      
|
|
Mothers of New Babies and Toddlers
Breastfeeding
Exercise
You can slowly and gradually resume or continue a physical activity program, even when breastfeeding! Make sure you wear proper support bras to support your activity! Don't think that by increasing your physical activity level that you will alter your breast milk quality or quantity. Just remember to participate in the activity after you have nursed.
- With respect to nutrients (energy, protein, carbohydrate, fat) and mineral (calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium) concentrations in milk, no contraindications exist for being active throughout the months that you breastfeed your baby. Mineral concentrations in breast milk are the same whether you are active or inactive in this postpartum period.
- Moderate physical activity will not change the amount of breast milk you produce, the breast milk composition or acceptance of the breast milk by your baby.
- Intense levels of physical activity (see "strong" on the Borg RPE scale) have a significant but apparently short-term elevation in lactic acid in breast milk. A hungry baby will rarely turn away and refuse your milk so a bit of lactic acid will not place your baby at nutritional risk! If you are concerned do physical activity after you have breastfed (most likely it will be more comfortable for you also!)
- Make sure to eat plenty when being active and breastfeeding. Both activities are demanding on your body and will require adequate fuel and fluid for you to replenish and keep going. Go to the food and fluid servings for breastfeeding mothers in motion.