Are you a new mom but also a fitness freak?
We totally get the struggle to make some time for a workout. When you are trying to get back on the “fitness horse” and trying to cope with the new changes to your body, it can get really tough.
There can be a lot of confusion regarding things like whether you can heavy lift, drink your usual workout protein shakes, or take pre-workouts after giving birth or during breastfeeding.
But, don’t worry, because we have your back! We will give you insight into whether you can have the pre-workout while breastfeeding and help you figure out the best ways to go about it.
Can You Take A Pre-workout While Breastfeeding?
Trying to balance your fitness and motherhood? It is a tough call, so kudos to you for even considering your health. Mothers tend to forget about their own health while thinking about the baby.
However, as fitness enthusiasts, we all know that an extra boost can make a workout session feel like a complete breeze.
Gym bunny mothers tend to look for supplements before returning to training or even packing the gym essentials. But the real problem is having a little one relying on you for their nourishment. What to do, then?
The good news is that you can definitely take pre-workouts while breastfeeding. However, there are several things that you can do while picking the products, such as keeping a close eye on the caffeine intake, staying hydrated as much as possible, and reading the label.
Here’s a quick rundown for your better understanding:
1. Tracking The Caffeine Intake
When it comes to breastfeeding mothers, caffeine is always a serious thing. When a mother drinks caffeinated beverages, food, or supplements, it goes into their system and taints the breastmilk.
If there is too much caffeine in your breast milk and your baby consumes it, the milk can make your child anxious, irritable, and colicky. Thus, it’s recommended to limit caffeine intake as much as possible.
So, what is the benchmark of caffeine intake in nursing ladies? Breastfeeding mothers should have no more than 200-300mg of caffeine per day.
This is why we recommend going for a stimulant-free brand for your pre-workouts. After all, why take the risk in the very first place?
And while some babies might be able to tolerate more caffeine intake, remember, excessive amounts of anything is never ideal.
2. Keep Yourself Hydrated
As we all know, the ultimate job of pre-workouts is to affect the metabolism and offer you a short burst of energy during the session.
This means you will be able to push yourself more as you will have better physical tolerance. Hence, to keep yourself functioning properly, you must drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Otherwise, this dehydration might affect the milk supply – one of the worst fears of new moms. So, as a breastfeeding mother, make sure to drink at least 16 cups of water a day.
3. Read Label Instructions Carefully
Now, let’s talk about the labels. Most quality supplements clearly state what kind and amounts of the ingredients (beta-alanine, green tea, sweeteners, etc.) are used.
While these are generally recognized as safe for most people, it is crucial that you consider your own sensitivity levels. For example, if you are a person who gets jittery after a single cup of coffee, then it’s better you avoid the caffeine-packed ones.
However, if they contain proprietary blends (Ephedra, Yohimbe, Dimethylamylamine, Phenylalanine, and Glucuronolactone), then avoid them at all costs.
Then again, some might not disclose it. In that case, you can either check out the lists made by other moms or have a good talk with the physician.
How Do You Know If Pre-workout Is Safe?
Well, the rules are simple: flip that pre-workout container and look for the ingredient list while purchasing. Scan it like a pro and look for familiar friends like caffeine, amino acids, etc. It is considered safe for most folks if they are available in moderate quantities.
Moving on, we have artificial sweeteners and colors. Though they make the pre-workout a sweet heaven, they are definitely not everyone’s cup of protein shake. So, if you have issues with certain kinds of additives, the best is to opt for a cleaner label.
Everyone’s body is different from one another, and what works best for someone might not work out for you. For example, if you have any pre-existing health conditions or maybe you are on medication, then make sure to discuss with your healthcare provider before adding anything to your diet.
How Long After Drinking Pre-Workout Should I Breastfeed?
Pre-workout stimulants usually pass through the body within an hour or two. However, if you get the slightest hint that this is affecting the baby in any way, here are some tips you can follow to reduce it:
- You can pump into a bottle right before breastfeeding. This, in return, will help to clear some of the body’s caffeine before the little one gets their turn.
- You can also breastfeed/pump before taking the supplements – this will give your body some time to process the caffeine and clear some of them from the system before the next feeding.
- You can cut down all the other kinds of caffeine intake, such as, you can avoid having coffee or other caffeinated drinks/snacks during the rest of the day.
- If none of the above works out, the better is to opt for a stimulant-free pre-workout brand.
Conclusion
So, now you know whether you can take pre-workout while breastfeeding.
Without any doubt, these supplements can be a helpful tool to improve the workout routine. But, when it comes to breastfeeding, it is always recommended to be extra cautious about the ingredients you take, as the health of the baby might be in question.
You must find the perfect balance between your fitness goals and the baby’s health. And, as always, before adding any new supplements, make sure to have a good talk with your doctor. Cheers, supermom!
