Disclaimer: All Opinions Are 100% My Own. I Am Not A Medical Expert, Just A Postpartum Mom Who Is Documenting Her Journey. Please Listen To Your Body And Do What Feels Best For You When Beginning Your Postpartum Workouts. Here I Created A List Of Tips For Exercising While Breastfeeding That Worked For Me. If You Are Breastfeeding Mama I’m Proud Of You! If Your Formula Feeding Mama, I’m Proud Of You!
"Mama Move At Your Own Pace"
Mama are you ready to begin your postpartum workout? After having my son during the COVID-19 pandemic it took me some time to begin even thinking about creating a postpartum workout plan. Let’s be honest mama, working out is a challenge while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is such a beautiful experience but it’s also a sacrifice. Working out while breastfeeding is not impossible but it does take strategic planning so it can go well for mama and baby. You can read about my birthing experience here. Now as my son is approaching his first birthday, I am ready to put a workout plan in place.
If you are having guilt about not consistently working out postpartum, just remember mama you birthed a whole human. You are entitled to begin exercising when you feel ready. Listen to your body and spirit and begin when you’re most comfortable.
“ Women that are breastfeeding are actually using more energy to make breastmilk than they were to grow their babies when pregnant. It requires about 500 extra calories per day to exclusively breastfeed a baby. That is equivalent to walking about seven miles per day.”
Here are some tips to keep in mind that I found most helpful on my journey of exercising while breastfeeding so far.
Tip #1 : Your Journey Is Your Own
First, remember that timing is everything for exercising while breastfeeding. Your journey is your own. Don’t feel forced by other postpartum moms or anyone for that matter. When I first began my postpartum workouts, I was very inconsistent because I wasn’t ready. Breastfeeding requires a lot of time and energy. I needed to focus on what was most important at that time.
Tip #2: A Fitness Routine That Works For You
Secondly, ease into a fitness routine that works for you. I begin with Kegels to strengthen my pelvic floor muscles and postpartum yoga. I begin doing this only 10 to 15 mins per day for weeks. Here is the Kegel exercise balls that I used to strengthen my pelvic floor muscles.
Tip #3 : Calorie Count & Staying Hydrated
Thirdly keep in mind that in order to breastfeed and exercise you have to keep your calorie count up and stay hydrated. Breastfeeding alone each day requires an extra 500 calories into your diet.
Tip #4: Feed Or Pump Prior
My fourth tip for you mama is to remember to feed or pump prior to your workout. Make sure your breasts are empty prior to beginning your workout.
Tip #5 Supportive Sports Bra
My fifth and final tip for you to keep in mind while exercising and breastfeeding is to wear a supportive and well-fitted sports bra. This will firmly secure your breast while changing positions. Also, nursing pads will be most helpful in preventing leaking. My favorite breastfeeding sports bra is linked here.
Mama, I pray that your breastfeeding while exercising journey goes well. Listen to your body and remember your journey is your own. Please share down below some other tips for mamas who look to begin their journey of exercising and breastfeeding.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and share with another mama.
Linked here is my birthing experience video during COVID-19. I share a lot of tips for giving birth during the pandemic here and on my instagram page.
Until Next Time
So awesome! Great advice thank you! 💕❤️
You are so welcome!! Thank you for visiting (everydaywithkhughes.com)