Breastfeeding moms?

cbt007

Hi all! Total newb here. I have spent the last two days reading all about SL and I'm eager to start. My question is: are there any breastfeeding moms doing the program? I'm only 8 weeks out from childbirth and I'm terrified of messing up my supply with too much exercise. I have also heard of getting clogged ducts from doing weights. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Also, I've just started watching calories last week as well as doing some exercise DVDs. So I'm pretty much starting from scratch.

kirabob

I am not breastfeeding now, but I have in the past. I've never heard of clogged ducts from lifting - but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. But I can't think of a single mechanical/chemical reason that would occur. . .hopefully someone else will know the answer.

As with most exercise while maintaining a milk supply, you need to eat enough to fuel your exercise and your milk supply - fatigue is not your friend when it comes to the milkies. I would hesitate to take too deep a cut out of your maintenance calories, as well - nice and slow is better than fast when it comes to keeping your supply up while exercising. It's also a good idea, if you can, to nurse right before you go in to the gym. Makes for a much comfier workout.

Has your midwife/obgyn given you the all clear on exercise? Then if so, I'd say go for it. Maybe wear a sports bra that isn't super high compression (which would be uncomfortable anyhow). And keep any cardio to comfortable walks - the lifting will wear you out plenty, and if you give it time, completely transform your body. Let me say it again - getting fatigued from exercise is NOT good for your supply.

belle_of_the_bar

I am a breastfeeding mama who just started the program. I haven't had any problem with supply as long as I'm hydrated, and I've been exercising in some way since 6 weeks postpartum. Just make sure you're feeding or pumping on a regular schedule and I don't think you'll have an issue. Good luck with everything!

kay_der

I am 5 weeks into the program and have had no problems with supply (my baby is 8 months old). I am eating (a lot). No change in weight. Before I started lifting, I did cut my calories too low and had a week or 2 of low supply, but as long as I keep 2000+ k/cal per day, I have been fine with supply as well as progressing with weights. My cardio is very light. I have not had any problems with plugged ducts.

I think your body will tell you if you are doing too much. But the compound lifts have been great at strengthening my core, which was in very poor shape after 3 babies.

ErinRibbens

Listen to your body & eat, eat, eat (and drink too!)!!

belle_of_the_bar

Oh yeah. You can log breastfeeding in your food diary to account for you extra caloric need. I generally eat 2100-2300 calories but I try to net about 1600 after nursing and exercise, and that's still a deficit for me.

Edited to correct baby typing : )

cbt007

Thanks everybody!

3girliemomma

I've been doing weight lifting for about 5 months now, and I've had no problem with supply. I have never heard of anyone getting plugged ducts from weight training and I'm a lactation consultant! Since you are so early postpartum and I'm going to assume that baby is solely on breastmilk you should not net below 1800 calories. When baby starts solids you should not net below 1500. There are some great resources for diet while breastfeeding out there, the most important thing is making sure you are using your calories to the fullest and not taking most of them via "junk food", and drink plenty of fluids.