Nursing Sports Bras: Can You Work Out While Breastfeeding?

Pregnancy may have paused you from working out, but the postpartum stage invites you to reclaim your fitness goals. Between multiple body changes and the frequent nursing demand, many mothers believe that exercising is not even possible at this point. Well, it is possible, just not while actually breastfeeding your baby. Maternity wear, like the nursing sports bra, offers you the athletic wear and the practicality of nursing access. In this article, we will connect the dots between exercise and breastfeeding and share some tips and the benefits of it.

Connection Between Exercise and Breastfeeding

For numerous first-time mothers, the thought of working out while breastfeeding raises a lot of questions: Will it drain my energy? Will it affect my baby’s milk? The answer is no: exercise doesn’t decrease milk supply. In fact, it can be used to gain energy and endurance after childbirth.

Physically, even light exercises can support core recovery, improve spine posture strained by hours of feeding, and boost stamina for those long nights with the baby. Mentally, exercise can act like a stress buster. It can help reduce the “brain fog” and decrease the risk of postpartum depression. Emotionally, it brings back a full sense of control and confidence in your body.

The thing that matters the most is timing. Feeding or pumping before exercise keeps you at a distance from engorgement. However, some intense exercise may slightly change the taste of milk because of lactic acid. But it doesn’t affect milk’s nutritional content.

Why Nursing Sports Bras Outperform Regular Ones

A normal nursing bra is not an ideal option for a run or a gym session for a breastfeeding mom, as they are generally designed to provide compression and support. They don’t have features for lactation and workouts. Also, there are some common challenges of nursing, like sudden breast fullness, the need for quick feeding access, and sensitive skin during postpartum recovery. If you try to do a workout in a normal bra, then these challenges will make you feel restricted, awkward, and even risky, as excessive pressure may give rise to clogged ducts or mastitis.

In this situation, nursing sports bras are very useful. They have easy-open clips, zippers, or pull-down cups. You can feed or pump without the need to change clothes. Their fabrics help you to exercise in a range of motions and adjust effortlessly with your body’s size. Plus, the fabric keeps you fresh and cool, even during sweaty sessions. It helps you to stay fit with breastfeeding and ultimately proves that fitness and motherhood can go hand in hand.

Is It Safe to Work Out While Breastfeeding?

Yes, absolutely, but comfort and caution are paramount. Breastfeeding moms often experience increased breast size and sensitivity. Seeing the circumstances, you may think that a tight-fitting bra is ideal for workouts. It’s not. You will feel more pain when squeezing or pinching. Remember this golden rule: avoid bras that are too tight. It can block/slow milk flow and even cause clogged ducts or mastitis. Instead, buy a nursing bra in Singapore that has a snug fit. It should not be too rigid to support and soft enough to keep blood circulation flowing.

Feed or pump before exercising so your breasts feel lighter. Also, do a warm-up to prepare your body. Hydration is also crucial to keep your workout performance and milk supply steady. The mantra of a workout is limited to burning calories; it is about feeling strong. With the right bra, mindful timing, and self-care, you can safely exercise in the breastfeeding stage.

Tips to Choose the Right Nursing Sports Bra

Most mothers find it difficult to buy the most comfortable nursing bra. To help them, we have highlighted some factors that they need to keep in mind before buying:

Know Your Breast Size: Your body changes after childbirth, so don’t rely on your pre-pregnancy size. Measure yourself again for the perfect fit. The right fit can prevent bounce with smooth milk flow.

Impact Level: Choose your bra according to the impact of the activity. Low-impact bras are suitable for yoga and stretching. High-impact bras are best for running or HIIT workouts.

Strap Style: Thin adjustable shoulder straps distribute weight better and reduce shoulder strain. Go with racerback styles for extra support.

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can work out during the breastfeeding stage. What matters is to have the right knowledge and essentials. A nursing sports bra can keep you comfortable and make exercise a positive part of your postpartum recovery. If you’re looking for a brand to buy high-quality nursing sports bras from, then you must visit Lovemere. First started as a small warehouse in 2017, they are now offering thoughtful motherhood necessities to mothers globally for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Visit now!