2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30
When resuming physical activity, many women wonder if being active and resuming physical activity can affect or even harm their milk production.
First of all, breastfeeding should not prevent you from being active, quite the contrary. Breastfeeding can even make your life easier, because you can go anywhere with your baby without having to bring bottles!
Moderate-intensity physical exercise or short periods of high-intensity exercise (for example, doing a few intervals during a workout) does not affect the quantity or composition of milk, or the child's growth. The frequency and intensity of exercise should not affect your ability to breastfeed your child. Although exercise itself does not adversely affect milk production or composition, some studies have shown that there is more lactic acid in the milk of women who exercise very intensely, but not in those who do it moderately.
The question of whether a short-term increase in lactic acid makes milk less pleasant for the infant is currently the subject of controversy. If you find that yourbaby does not feed as well after your moderate or intense physical exercises, try to feed him just before. You will feel less discomfort in the breasts during exercise. You can also wait an hour after exercise before breastfeeding, or express the milk before exercise to use afterwards.
In all cases, if you take 2 classes of cardio-stroller per week or 3 classes of aerobics lasting one hour, jogging or cycling, these activities should not affect your milk supply. The most important thing will certainly be to stay well hydrated before, during and after physical activity.
What about diets and lactation?
On the other hand, if moderate physical activity does not affect lactation, diets can have a negative impact on lactation. Now is not the time to follow a severe diet. Energy restriction, less than 1,500 Calories per day, can affect the amount of breast milk, and potentially the baby's growth. Calorie restriction releases accumulated fats and toxins. Plus, you risk missing out on critically important nutrients for you and your baby by eliminating certain foods. For example, if you cut back on grain products, your diet will lack B vitamins, fiber, iron and carbohydrates. Be patient, most women regain their weight within a year of giving birth. Prioritize nutrients, rest and activityphysical depending on your physical shape. These first weeks should be used to rebuild your strength and your nutrient reserves, not to mention that breastfeeding and your new life as a mother also require adaptation, and therefore time and energy.
