Exercise & Breastfeeding

[Berry1]

Hello,

Does anyone know if there are any restrictions on exercise when you are breastfeeding? I have started doing some jogging and a friend mentioned that she thought 'rigorous' exercise was not recommended while breastfeeding, but wasn't 100% sure. Thanks for your advise.

[~clover~]

I think what ever exercise you do is ok, just as long as you are eating enough calories/kilojoules to keep up with your body & BFing as well.
I have a friend here whose worked her way back from a size 14 - 16 down to her original 8 - 10 in just 12 months since having her DS. She's still BFing & I don't think there were any problems. She mostly did walking & home DVD workouts, but she looks awesome. I admire her!

[~me~]

None that I am aware of. I am BF DD and go to the gym twice a week, they are high intensity classes. I went back to the gym when she was 8wks.
I make sure she is fed before I squeeze myself into my sports bra and take it off as soon as I get home.
As clover mentioned...just as long as you keep up your fluids and are eating enough which you should do anyway when excercising then it's fine.
Enjoy, it's such a great release when you are feeling a little blahhhhh

[Starfish]

I think that anything is fine depending on your fitness level, i.e. don't exhaust yourself too much, but if you can handle the exercise without feling like you're gonna die for days afterwards, then it should be fine. I did Bikram Yoga when DD was very young, and that is pretty intense, but I had no issues. Good luck.

[Nai]

I have done triathlons (Olympic distance ones), a 100km bike ride and various 10km runs as well as trained for them from scratch while BF with no side effects. I even BF before and after the event I think the key is to build up slowly and to make sure you are consuming enough calories and fluids. You can successfully train and lose weight while maintaining BF.

[Berry1]

Thank you for the replies, they were very helpful There is no issue with me eating enough calories, I'm doing a very good job of that! Agree with keeping up the fluids. I have just started doing some light jogging and it feels great to work hard again, its been a long time. It's great to see other mums working out while still BF etc. keep up the good work girls! Thanks again.