Exercise While Breastfeeding to Keep Bones Strong

Hitting the gym is good for more than fitting into your pre-baby jeans. It also may fight bone loss from breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding has perks—such as better health for mom and baby and a stronger emotional bond—but bone density typically declines while women lactate.

In a recent study, a group of 10 breastfeeding women were asked to work out beginning four weeks after giving birth. After 16 weeks, they had stronger bones than those who’d been told not to exercise.

How much exercise helps bones? Women in the study did 45 minutes of cardio three days a week, along with three days of strength training.