I researched this topic for a session I gave a few years ago at an LDS. What
the research shows is that mothers that exercise have the same or even
increased milk production compared to those that don't, assuming that they
are not also severely restricting their calorie intake at the same time. And
those mothers who were exercising of course benefited by increasing their
fitness levels.

There was a study that concluded that lactic acid levels are elevated in
breastmilk after the mother exercises and that the baby may tend to reject
this milk. Subsequent studies have shown that lactic acid levels are
elevated only after very intense exercise (80-100% capacity) and there is no
elevation at 50-75% capacity.

My advice is that moderate exercise is good for everyone, including
lactating mothers. She should make sure that she is adequately hydrated
before, during and after her exercise and stay away from a diet which
severely restricts her calorie intake (restriction should equal no more than
80% of normal intake - for instance, a mother who normally takes in 2400
cal/day should take in at least 1920 cal/day when trying to diet. One study
followed a group of lactating mothers for 4 months and found that with diets
averaging 2186 kcal/day the average weight loss was 11 pounds or 2.8
lbs/month).

Sharon Knorr, IBCLC in NY

On Thu, Feb 25, 2010 at 12:26 PM, Ingebritson, Lisa M <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> Has anyone heard of a decreased milk supply after exercise?  If so do you
> have suggestions for the mother?
> Thanks.
> Lisa
>
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