Breastfeeding, Exercise, & Weight Loss: Do They Mix? from The Nursing Baby

A guide for moms on the latest information on exercise and breastfeeding.

Simply put, Yes, exercise away, and diet if you want to. There is little evidence that your milk supply will be affected as long as you get 1500 calories per day, and aren't exercising to exhaustion.

Are you worried about baby liking the milk after exercise? Some studies seem to indicate that lactic acid is only found in the milk during high intensity workouts, not low-to-moderate. You may also have heard about the concentration of immunoglobulins being decreased the first hour after exercise. Don't let this bother you too much. After all, a feeding of low-concentrated immunofactors breastmilk is still better than formula. And exercise is believed to enhance your immune system.

If you think about it, it makes sense that moderate exercise and dieting will have little effect on milk supply. Our bodies have been well designed to perform during lactation. If they weren't, how could our past ancestors have been able to raise their children?

Want to learn more? Read the evidence.

And remember, from your baby's point of view, your body is already perfect!