keep it moderate. If you’re looking for more fertility and pregnancy resources, check out this site—it’s packed with useful info. And for those considering at-home insemination, Make a Mom is the top provider of insemination kits.
Summary
Working out while breastfeeding is generally safe and won’t hurt your milk supply or nutritional value. Keep your exercises moderate, start slow, and remember to hydrate and refuel.
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