bikinggrrrl

I have no idea where to put this. If I had access to the women's forum, I would go there. Mods, feel free to move this post to a different forum if necessary.

I have a seven month old that I'm still exclusively breastfeeding. I have noticed that after a strenuous ride on the bike, my milk production is significantly decreased. I'm trying to maintain a decent caloric intake and am drinking constantly but wonder if it is enough.

I do not notice such a drop after other types of exercise (I have been running and doing stairmaster & elliptical all winter) but I know that I don't push myself as hard at those activities as I do on the bike. My heartrate is pegged usually the entire ride, partly because I like to ride hard but also because I suck on the bike after not really cycling for an entire season. Would my milk decrease because of keeping my HR so high? or is it just a dehydration thing?

thoughts? ideas? I appreciate your expertise.

~Kathleen

CollectiveInk

Ok, not being a mom (but a single dad) I would dare say it's a basic matter of fluid in, fluid out. I know I perspire a lot more riding than I do running or other exercise. I have heard several people say that it's actually impossible to carry enough water while riding to replace what you lose, you can only try and minimize the loss.

Things you might be able to try and see what works:

1. Consume a good qty of water 30 mins before riding, plus at least one big bottle per hour (min) while riding. And of course post ride - because you're drinking for two (breast milk is about 88% water).
2. Make certain you're not intaking hidden caffine or other diuretics that might speed up fluid loss.
3. You could try a camel pack to ensure plenty of water while riding.

Good luck!

Just my $.02

Joyfulmama

Having your milk production decrease right after significant exercise is really common. It isn't anything to worry about, as long as you aren't doing this everyday. I am a breastfeeding mom myself. Anyway, I find that any ride more than about 10 miles causes my milk supply to go down some. I think it might be a combination of not drinking the right amount and calorie output. I have found that Gatorade helps keep it from going down quite so much. (I normally opt for no sugar drinks and stick with more water and proteins for energy) Not sure why it makes a difference, but for me it does.

Anyway, the website Kellymom.com has been great for helping me answer some of those weirdo breastfeeding questions. Hope that helps!

xeney

Another breastfeeding mom here, and yes, I think it's just a matter of fluid, it's temporary, and you probably should not worry too much about it. I also think Gatorade is a good suggestion.

I drink about twice as much water on my rides as my husband does on his, and he goes twice as far. (But I pull the trailer.)

bikinggrrrl

Thanks ladies (and gent). I'll stop freaking out and start pouring in the fluids faster. I'm not a gatorade type of girl but I have other electrolyte replenishing drinks I can sub in there.

Joyfulmama, I do ride every day. Do you think my body will eventually adjust? Or do I need to replace some of my riding days with alternative exercise? I usually go between 20-40 miles, hauling the trailer behind me, depending on how successful the nap is going back there.

I totally agree... KellyMom is great resource. I have just upped my fenugreek and nettles intake and doubling up my oatmeal consumption. 'Bout to pick up More Milk Plus tincture to start adding that as well. Hopefully these extra measures will assist me in compensating for the biking.

Thanks again!

~Kathleen

summergirl

I'm glad I found this thread! I am breastfeeding a 4 month old, and as I'm searching through this site, i am in the midst of guilt over the fact that my little guy doesn't seem to be getting enough today. And pumping yesterday left me with less than usual. I have been seeing a doc (A naturopath) regarding some Hypoglycemia issues and weight loss problems ( I can't lose) and am on a diet plan from my doc of 1500 cals a day. I have begun walking a few times a week, along with adding in some other exercises; squats, lunges, wall sit, leg lifts, etc... I just bought a bike the night before last and am hopeful to begin riding it regularly for some additional forms of exercise. I did a good hard walk last night and i'm wondering if this affected my supply. Thanks for the insight.

Also, what a good reminder to get back to the Fenugreek. I used to drink mother's milk tea and take fenugreek and it DRAMATICALLY helped my supply! Thanks!

Summer

CbadRider

To gain access to the women's forum, send a PM to East Hill or Siu Blue Wind.

xeney

1500 calories a day is not enough to breastfeed a 4 month old. Feeding a baby that age adds about 500 calories a day to your needs, and an adult can't really live on 1000 calories a day, not sustainably. I think you need a second opinion.

bikinggrrrl

Summer, I would have to agree with this. I don't know about the Hypoglycemia or any other issues you might be dealing with, but at 4 months PP and BFing, you need more calories than what you are currently consuming. Caloric restriction alone will decrease your supply (as will losing weight too quickly).

Please take care of yourself!

dang. Just realized that "BF" stands for something other than "breastfeeding".

rockmom

It could be calories or hydration. Another possibility is that it is causing enough of an uptick in stress hormones to affect milk production. If exercising at a slower rate doesn't bother your milk supply, I'd start at that level and increase the intensity slowly.

deraltekluge

I'd say that you need a new doctor. According to this site, your baby needs around 650 calories a day. You simply can't provide that and keep yourself healthy on 1500 calories a day.

Velo Dog

1. For your kid's sake, go see a real doctor, or at least a smart nutritionist. I'm not a doc, but I AM a health writer who's done a lot of stories on this. I'd bet you're not getting enough calories, and your baby could suffer. Naturopathy isn't entirely baseless, but a lot of it is quackery.
2. I'm also the father of two kids who were breast-fed for a year by their marathon-running mom. She had the same issues with reduced flow, and our son fell behind in weight gain. She cut back a bit on exercise for a couple of weeks and increased her fluid and calorie intake and everything smoothed out.

Joyfulmama

Gotta agree, 1500 calories is not enough to nurse a baby! I suggest you consult with a lactation consultant and take that info back to your NP. For a breastfeeding mom, you are really better to follow a 40-30-30 diet. That way you can get enough protein and carbs to maintain an adequate milk supply. Frankly, while you are nursing is not a good time to "diet." Instead you should focus on healthy eating and exercise. I too am hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and I have found the above diet to help stabilize my sugars, while losing weight and nursing a baby (two actually my newborn and a toddler) Anyway, just my opinion!

javaaddict

I have a 7 month old too! What a great age.

My only input for you is that while you think you're consuming enough calories, it doesn't sound like that's the case. Make a significant bump for a few days and see what happens. Meaning add an extra 800 - 1000 calories...I'm not kidding. Then you'll know.

xeney

Anyway, that is the best part of breastfeeding: eat! eat! eat! Or at least it has been for me. I'm weaning my daughter now, and man, I already miss second breakfast and my two afternoon snacks! (I'm not dieting, just getting back to eating like a normal person.)