Breastfeeding and running – two seemingly unrelated activities that have been a major part of my life for the past 19 months. As a mother and avid runner, I embarked on the challenging journey of balancing these two passions and I am proud to say that I have successfully accomplished this feat.
Breastfeeding my baby while maintaining a consistent running routine was no easy task. In the beginning, it was difficult to find the time to nurse my baby and also squeeze in a run. I had to carefully plan my schedule, making sure to nurse before heading out for a run or timing my runs around my baby’s feeding schedule. It required a lot of flexibility and adaptability, but I was determined to make it work.
Despite the challenges, breastfeeding while running also had its benefits. Running helped me stay physically and mentally strong, which in turn made me a better and more resilient mother. The endorphins released during a run helped boost my mood and energy levels, making me a more patient and present parent for my baby.
As my baby grew older, breastfeeding became less frequent and running became easier to fit into my schedule. I was able to increase the distance and intensity of my runs, pushing myself to new limits and improving my overall fitness level. I found that the physical demands of running actually helped to increase my milk supply, ensuring that my baby continued to receive all the nourishment she needed.
Now, as my baby approaches her second birthday, my breastfeeding journey is coming to an end. It is bittersweet to see this chapter of motherhood come to a close, but I am proud of the bond that we have formed through breastfeeding and running. I will always cherish the memories of nursing my baby before or after a run, feeling the connection between us as we shared those quiet moments together.
As I reflect on the past 19 months, I am grateful for the experience of breastfeeding and running simultaneously. It has taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of self-care as a mother. I hope that my story inspires other mothers to embrace the challenges and rewards of combining their passions with the demands of motherhood. Breastfeeding and running may seem like an unlikely pair, but for me, they have been a perfect match.
