Can getting your period decrease milk supply?

Understanding the Impact of Menstruation on Milk Supply
For breastfeeding mothers, the return of menstruation can bring about a range of physical and emotional changes, one of which may include a noticeable decrease in milk supply. This phenomenon is often linked to the hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle.
Hormonal Changes and Milk Production
When a woman gets her period, her body undergoes significant hormonal shifts. These changes can lead to a temporary drop in breast milk production. Specifically, the decrease in milk supply is typically observed in the days leading up to menstruation, as estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate. This hormonal imbalance can affect the mammary glands’ ability to produce milk effectively.
Interestingly, many mothers report that this dip in supply is not permanent. Once menstruation begins, the hormonal levels start to stabilize, and milk production often resumes to previous levels shortly thereafter. This cyclical pattern can be frustrating for breastfeeding mothers, especially if they are unaware that these fluctuations are a normal part of the breastfeeding experience.
Calcium Levels and Milk Supply
Another factor contributing to the decrease in milk supply during menstruation is the drop in blood calcium levels that can occur just before a period starts. Calcium plays a crucial role in milk production, and lower levels can lead to reduced milk output. To mitigate this, some experts recommend that breastfeeding mothers consider taking calcium and magnesium supplements to help maintain their calcium levels during this time.
Temporary Nature of Supply Changes
It’s important to note that while many mothers experience a temporary dip in milk supply during their menstrual cycle, this is generally not a cause for alarm. The decrease is often short-lived, and most mothers find that their milk supply stabilizes after their period ends. However, if a mother notices a persistent drop in supply that continues beyond her menstrual cycle, it may be advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out other underlying issues.
Coping Strategies
For mothers concerned about maintaining their milk supply during menstruation, there are several strategies that may help. Staying hydrated, ensuring a balanced diet rich in calcium, and practicing frequent breastfeeding or pumping can all support milk production during this time. Additionally, some mothers find that herbal supplements, such as Shatavari, may help boost their supply.
In conclusion, while getting your period can lead to a temporary decrease in milk supply due to hormonal changes and fluctuations in calcium levels, this is a common experience for many breastfeeding mothers. Understanding these changes can help mothers navigate their breastfeeding journey with greater confidence and ease.

Does period reduce breast milk production?

Your period and drops in milk supply
Your milk supply may drop the week before your period starts and then rebound thereafter. Moms may notice decreased pump volumes or softer breasts during this time. Remember, you can’t go wrong feeding the baby on demand at the breast.

How to increase milk supply during period?

The more you nurse your baby, the more signals your body receives to produce milk. Try to nurse on demand during your period, even if it means more frequent feedings than usual. Pump After Feedings: After nursing, consider using a breast pump to stimulate your breasts further and encourage more milk production.

What can cause a sudden drop in breast milk production?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.

Does bleeding affect milk supply?

Sometimes, mothers have medical issues that can cause low milk supply including: Severe postpartum bleeding or hemorrhage (more than 1,000 ml). You can ask your healthcare provider about blood loss during labor and delivery.

Do soft breasts mean low milk supply?

Your breasts feel softer
This happens as your milk supply adjusts to your baby’s needs. The initial breast fullness reduces in the first few weeks. At around 6 weeks, breast fullness is completely gone and your breasts may feel soft. This is completely normal and has no effect on your milk supply.

How to tell if breast milk is drying up?

The following are signs your baby isn’t getting enough milk:

1. Poor weight gain. It’s normal for newborns to lose 5% to 7% of their birth weight in the first few days – some lose up to 10%.
2. Insufficient, wet or dirty nappies.
3. Dehydration.

When does milk supply decrease?

Breast milk supply is maintained by frequent nursing. Some moms experience a sudden drop in supply when they return to work or if they’re away from their baby for other reasons. Not pumping often enough. If your pumping frequency doesn’t match your little one’s demand, you might see your supply dropping.

When will I get my first period while breastfeeding?

If you bottle feed your baby, or combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding, your first period could start as soon as 5 to 6 weeks after you give birth. If you fully breastfeed (including at night) without any bottle feeding, your periods may not start again until you start to reduce breastfeeding.

Does blood affect breast milk?

In most cases, it’s safe or even helpful to continue breastfeeding if you see blood in your breast milk. This can sometimes be a sign of health problems for the mother, but it’s not dangerous for babies. Some mothers find that blood in the breast milk causes babies to spit up more, but this is rarely cause for concern.

Why did I get my period if I’m breastfeeding?

If you have lower levels of progesterone, you’re likely to get your periods back earlier than people with higher levels (Ingram et al 2004). So it’s possible that you could be breastfeeding around the clock, but still become fertile and start your periods again.