Returning to Running After Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: A Guide

Question
Prior to becoming pregnant with my son, I was an avid runner and particularly love the half-marathon distance.  My son is now four months old and I have received a great deal of conflicting information regarding returning to running.  I want to know if I can return to running while breastfeeding without dammaging my joints.  If you do not know the answer to my question, if you could point me in the right direction, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Aimee

Answer
Aimee,

You can begin running again, no problem.  However, I would avoid long or intensive workouts, primarily because of the greater laxity in your joints...injury risk would be extremely high.  My recommendation is to begin a regular, easy program of jogging along with other nonimpact aerobic exercises and build your fitness level to a moderate level.  After you discontinue breasfeeding, then you should be free to up the intensity of your workouts.  Hope this helps you.

Larry