Running and Breastfeeding

by Diane Karnbach

Many women wonder if they can continue to run if they choose to breastfeed their babies. The answer is yes. Exercise does not seem to affect the quantity or quality of a mother's milk.

There was a study done by Janet Wallace, et al at the Adult Fitness Program at Indiana University at Bloomington that raised some concerns about breast-feeding and exercise.

"Wallace and her group studied 26 nursing mothers and their babies, measuring lactic acid concentrations in milk samples obtained before and up to 30 minutes after maximal exercise and comparing infant reactions to the samples." (Science News, July 18, 1992 n3 p47(1)). The study reported that a significant number of the babies refused the post-exercise milk, and the authors hypothesized that it was because of the lactic acid found in the post-exercise milk.

The problem with the study is that the samples were given by bottle and many breastfed babies won't take a bottle if they are not used to having one. They will fuss and refuse a bottle, so it is hard to say what they were actually fussing about. (I personally suspect the bottle!)

Tips for Running and Breastfeeding

Be sure to get a medical OK from your physician before you
begin to run after your baby's birth.

Wear a supportive bra that fits well

Breastfeed your baby before running

Watch your weight loss. If you find you are losing more than
one pound a week, add nutritious snacks in between meals.

Eat healthy, well balanced meals and drink to thirst.

Excerpted from article by Diane Karnbach, Breastfeeding Counselor

Copyright Diane Karnbach, all rights reserved

Breastfeeding.com would like to express our thanks to Diane for allowing
her fine article to be reprinted here.