M

Working out while nursing

Hey Mamas! I was wondering about how working out affects nursing/milk supply. My little one is 6 months and we had a real rough time in the beginning with nursing and milk supply. I am now terrified that if I work out harder than a brisk walk that I may dry up. What are your experiences? I’ve heard so many different things but have no idea what to believe. My hope is to get back to my normal workout routine of HIIT but only if it doesn’t affect my son.
Like
Share Mobile
Share
  • Share

Show your support

Stay hydrated? Add enough galactogogues to your diet. I would assume exercise helps with lactation because of oxytocin levels. Good question. Best of luck to you!

I've been struggling with the same idea. My son is 8 months and I have not gotten back to HIIT because I'm worried about milk supply. He won't eat solids yet, like, nothing... So I'm scared to mess up what he will eat. Shakeology sounds like a great idea. I also workout from home with Beach Body on Demand.

3 replies

Do you like the workouts? Did you do it when you were pregnant? Im asking because im literally signing up today :)

Hi there! So I have a 6 month old and have been working out from 6 weeks post-partum without any impact to my ability to breastfeed. I always pump before a workout so that I'm as empty as possible. (I've struggled with mastitis repeatedly and tight/ supportive bras can make it worse, so I pump to decrease breast size/ engorgement.) I agree with what others are saying about staying extra hydrated and also consuming galactogogues (fenugreek seed has been amazing for me.) I do Zumba and a HIIT class once a week. Just keep in mind that your body will take a while to get back into it's old form. My 1st few months back I'd grow fatigued at 20-30 minutes of vigorous activity. Instead of pushing myself I'd stop. Injury or complete exhaustion didn't seem like a good idea. Also, keep in mind that while nursing, your body is still pumping out some extra hormones (relaxin). I've been more prone to injury because everything is so stretchy/relaxed. So just listen to your body as you resume activity. Good luck!

Hey mama! Agreed lots of water! Also you might need more healthy fats in your diet. With Fit4mom we have awesome HIIT workouts and specific plans for nursing mamas because we know workouts and routine do affect milk supply. You should come try out a class with us! You can get a mama community, workout and get guidance from nutritionists to help with all the milk supply questions!

It's different for everyone. But I would recommend upping protein and good fats as you up your exercise. I actually produced more when I worked out and would end the work out feeling engorged. Again, variations of normal 😊

You can workout- make sure your water and nutrient intake is sufficient

I was always worried about itbeing unhealthy ... I just wait untill after your supply is set and when u take days off let them be baby moons to boost it back up

It can change the taste slightly but doesn't effect your supply :) just make sure you stay hydrated! Xo

Hey momma. I highly recommend working out now. Stay hydrated and don’t go too long will you will miss feedings. Also remember the caloric toll breastfeeding takes on you. You don’t want to go too deficit or it will negatively affect you. At 6 months I’m sure that baby is getting heavy and nursing is having a toll on your posture, so definitely incorporate strength training and corrective exercises. I’ll be kicking off a strength training for moms that focus on body positivity. PM me if you are interested

Hey ladies! I have an 8 month old and I thought it would be the same thing with drying up when I hit the gym hard core but it was the opposite! 👍❤️ My milk supply stayed the same but I found that for me at least I HAD to pump literally right before I worked out and right after or I would explode. From everything I’ve read I found that working out will usually either increase milk supply or keep it about the same. Just remember to STAY hydrated! As breastfeeding mamas it’s import no matter what but especially when we start going back to the gym to get our sexy back! Best of luck!

I just signed up at my old gym again, LO is just over 6 months, I’ve been trying to work out at home after going to physical therapy for a couple months but it’s just not the same. Only thing my physical therapist said is 1) take it slow and don’t go past exhaustion, one step at a time 2) keep hydrated But most importantly 3) watch your posture and don’t overdo it- you’re more prone to injury and more likely to do permanent damage with bad posture, especially when weight lifting. I’ll let you know in a couple weeks if it’s affected supply at all. I’ve already started taking my supplements again and so far they’ve increased my supply.

Read more on Peanut
Trending in our community