Running and Breastfeeding

[mad4mainecoons]

• not at the same time obviously -

does anyone have any experience?
before becoming pregnant i was a fairly serious runner, 4 /5 sessions a week and a london marathon under my belt

and watching the marathon today with my 6 week old DD made me excited to get back to it, only im a little unsure as im exclusively breast feeding.

Firstly, how do i get fitted for a sports bra? as obviously my size changes quite a lot before and after feeds, and i never know in advance as i feed completely on demand.

secondly, is it possible, when i am "full" my breasts are quite tender so will it hurt to run, and more importantly will i damage my breast tissue by running?

and finally, is there any truth in the "lactate in the milk" argument as i have read it makes the milk taste funny and can make baby refuse to feed

any advice or experiences much appreciated, as im keen to aim for a half marathon in the autumn.

thanks so much

I waited until 12 weeks but running doesn't seem to have affceted DD's feeding.

You will need a good bra though - or maybe two!

Okay. On q1, how big are your boobs? If on the larger side, I'd head to Bravissimo and get fitted for a bra because they do the fab shock absorber ones. Otherwise, I'd get your post-feed size and reckon to feed your DC immediately before you go.

I don't think you would damage breast tissue by runnng if you're supported properly but it might be worth waiting till 12 weeks so that feeding is very thoroughly established.

I've been running and then feeding DS immediately afterwards if he isn't asleep and he hasn't complained but then he is a boob monster. HTH

Hi
I have a 10 week DD and the london marathon got me out of the door for my first post baby 3 miler today

I BF my first baby, a DS, too and got back into running around six weeks, with a half marathon when he was 7.5 mths with no ill effects to him or my boobs! I just got sports bras in the same size as my nursing bras, and always headed out after a feed, not when full. Like you I feed on demand, so I'm never quite sure when the run is going to be! For my longer runs when DS was older and I was training for the half, I sometimes would start to fill up towards the end of a long run, so wore a crop top style sports bra over my 'bra' style one for extra support.
Neither baby has refused to feed, and in fact I fed DS within minutes of finishing the half marathon as I was uncomfortably full, and he was fine. I think you have to be working at your max HR, throw-up level of exertion, for significant amounts of lactate to reach blood/milk. I heard Paula Radcliffe BF until her DD was 5 mths, and she was training hard soon after having her.

I'd like to do a half this autumn too, if can get the training in this time with two DCs! I think you'll be fine, enjoy it, & drink lots of water! The feeling of crossing the line and seeing your baby waiting for you is the best!