Sorry guys, this one is for the ladies this week! A lot of my friends who have had babies at the same time keep asking is it safe to exercise and breast feed? They have heard (a tale from an old wife) that if you diet or exercise when breast feeding it will interfere with your milk supply! Well luckily the old wife who made this tale up wasn’t right.
There are only a few substances that can affect milk supply with are, these are:
- Smoking
- Caffeine
- Contraceptive pills and injections
- Severe weight loss diets
- Peppermint, parsley, sage (in excessive amounts)
You are also able to carry out a wide range of activities, including impact work, without it effecting the feeding or milk supply. It is important to wear the correct apparel for obvious reasons,(big boobs need supporting) and timing of exercise is also important. Do not try and exercise when you are hungry. Its best to eat, then feed the baby and then exercise for both your comfort as well as for your energy levels. Depending on your activity, you may find that you also need a small snack before you exercise after feeding.