Is running good for breastfeeding moms

After delivery, most women are eager to get back into their pre-pregnancy shape, as soon as they can. In order to do so, they usually need to take a two-fold approach to weight loss, which not only includes following a low-fat nutritious diet, but also getting adequate physical exercises. Exercises that are usually recommended for women, who have just had babies, are walking, aerobics, yoga stretching poses, swimming and jogging. However, running is an excellent form of exercise for new mothers too as it is a great way to burn calories. At the same time, it helps build up their strength and improves the overall health of their bodies. Running is also believed to help a person feel better mentally, as it reduces stress. The several benefits of running become visibly evident after some time, which can enable a person to look better and feel great.

Running and Breastfeeding

Women who are breastfeeding their babies, often wonder if they can run, for exercising too. Since running does not have an adverse effect on either the quality or the quantity of the milk they produce, breastfeeding mothers can definitely take up running as a part of their exercise routine. Given below are a few tips that could help breastfeeding mothers to take up running as a regular exercise:

Just before you go running, make it a point to feed your baby

Wear a well fitting bra that provides adequate support to the breasts

Carefully watch the amount of weight that you lose on a weekly basis. In case you realize that you are losing over a pound each week, add a few nutritional snacks in between your meals.

Eating healthy is important for both, running and breastfeeding. Therefore make sure that you consume the right foods everyday, which are packed with vitamins, minerals, and all the other required nutrients.

Please also ensure that you drink at least 12 to 15 glasses of water a day, which can prevent your body from dehydrating, as lactating mothers need higher amounts of water to produce milk for the baby.

However, just like with all other forms of exercise, it is best to check with a physician or a gynecologist before you begin running. It is also advisable to consult a fitness expert for a recommended duration. You need to ensure that you do not run for a time period that is longer than recommended, as it could cause severe problems to the knees, hips or back.

answered by M W

Is running good for breastfeeding moms?