Physical activity and breastfeeding

Does exercise affect breast milk, and when can you start being active after giving birth?

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Can I exercise while breastfeeding?

Keeping active is generally good for your health. After giving birth, however, it is important to give your body time to recover. The information below can help you understand what is safe when you exercise during the breastfeeding period.

Can exercise affect breastfeeding?

No. Normal, moderate physical activity does not reduce your milk supply and does not change the composition of your milk. You may find it comfortable to breastfeed shortly before exercising to reduce breast fullness and prevent discomfort. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your activity.

Can intense exercise affect milk production?

Some parents notice changes, but these do not affect the nutritional quality of the milk.

After very intense forms of exercise, such as crossfit, triathlon or marathon training, there may be a small temporary drop in the amount of antibodies in the milk for about an hour. Lactic acid from the muscles may also be present in the milk right after exercise.

Most babies do not mind this, but some may react to the slightly different taste. If your baby objects, you can wait about an hour before breastfeeding so the taste returns to normal.

When can I start exercising again after giving birth?

Your body needs rest and gentle recovery after birth. Pregnancy and labour place considerable strain on the body, especially the abdominal, back, and pelvic floor muscles. These need time to regain strength.

  • In the first weeks, start with short walks with the pram and gentle pelvic-floor exercises.
  • You can then slowly increase your walking distance and add simple exercises for your abdominal and back muscles. Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust the intensity accordingly.
  • Most people feel they regain physical strength after about 2–3 months. At that point, you can usually return to the type of exercise you did before pregnancy, as long as it feels comfortable and your body responds well.

When can I exercise after a caesarean section or a complicated birth?

If you have had a Caesarean section or complications during birth, you may need to wait longer before starting exercise and progress more gradually. Discuss your recovery and training plan with your doctor, who can guide you based on your specific situation.

Good to do

  • Be physically active at a moderate level: Regular exercise does not affect the amount or quality of breast milk. You can nurse right before exercising, and remember to drink plenty of fluids.

  • Take care during intense exercise: Extreme training can temporarily change the taste of milk immediately after exercise. If your baby reacts, you can wait about an hour before breastfeeding.

  • Start gently after childbirth: Begin with short walks and pelvic floor exercises, and gradually increase with light exercises for the stomach and back—listen to your body’s signals.

  • Seek advice after complicated births: After a cesarean section or complications, it may be necessary to start more slowly. If needed, you can talk to your doctor about an appropriate rehabilitation plan.

Who can you contact?

If you experience challenges with breastfeeding – big or small – do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Swipe to see whom you can contact and when.

Who can you contact at the maternity ward?

You can contact the maternity-ward staff both during pregnancy and after birth.

Before birth, your midwife is the person to speak with about the early time with your baby and your thoughts about feeding – whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. If you have had previous breastfeeding problems, you can create a plan together.

Most maternity wards also offer antenatal classes, and your midwife can inform you about these.

After giving birth, you can receive help with breastfeeding from staff on the delivery or maternity ward while you are admitted.

All parents can also contact a breastfeeding hotline at their maternity ward within the first week after birth if they need help or guidance.

You can contact your municipal health-visitor service

The health-visitor service is available to all pregnant and new parents in Denmark. After birth, you will be offered free home visits with support and guidance to help you get a good start with your baby. Depending on your municipality and your stage in the process, different services and contact options may be available.

Some municipalities offer prenatal visits from a health visitor, where you can discuss breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and preparing for life as a new family. Check your municipality’s website to see whether this is available where you live.

If you have special needs, you can contact the service to ask whether prenatal visits are offered to you.

Your health visitor will contact you and offer the first home visit. You can always call your municipal health visitor service for advice or guidance.

You can contact your GP if needed

Always speak with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and need medical treatment. In most cases, there is a medication that is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Contact the on-call doctor or call 112 in an emergency

For sudden illness or worsening symptoms that cannot wait until your GP is available, or for minor injuries, you can contact the on-call doctor – or call 1813 if you live in the Capital Region.

In emergencies, if something is life-threatening or dangerous, call 112.

Contact volunteer breastfeeding counsellors

You can also contact volunteer breastfeeding counsellors if you need advice or support.There are two organisations in Denmark that offer this help: Forældre & Fødsel and Ammenet.The volunteers are mothers with breastfeeding experience, and both organisations follow the recommendations of the Danish Health Authority.

Get help from Forældre og Fødsel

Get help from Ammenet

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