Breastfeeding moms face a conflict when it comes to dropping the baby weight. They want to get back in their pre-pregnancy shape but don't want to risk breastfeeding or their milk supply with too much exercise. Understanding how to safely exercises while breastfeeding is essential. When it comes to chest exercises, breastfeeding mothers need to take a few precautions.
Repetition
The risk of chest exercises during breastfeeding has to do with the repetitive movement of the exercise. Since chest exercises invariably use the arms and upper body, the repetitive movements can increase a mother's risk of having a plugged breast duct, in which milk essentially gets clogged in the breast. This uncomfortable condition sometimes can result in the more serious mastitis, which includes flu-like symptoms in addition to breast discomfort.
Tips
The most effective way to do chest exercises and reduce the risk of a plugged duct or mastitis is to know your limits. Do the minimum number of repetitions you can to reduce the risk of a plugged duct. Wear a supportive bra; a bra that does not provide adequate support can further increase your chances of developing a plugged duct or mastitis.
Treatment
If you develop a plugged duct as a result of repetitive chest exercises, the most important thing to do is stop the exercise. Kelly Bonyata, a lactation consultant and founder of KellyMom.com, recommends mothers get plenty of rest and fluids when they have a plugged duct. Eat healthily, which will help ward off mastitis and its flu-like symptoms. Mothers should continue to breastfeed through the plugged duct, putting baby on the affected breast first during each feeding.
Recovery
Once the plugged duct has passed, the mother might be wary to start her chest exercises again -- and rightfully so. If a mother is prone to plugged ducts caused by the repetitive movement, she should mix up her exercise routine. Cardio exercises or core-building exercises like Pilates might not directly exercise the chest, but they provide effective workouts with a reduced risk of plugged ducts or mastitis.
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