Breastfeeding Athletes:

Nurturing Your Postpartum Journey: Balancing Breastfeeding, Exercise, and Self-Care

Introduction:

Welcome to the Feminist Wellness Collective, a haven of inclusivity and empowerment where all life stages are celebrated. In this blog post, we’ll focus on a phase of life that’s as beautiful as it is transformative- breastfeeding. Amidst the joy and challenges, finding balance between caring for your newborn, nourishing your body, and prioritizing your well-being becomes delicate and crucial. It's a journey that demands consideration of the physical, emotional, and mental facets unique to this phase. In this blog post, we'll navigate the intricate dance of breastfeeding, exercise, and self-care.

Nurturing Nutrition for Milk Supply:

Your body is a miracle worker, producing nourishing milk to sustain your little one's growth. Adequate nutrition is your ally in this journey of breastfeeding + exercise. FWC’s approach is balanced, whole foods eating. As a nutrition coach, I subscribe to the belief that all meals are complete with a protein, carb, fat, and something fermented. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and antioxidants are breastfeeding superstars. Salmon, leafy greens, nuts, and colorful fruits become your partners in nurturing both you and your baby. Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon aid in brain development for your baby and can contribute to reducing inflammation in your body. Calcium from leafy greens and nuts supports bone health for both you and your little one. Antioxidants found in colorful fruits help support your immune system, ensuring a healthy breastfeeding journey for you and your baby. Do not cut calories if you are breastfeeding and exercising. Nourish your body so you can nourish your baby. Furthermore, HYDRATE! Add electrolytes, lemon & lime juice, and salt to your water. Milk production relies on lots of H2O! I drink Key Nutrients Electrolytes, which is 0 calories, tastes good, and and is full of vitamins and minerals like magnesium and thiamin.

Unlocking the Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy:

Among the less-discussed, increasingly popular treatments in postpartum care is pelvic floor physical therapy. Physical Therapists like those as Align PT hold a key to ensuring your pelvic muscles heal properly after childbirth. Addressing issues like incontinence, discomfort, and pain during intercourse, they guide you towards a strong and functional core. Seek their guidance, and you'll find yourself regaining control and if you’re like me, even more confidence than before pregnancy and childbirth. Once this is healed you can start to add higher impact movements to your daily routine and become even stronger than before!

Postpartum Personal Training: Revive & Thrive

Embracing exercise after childbirth requires a gentle approach. This is where a postpartum personal trainer shines, like myself. I understand the intricacies of your body's post-baby state and design workouts that foster gradual strength rebuilding. From gentle core exercises to regaining muscle tone, you’ll feel empowered to embrace fitness while respecting your body's healing journey. If you’re currently pregnant, I have a package for you. Otherwise, contact me for your postpartum needs!

Managing Expectations: The Art of Balance

Ah, the ever-elusive balance! As you embrace motherhood, remember that every moment of your day (which might feel like 3 days with a newborn) is a moment to recalibrate. Prioritizing self-care doesn't mean overextending yourself. Instead, it's about gentle, intentional steps. Set realistic exercise goals that align with your energy levels, baby's schedule, and your own healing. Whether it's a short stroll, a yoga session, or simple stretches, remember that small steps count. I highly advise you to focus on your pelvic floor, core, and shoulders. These are the areas of your body with the most tension, action, and healing all at once.

Conclusion:

As you embark on this postpartum adventure, remember that self-care isn't selfish – it's self-preservation. Balancing breastfeeding, exercise, and nurturing your own well-being requires patience, compassion, and understanding. As my girl Robin Arzon says, it takes, “Grit & Grace”. Cherish each milestone – in both your baby's growth and your own journey to rediscover strength. It's not about perfection; it's about progress and embracing the journey, one beautiful step at a time.

Stay Connected: Join our community as we embrace the unique journey of motherhood, celebrate every victory, and support one another in challenges. Connect with us on social media, and let's thrive together!

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