Slow Bone Loss During Breastfeeding: Strap on a Baby Carrier!
Calcium is typically transferred from your bones to your breast milk when you nurse. The good news is that most women do return to normal calcium levels after weaning their babes. Want to make it more likely that you'll be one of those women? Research shows that “strength training” and weight bearing exercise may give breastfeeding mamas better bone health down the road.
The study from the University at North Carolina at Greensboro found that lactating mothers who did resistance training such as normal walking, squats, and working out with dumbells lost only 4.8 percent bone density in their sacrum compared to the nonexercising lactating mother group that lost 7 percent.
When you carry your baby in a baby carrier, not only are you creating the most rich and beneficial environment for your little one, you are truly working your body. No matter how well the weight of your baby is distributed in your baby carrier you are giving your muscles a great workout. Bones respond to exercise just as muscles do, by becoming stronger.
When you strap on your baby and carry them regularly, you are performing “weight-bearing exercise” that forces you to work against gravity. This helps maintain strong bones and prevents bone loss. Babywearing makes you feel strong and it actually makes you stronger.
4.8 bone density loss versus 7 percent may not seem like a big deal, yet slowing down bone loss during breastfeeding could decrease the risk of osteoporosis for those mothers whose bone density doesn’t go back to normal after weaning. Plus 2 percent is what women may lose in a year of menopause. It does make a difference.
Considering that I have been nursing for nine years with two three month breaks, it makes a big difference. Naturally I prefer to be losing 4.8 percent of my bone density in my lower spine per year than 7 percent. It all adds up. Good thing I am passionate about moving through life with my babies in tow.
The study from the University at North Carolina at Greensboro found that lactating mothers who did resistance training such as normal walking, squats, and working out with dumbells lost only 4.8 percent bone density in their sacrum compared to the nonexercising lactating mother group that lost 7 percent.
When you carry your baby in a baby carrier, not only are you creating the most rich and beneficial environment for your little one, you are truly working your body. No matter how well the weight of your baby is distributed in your baby carrier you are giving your muscles a great workout. Bones respond to exercise just as muscles do, by becoming stronger.
When you strap on your baby and carry them regularly, you are performing “weight-bearing exercise” that forces you to work against gravity. This helps maintain strong bones and prevents bone loss. Babywearing makes you feel strong and it actually makes you stronger.
4.8 bone density loss versus 7 percent may not seem like a big deal, yet slowing down bone loss during breastfeeding could decrease the risk of osteoporosis for those mothers whose bone density doesn’t go back to normal after weaning. Plus 2 percent is what women may lose in a year of menopause. It does make a difference.
Considering that I have been nursing for nine years with two three month breaks, it makes a big difference. Naturally I prefer to be losing 4.8 percent of my bone density in my lower spine per year than 7 percent. It all adds up. Good thing I am passionate about moving through life with my babies in tow.