I think the reason nursing moms don't (normally) do certain tasks like floor/wall repair is that, because they can't put the baby down while working on the task, they don't want the baby exposed to the chemicals in the solutions they use.

As for swimming, I think it is hilarious to watch how desperate they are to get out of the pool. I sometimes put nursing moms in the pool just to watch them scramble to get out. On the other hand, they take the baby into the shower with them. Just my thoughts.