Exercise and breastfeeding - anything I need to be aware of?

[HolidaysQueen]

My DS is 6 weeks old and I am planning to start exercising once I get the okay from my doctor tomorrow.

Is there anything I need to be aware of so that I don't impact my milk supply? I had problems getting it established so really don't want to ruin it now!

FWIW, I'm not really planning major weight loss at this stage but it's more for toning - my joints ache and my back and tummy muscles are non-existent so I really need to sort those out.

The only thing I have ever been told is that it's best not to BF directly after very vigorous exercise - don't know the full explanation for this though

I was told that babies don't like the milk after vigorous exercise but ds would always latch on the minute I come in from a run if I let him...

I hd trouble establishing bf too, started exercising (abs routine) when ds was about 5 weeks and never had a problem.

If you exercise a lot you'll see some effect (or your baby will taste a difference), but by a lot I mean a real lot. I only found a problem when I did a rockclimbing course, 6 months postnatally, while I was in bad shape.

Basically, if you do a lot of anaerobic exercise, there will be lactic acid in the milk. But it really needs to be a lot - a normal 40-minute run or bike ride won't do anything.

Thanks guys - I got the all clear from the doctor so am planning to go to Buggyfit tomorrow! I'll keep an eye out for him being funny about his feed afterwards but sounds like we should be okay given the not very huge amount of exercise I intend to do

I have had a few problems whilst breastfeeding and doing arm exercises. I have had blocked ducts and/or mastitis after doing press ups or other arm exercises a couple of times.

I just made sure that I timed my runs straight after they had had a big feed. If they weren't up for a massive feed and it was a good time to go running (ie, DH at home and weather good!) then I would just express before going. I also wore v supportive sports bras!