Stronglifts 5x5 for Women

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Odd question...

kts3639
kts3639 Posts: 188 Member
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So, I am planning on beginning the SL 5x5 program hopefully by the end of this week, beginning of next week (waiting on equipment to arrive). I am super stoked to start, but as I was reading threads about women lifting, I noticed many women talking about a reduction in the size of their breasts. This is concerning since I am breastfeeding and plan on doing so for at least another 6 months.

My question is, will lifting negatively effect breastfeeding? I don't know if the reduction in the size of the breast will make me lose milk/dry up. Any thoughts on this? Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • cleotherio
    cleotherio Posts: 712 Member
    I'm not an expert, but I did breastfeed two kids for almost a year each, and I've always been about a B cup when I wasn't pregnant or nursing. Breast size shouldn't have an impact on milk production. Most of my friends that breastfed for more than a few months were actually on the smaller side. Milk production is based on your internal workings and not the amount of fat/muscle/tissue on the breast itself. For me, the most important thing for keeping milk production up was staying hydrated. Just make sure you're eating enough and drinking plenty of water.
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    I'm not an expert, but I did breastfeed two kids for almost a year each, and I've always been about a B cup when I wasn't pregnant or nursing. Breast size shouldn't have an impact on milk production. Most of my friends that breastfed for more than a few months were actually on the smaller side. Milk production is based on your internal workings and not the amount of fat/muscle/tissue on the breast itself. For me, the most important thing for keeping milk production up was staying hydrated. Just make sure you're eating enough and drinking plenty of water.

    ^^ this is my understanding. You're only losing fat from your breasts and fat isn't part of milk production.

    So I think the only thing to worry about is eating enough for the added activity. And you don't need to worry about that unless you're eating really low already (I assume not) or you see milk production slow donw a little.
  • kts3639
    kts3639 Posts: 188 Member
    Thank you both for replying! That's really good to hear and definitely makes sense. I am really looking forward to throwing myself into this, especially since I was told I am not allowed to run due to bruised ankle bones and a slight case of bursitis, bleh. Was training for my first 5k at the end of the month, but since that is officially halted, weightlifting will become my new obsession lol :bigsmile:

    Another question...I am currently eating roughly 2250 calories/day. I calculated this using the TDEE -20% method. Will this still be sufficient once I start lifting? I plan on doing cardio (was going to be running, now will likely be doing the elliptical) the 4 days of the week that I am not lifting. I feel like it's kind of difficult to determine how much you're supposed to be eating while trying to lose weight/breastfeed/build muscle etc.
  • kay_der
    kay_der Posts: 24
    I am breastfeeding my 7 month old and started SL 2 weeks ago. I have not noticed any decrease in milk supply (and I pump during my workday, so I would notice if it were happening). I do eat 2000-2300 kcal per day, depending on my activity level. A couple of months ago, I tried to go lower than that, and my supply did suffer.
  • kirabob
    kirabob Posts: 481 Member
    What everybody else said - make sure you are eating enough, and you and baby will be just fine! :smile:
  • kts3639
    kts3639 Posts: 188 Member
    Love hearing personal experiences from someone doing the same thing!!! Thanks a ton :) You guys have made me feel much better, and more confident to start lifting.

    I was hoping someone was going to tell me to eat more!!! Lol :laugh: :tongue: :bigsmile:

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