Ask An Expert: High-Impact Exercise While Breastfeeding

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Ask An Expert: High-Impact Exercise While Breastfeeding

Question:

Is it safe to begin running or high-impact exercise while breastfeeding? I have heard oxytocin causes ligament softening, so there may be a risk of long-term damage.

Answer:

Women are encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle during pregnancy and nursing. However, certain body changes of pregnancy may require some modification of a woman's exercise program. Exercise programs should be individualized based on your baseline state of fitness, stage of pregnancy or postpartum period, and presence of pregnancy complications.

Relaxin, a hormone produced during pregnancy, softens tissues to allow for increased flexibility in the pelvic joints for delivery. The effects of relaxin slowly resolve over the several weeks after delivery. Taking time to stretch and warm up prior to vigorous activity is an important precaution during the time relaxin levels are high.

Breastfeeding is not a contraindication to exercise. It's very important for a nursing woman to pay particular attention to staying well-hydrated. An excessive program of exercise could decrease milk production, so monitoring infant weight gain is also important.

Use a firm, supporting bra and plan your exercise routines when the breasts are not engorged.

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Last updated:	March 16, 2007
Reviewed By:	Faculty of Harvard Medical School