Breastfeeding and sauna – can I take a sauna while breastfeeding?
All of a sudden, there’s another little person who needs a lot of attention. You would do well to take some time out together with your partner, for example in the sauna. But is that so easy to do? Or does the heat have a negative effect on breast milk and thus also on breastfeeding? We have investigated.
Taking a sauna is possible without hesitation
We have already explained to you in this article that you are not allowed to take a sauna immediately after giving birth. You should wait about three to four months so that your body is ready for the heat again. After this time, however, it is no problem to sauna again. The comforting heat has no effect on breast milk or on breastfeeding itself. So you may sweat to your heart’s content again during the breastfeeding period. However, you should pay attention to a few things.
Do not overexert yourself
Even when you are breastfeeding, your body is exposed to previously unfamiliar stresses and strains. It not only has to keep the usual processes running, it now also has the task of producing food for a little person. Therefore, you need to be more strict than usual about drinking enough in the sauna. In this way, you will ensure that the fluid balance is always balanced.
Also, keep in mind that you are probably not completely fit physically. This has less to do with the effects of pregnancy than with the short nights and a lot of stress. Therefore, you should listen very carefully to your organism. Leave the sauna at the slightest discomfort.
Bio-sauna or the Finnish sauna?
It is also advisable to enter the sauna experience gently. It doesn’t have to be the hot Finnish sauna, 60 degrees is perfectly sufficient for a start. If this is not enough for you, you can increase slowly. If you always listen to your body, you are always on the safe side.
And what if milk leaks?
During the breastfeeding period, milk may leak from your breasts. Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided. But you can help yourself inconspicuously and quickly: Simply press on the nipples with the flat of your hand. That way, you’ll stop the flow in no time.
Is it possible to stay in the whirlpool?
You can get into the whirlpool as soon as the flow of the week has stopped. Due to the warm water, the whirlpool is more contaminated with germs. In the worst case, this can lead to mastitis or a fungal infection.
