I have been excited to get back into my practice since having my baby. However, my 3-month old is exclusively breastfed and I am worried that hot yoga could adversely affect my milk supply. Would I get too dehydrated? Also, I am a little nervous about my milk letting down during class. I guess after a few minutes I'd be so sweaty that it wouldn't matter! Are there any nursing yogi mamas out there with experience or advice? I should note that I don't plan on doing any more than 2 classes a week. Thanks!

Congratulations on your baby!

I breastfed my daughter exclusively and practiced as well. I did not have any adverse affects as to my milk supply due to the yoga room. However, I did need to pay extra attention to my hydration levels which affected how tired I felt throughout the day and were more sensitive than prior to nursing.

My advice would be to hydrate before and after class. I also incorporated chia seeds daily for extra nutrients and help keeping the water in my system. Nurse your baby directly before heading to the studio (this will make practice considerably more physically comfortable). Continue to modify back-strengthening/belly down postures as long as you need to.

Finally, just pay attention to how you're feeling and don't push too hard too fast. It's better to ease into things than to get frustrated and stop. Try different combinations of classes - I attended often progressions which would allow me a shorter practice when I needed it or allowed me to stay longer when I felt strong.

Congratulations and good for you! My girl is exclusively breastfed as well, and I haven't run into any problems nursing while continuing my practice. My milk supply wasn't affected at all and I didn't have any problems with letdown during class (although you can use nursing pads if you're worried about it). Just make sure, as always, that you stay well hydrated and listen to your body.

First, hooray for milkies! When Oscar was itty bitty I would nurse him right before class the few times I made it in (and pump the other side if he only took one), and I didn't have any milk-leakage problems. It was also a LOT more comfortable to lie on my chest, having emptied the breasts. Now that he's older my breasts don't get engorged anymore.

PS, Take it easy with the ab work for awhile--it took a good 6 months--probably closer to 9--for the gap between my abdominal muscles to close up and feel secure.

Second, would any of you other folks with babies be interested in a babysitting swap? I asked a long time ago and didn't get any takers. Just yesterday I asked Sunstone to put my account on hold because I am having a really hard time coming up with solutions that let me practice consistently--I don't have family available; paying for all that childcare isn't feasible; my husband works during the day, he is NOT a morning person and the kiddo is an early riser so 6 AM doesn't work, and in the evening we are eating dinner, putting the baby to bed, etc. My little boy is almost 16 months old and I'd be open to keeping children 3 mo to 5 years old, at your house or mine. I'm in the 75229 zip code (Marsh and Walnut Hill).

Congrats! Everything Brookes and Virginia state has been true for us, too. I exclusively breastfed both my girls and also breastfed throughout my pregnancy while I continued practiced. Hydration is key and if there are any adverse effects, like most things regarding parenting, it's most likely to affect you and not baby (like exhaustion from a great class combined with the extra energy your body uses up to lactate!). Take good care of your body; eat well, rest well, etc. All the best!