Has anyone taken up running postpartum whilst BFing? I'm a 32G but would love to resume running - problem is, I think I'll end up with breasts down to my knees unless I get some serious structural support. Any other ideas e.g. do I feed before I run to 'run on empty' so to speak, is it true that excess lactic acid generated during exercise can actually sour the milk?
Any BTDT advice appreciated - or even if you haven't BTDT, views welcome.
Liz - 27
Paul - 31
DD1 = 23 months
DD2 = 6 months
Always remembering our angels (10/05, 04/07, 10/07, 01/08)
I'm not a runner, but if you need a good support bra, Enell is great. I am 34 DD, and I can do step areobics while wearing this bra.
Liz: First, I commend you for even thinking of running right now! LOL. From what I've read the lactic acid thing is a myth. Most babies won't notice a difference. The book I have does recommend nursing just before working out so it's more comfortable for YOU (but it's not necessary from the baby's perspective unless, of course, they are hungry right before your run).
Now I am feeling I must get back to running... it has been 4+ months already...
Jan - 36 & DH - 37 = 10/26/09 after 3 years, 1 loss, 4 IUIs and 1 IVFAnother m/c 11/06/10 @ 11 weeks
I have been running a few times, and it didn't seem to bother DS at all. I just needed to make sure I stayed WELL hydrated because my supply can be touchy. In terms of the support, I am right there with you! I am currently a 32H (because nursing bras don't come any bigger!!), and there is not a sports bra that will fit me. I squeeze into my old bra, but it ain't pretty or comfortable. I haven't got into any long distance running though, just starting back, so it hasn't been too bad. I might just use a bandage and tape my boobs up!!
- May 1st, 2006 8wks - September 25th, 2006 11 weeks - January 12th, 2007 7 weeks - January 27th, 2008 9 weeks
I ran while breastfeeding both my children (I breastfed exclusively until they were 1 year). I started running within a week after delivery both times (yes, i'm crazy!!) and they never seemed to be bothered by my milk after running.
I have much smaller breasts than you (32-C while nursing) but right after my milk came in my boobs seemed so bouncy and sensitive. I had to wear super-super tight sports bras to run with while I was nursing. This might look kind of silly but you might want to try wearing two sports bras at the same time!
Be sure to take off the tight sports bras RIGHT after running to avoid getting mastitis/clogged ducts.
Be sure to carry a water bottle with you while you run or run along routes with accessible water.
I was doing up to 15 mile training runs while nursing and up to 30 mile training weeks, it's totally doable and it did not affect my supply at all. Okay I'm totally bragging right now, but I did a 10 K race six months post partum and kept a six minute mile pace. I feel like I earned my right to brag running while nursing a baby is hard--sleepless nights, exhaustion, sore boobs, timing running between feedings...it's not easy!!
Best of luck and you can do it!!
I ran after both kids. I have VERY small breasts, but I can't stand any movement whatsoever, so I just wore three tight jogbras. Neither kid minded the taste of milk after running, but my son didn't like my sweaty skin (as he was quick to inform me after he began talking).
I started running at around 4 months PP while I was still nursing DD. I need serious support while I run - when I was nursing I was easily a 34DD (or larger depending on the bra) and now that DD is weaned I still wear a 32DD. For the first few months running I wore 2 sports bras and that really held everything in place. But ditto what AlohaNancy said about taking them off as soon as you are done to avoid blockages. Also, I always made sure to nurse DD just before I left the house to run so I was as empty as possible. Definitely drink tons of water too. Otherwise, you should be fine - I trained for and ran my first half-marathon while nursing DD - before she even turned a year!
Good luck!
Me - 37 DH - 38
9/6/94 11w 5/4/07 8w 12/20/07 13w4d
Madison Claire - 10/17/08
Zachary Gasper - 2/8/11
Here's a blog I read from a serious runner in Florida who also breastfeeds: http://twentyonedayhabit.blogspot.com/
She has even run 3 half-marathons since her daughter was born!
Alexis - 26, DH - 28
DS #1 - arrived a little early at 36+5 - Welcome Conor Vincent, 4/29/10!
I started running at 6 weeks pp after my c-section and 5 weeks pp after my VBAC. Both times I was able to run 2 miles my first run out despite not running the entire pg. I don't have the bra problem since I am only a 34-36B...I wear the same bras that I wore prepg. The only times I have ever had any trouble with supply is when I am not hydrated enough Even then, I have still been able to EBF both of my boys and have never had to supplement. My DS will not nurse if I have not showered yet though so keep that in mind...apparently I stink too much, lol. I ran a 5K at 10 weeks pp after DS1 and 9 weeks pp after DS2. I actually just decided today that I am going to run a half-marathon in about 8 1/2 weeks. I'm really hoping I don't have any issues with supply with the longer runs. I'm just going to stay as hydrated as possible and hope for the best. Good luck!
Me: 30 DH: 32
: 1/21/06 19 weeks
: 6/21/06 5 weeks
: 7/27/07 C-section
: 7/20/09 VBAC
I started running again when my second DS was 4 mths old - 3 times week. I did a 5km race when he was 6.5 mths old and then kept up with it and am still running and BF-ing with him now, he's 17 mths old. I never noticed supply issues but I did notice I needed more food and liquid obviously. I also take quite a bit of supplemental calcium as BF-ing can sometimes deplete calcium and I wanted to ensure strong bones while training for my runs. I have been slowly working up to doing a half marathon this past year since starting running again and continue BF-ing...
Can't help with bras, I am a 34B BF-ing, on a good day, LOL. I wore a regular support running bra to run and took it off right after running as it did sometimes feel tight on the milk ducts...
Good luck! Have fun!
Julie and DH - 35
3 Yrs Old (Nov 2006); 1 Yr Old (Oct 2008)
Not trying to hijack the post, but PLEASE tell me what kind of nursing bra you have! I, too, am a 32H and I haven't been able to find anything, even online! I am currently wearing my nursing bra from my first son and the underwire is gone and it totally doesn't fit, so I'm a saggy mess!
Me (32)
DH(35)
Jackson (9-27-06)
Deacon ( 7-26-09)
Due in Nov. 2010
2 angels
I started running about 6w pp and always wore 2 tight sports bras (I was about a 34G). Once I started running at 6am again (and DD was sleeping through until 8am) I needed to pump off before I ran - since I pumped 10-15oz it made a huge difference! I ended up using that pump as my supply to donate to our local milk bank and always had enough once DD woke up to feed her. Just had to make sure I ate before my run (at least a granola bar) and drank a 20ox bottle of water once I was done. In the summer I did sometimes carry water with me because it can be darn hot in NC, even at 6am! I also did a half-marathon when she was 8m old and that was great too.