Tandem Nursing and Excercise

by Ami
(Olympia)

Visitor Question: I'm 6 weeks pregnant and nursing a 9 month old. Can I continue to exercise? Do I need to up the calories? I really don't want to because I don't want to start piling on more pounds!
Thanks,
Ami

Breastfeeding Magazine Response: Yes, you can exercise, but you will need to take in enough calories. Your body’s maternal instinct is to gain weight during pregnancy. If you exercise too much and do not take in enough calories, your body will suffer. You may also lose your milk as your body’s attempt to protect your unborn baby.

However, a few hundred extra calories should be enough to keep you and your children healthy without excess weight gain.

Some other tips:

• Listen to your body’s signals. Your body will naturally give you signs that it is time to reduce the level of exercise you perform.

• Never exercise to the point of exhaustion or breathlessness. This is a sign that your baby and your body cannot get the oxygen supply that they need.

• As long as you are getting the proper nutrition, should have no problem providing perfect nutrition for both your unborn baby and your other breastfeeding child. Just keep an eye on your 9 month old’s weight gain and provide solid food as a supplement as necessary.

Good luck and congratulations!