Exercise is an essential component of an individual’s life, including new mothers who breastfeed. Breastfeeding an infant should not prohibit an individual from exercising.
Research has found that breastfeeding while engaging in regular exercise does not have an effect on an infant’s weight and length gains, or their level of acceptance of the mother’s milk1, 2. Exercise may even help to slow down the rate of bone loss commonly observed during lactation3. It is also thought that lactic acid following exercise may accumulate in breast milk causing it to taste sour and rotten to the baby. However, only a moderate amount of lactic acid is found in breast milk following intense exercise, and it does not appear to negatively affect a baby’s feeding routine4. Though it appears that the taste of breast milk is unaffected by exercise, an antibody known as Immunoglobulin A appears to be lowered temporarily following high intensity exercise. However, there are no changes in levels of immunologic compounds following moderate levels of exercise5. In addition, moderate exercise has also been shown not to have an effect on the volume of breast milk produced4. Given the benefits of exercise, the La Leche League supports regular exercise while breastfeeding. However, they also suggest waiting until the baby is 6 weeks old, starting exercise slowly with a gradual increase, and keeping hydrated to replace fluid lost through sweat6.
Is breastfeeding safe using whole body vibration?
There has been no research looking specifically at the effects of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on lactation and breastfeeding. There are many potential benefits to using a whole body vibration plate postpartum, including improved bone density and pelvic floor muscle activation7, 8. It is important that a new mother discuss the use of whole body vibration (as with any other component of an exercise routine) with her obstetrician or mid-wife. This is essential if there were any complications during delivery including an episiotomy, vaginal tearing, or caesarean section. Contraindications to whole body vibration include fresh surgical incisions and acute infection or inflammation, as there is a concern with delays in healing. When starting any new exercise program postpartum, it is important that the body has been given time to heal. An individual’s health care practitioner should provide guidelines and restrictions to new mothers based on their personal birthing experience.
Once cleared by an obstetrician or mid-wife to use a whole body vibration plate, it should be initiated at a reduced intensity and duration. This is so an individual can become accustomed to the platform. Some general suggestions for exercising while breastfeeding include breastfeeding and/or expressing milk prior to exercise to relieve heaviness, wear a supportive bra, ensure caloric needs are met with adequate nutrition, and begin slowly with short duration, low intensity exercises4. When an individual has become comfortable with the platform, the intensity and duration can be increased and exercises added at the appropriate fitness level. In general, if an individual experiences any pain, dizziness or shortness of breath while using a whole body vibration plate, it should be discontinued.
References
- Su D, Zhao Y, Binns C, Scott J, Oddy W. 2007. Breast-feeding mothers can exercise: results of a cohort study, Public Health and Nutrition, 10(10), 1089-93.
- Wright KS, Quinn TJ, Carey GB. 2002. Infant acceptance of breast milk after maternal exercise, Pediatrics, 109(4), 585-9.
- Lovelady CA, Bopp MJ, Colleran HL, Mackie HK, Wideman L. 2009. Effect of Exercise Training on Loss of Bone Mineral Density during Lactation, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise.
- http://www.bcparent.ca/articles/health/good_news.html, retrieved February 25, 2011.
- Lovelady CA, Hunter CP, Geigerman C. 2003. Effect of exercise on immunologic factors in breast milk, Pediatrics, 111(2), E148-52.
- http://www.llli.org/FAQ/exercise.html, retrieved February 25, 2011.
- Humphries B, Fenning A, Dugan E, Guinane J, MacRae K. 2009. Whole-body vibration effects on bone mineral density in women with or without resistance training, Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine, 80(12), 1025-31.
- Lauper M, Kuhn A, Gerber R, Luginbühl H, Radlinger L. 2009. Pelvic floor stimulation: what are the good vibrations, Neurourol Urodyn, 28(5), 405-10.
Are you a chiropractor who is currently using or interested in using whole body vibration in your practice? We work with chiropractors all over North America. Contact us for more information on our chiropractor program.
NOTE: The information presented is not intended to diagnose or prescribe. Pain can be from many causes, be sure to consult your health care professional before starting this or any exercise regime.