A Nursing Marathon Mom

Welcome back!

Ready to read more about my crazy decision to run a marathon right after having a baby?

*Nod your head, "Yes."*

Haha!

Okay, so here it is...

When I signed up for the run, I knew I could do it.  What scared me more was if I was going to be able to nurse my new baby through the training.  That's right... I'm a breastfeeding mother.  I nursed my oldest child for 11 months and then she weaned herself.  It wasn't easy but I knew I wanted to experience breastfeeding with my second baby.  And I truly feel like if I can, I should. It saves money and it produces exactly what & how much my baby needs. It's truly a miraculous thing to experience!

Now, having a newborn and waking up multiple times a night for feedings and diaper changes is hard enough.  Kudos to ALL parents out there!

And training for a marathon is also hard enough.  Kudos to all those who have trained and completed a marathon.

Now, I'm not saying I'm superwoman or anything... but doing both of those things is HARD and left me feeling very hungry!!!  I could eat and eat and eat all.  DAY.  LONG. and still be hungy.

Anyways, to cut the story short-- I run my marathon in 2 days and I'm still nursing my girl.  And I never supplemented with formula (she's 6 months now and starting solids).

I nurse right before every run.  If I have to run through a feeding, I will (meaning that there can be some uncomfortable engorgement at times-- wear a supportive bra!).  I have some pumped milk in the freezer and my hubby will give her a bottle if she needs one while I'm out.  Then, I nurse immediately following my run.  I eat plenty of food and drink LOTS of water.  And so, my milk supply has been plenty enough for my little Chunky Monkey.

So my point is:  If you're wondering if you can run a marathon and breastfeed?  In my opinion, YES!

You'll be running on less sleep; You'll be very hungry; You'll be worried about your hungry baby (who most likely has been fed).  But YES! And you will feel empowered!