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Laura O.
Laura O. Sendmail

Breastfeeding and running question

posted 11 months ago | Report

Sorry guys...
Any tips for nutrition while breastfeeding and running? I seem to be running out of steam pretty quickly...

Thanks!

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5 posts

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  • Ebru T.
    Ebru T. Sendmail

    Wow, you are a brave woman for running while breastfeeding... Good on you though !
    I could only do walks when I was breastfeeding. You will probably need to up your calorie intake lots to keep up with the demands on your body. It might interfere with your breastfeeding/ milk. Good luck. I would keep the runs slow and short and probably eat more carbohydrates but best would be to consult a nutritionist or a doctor.

    posted 11 months ago | edited 11 months ago

  • Theresa B.
    Theresa B. Sendmail

    generally, breastfeeding moms need about 500 calories more than their non-lactating peers, but for running mamas it's really important to make sure those are high quality calories. Nuts, whole grains, yogurt, etc. Obviously, make sure you're well hydrated (not just immediately before/after a run, but in general).

    How old is your baby? Running out of steam might be more an indication that your body isn't ready to be running after childbirth, or you're run down from waking frequently at night, than it is anything to do with breastfeeding. Were you running before baby was born? I would think it would be very challenging to begin a running program after having a baby if your body wasn't used to it before.

    posted 11 months ago | edited 11 months ago

  • Laura O.
    Laura O. Sendmail
    in reply to what Theresa B. said:generally, breastfeeding moms need about 500 calories more than their non-lactating peers, but for running mamas it's really important to make sure those are high quality calories. Nuts, whole grains, yogurt, etc. Obviously, make sure you&#x... read more

    Thanks for your responses, ladies.

    My daughter is 6 months and generally sleeps through the night. I did run before being pregnant, and just started again about a month ago.

    I go running early to beat the heat, so I think that my problem isn't necessarily not enough calories, but not enough calories early enough. I am going to try to eat more high quality calories in the morning before my runs and see where that gets me. Thanks again!

    posted 11 months ago

  • Millie D.
    Millie D. Sendmail

    I started jogging when my son was around 6 months. I suggest going on your run after you've nursed (or pumped), have a light snack maybe half of an energy bar (I love chocolate chip Cliff bar), and a little bit of water. If you want you could also have half a cup of black tea or coffee for that extra pep. That small amount of caffeine should not adversely affect your milk supply or pass on the effects of caffeine to your baby. Happy running!

    posted 11 months ago

  • Jessica M.
    Jessica M. Sendmail

    I am currently breastfeeding and running. I haven't had a problem at all. I breastfed my now 6 year old son for a year and ran without any problems as well. My only advice is to feed pre- and post- run.

    posted 11 months ago

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