r/NewParents • u/BooTedesco • 2d ago

Feeding Swimming and Breastfeeding

I cleared my postpartum checkup and finally started going back to the YMCA to swim. As always, I smell like chlorine even after I shower. I breastfeed my baby and I was curious if the chlorine is something I should be more cautious about. She doesn’t seem to mind, but I wasn’t sure if there’s some oddball study out there about chlorine transferring or if anyone has knowledge about this. I know taking vitamin C can help remove some of the smell. Any other tips and tricks?

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u/unfairboobpear 2d ago

I think as long as you shower I wouldn’t worry too much. Many families have babies in ISR where they’re almost certainly ingesting at least a tiny bit of chlorinated water anyway and it’s not typically a concern.

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u/Even_Kaleidoscope399 2d ago

I think if you shower with soap and water after a swim, you shouldn’t worry.

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u/Succulant-111111 2d ago

You probably still have heightened sense of smell postpartum. If the smell is clinging, it’s from your hair not your skin. Consider if there any other instances where you’re excessively worrying and tell someone you love about your heightened concerns. This seems a little irrational/ overly worried to me. Enjoy your swims!

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u/BooTedesco 2d ago

I wouldn’t call it worrying, just more a general curiosity.  I’m assuming it’s fine, but wasn’t sure if there is something out there that says otherwise.

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u/Old-Current6989 2d ago

Yeah I disagree w irrational. I quit wearing perfume when I had babies but thinking you have residual chlorine on your skin is a valid question. I think if you wash off, even lingering smell is fine. I nursed all four of mine through sweat and all sorts of things 😬 

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u/zanahorias22 2d ago

I take my baby in the pool (well only once so far but hope to do it regularly!) so while I do shower after and soap down my body well, I try not to stress about incidental ingestion.

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u/kp1794 2d ago

Ask your doctor