Does exercising increase milk supply?

The Relationship Between Exercise and Milk Supply
As new mothers navigate the challenges of breastfeeding, many wonder about the impact of exercise on their milk supply. The question of whether exercising can enhance or hinder milk production is a common concern, and the answer is nuanced.
Moderate Exercise and Milk Supply
Research indicates that moderate exercise does not negatively affect milk supply. In fact, many health professionals and organizations, including La Leche League, affirm that standard exercise routines can be safely integrated into a breastfeeding mother’s lifestyle without compromising milk production or its nutritional content. This is reassuring news for mothers who wish to maintain their fitness while nursing.
Interestingly, some studies suggest that moderate exercise may even be associated with an increase in milk supply over time. This could be due to improved overall health and well-being, which can positively influence lactation. However, it is essential to note that the type and intensity of exercise play a crucial role in this relationship.
High-Intensity Exercise and Its Effects
While moderate exercise is generally beneficial, vigorous exercise may lead to temporary changes in breast milk. For instance, intense workouts can increase lactic acid levels in the body, which some babies may find unpalatable, leading to a temporary rejection of breast milk. This phenomenon is typically short-lived, and most babies will accept breast milk again after a brief period.
Listening to Your Body
For mothers who are eager to return to their pre-pregnancy fitness routines, it is vital to listen to their bodies. Starting with gentle activities, such as walking or light strength training, can help ease the transition back into exercise while ensuring that milk supply remains stable. As mothers become more comfortable, they can gradually increase the intensity of their workouts.
Conclusion
In summary, exercising can be a beneficial part of a breastfeeding mother’s routine, particularly when approached with moderation. While high-intensity workouts may pose some challenges, they do not necessarily lead to a long-term decrease in milk supply. Ultimately, the key is to find a balance that supports both physical health and breastfeeding success.

How can I increase my milk supply asap?

Offer both breasts at each feeding. Feed every 2 hours during the day and every 3 to 4 hours at night (at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours). If your baby will not latch, use a good quality double electric breast pump to increase milk production. Pumping after breastfeeding signals your body to produce more milk.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

What stimulates your milk supply the most?

Breastfeeding frequently—especially in the first hours, days, and weeks—is the main way to increase your milk supply.

How much exercise is breastfeeding equivalent to?

The energy demand on your body from breastfeeding is equivalent to doing high-impact aerobics for over an hour or like running 6 or 7 miles in a day. Hello?! That’s a LOT of energy expenditure on any given day.

Does exercising increase breast milk?

Multiple studies have shown that exercise is not related to decreased milk supply, milk quality, or infant growth (1, 3, 6). Some studies show that over time, moderate exercise is related to increased milk supply (7). Some babies show a distaste for post-exercise breast milk.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
3. Dehydration.

When is it too late to increase milk supply?

NO, it is NEVER too late! 🚫⏰ With the right pump, flange, and schedule, you can absolutely increase your milk supply at any stage of your pumping journey.

Does drinking water increase breast milk?

Some mothers may need more or less. It is important to listen to your body and drink when you feel thirsty. Drinking excess fluids will not help increase your milk supply.

Does exercise dry up milk supply?

Exercise will not decrease your breast milk supply. In fact, it can help reduce stress and improve mental health during the postpartum period.

Does soft breasts mean low milk supply?

You do not have low milk supply because your breasts feel softer than they used to. The excessive fullness we experience in the early days of breastfeeding is about vascular engorgement (blood and lymph) and it’s about the body inefficiently storing unnecessary amounts of milk between feeds.