Do periods affect breast milk supply?

Understanding the Impact of Menstruation on Breast Milk Supply
For breastfeeding mothers, the return of menstruation can raise questions about its effects on milk supply. Research indicates that hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle can indeed influence breast milk production, leading to noticeable changes in supply.
Hormonal Fluctuations and Milk Supply
As a woman approaches her period, her body undergoes significant hormonal changes. Specifically, levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, which can impact milk production. Many mothers report a temporary decrease in milk supply during the week leading up to their period. This drop can manifest as softer breasts and reduced pumping volumes, making it a common experience for breastfeeding mothers.
Interestingly, this dip in supply is often followed by a rebound once menstruation begins. After the initial decrease, many women find that their milk supply stabilizes or even increases as hormonal levels begin to balance out. This cyclical pattern suggests that while menstruation can affect breastfeeding, it is typically a temporary situation.
Feeding Patterns and Baby’s Behavior
The changes in milk supply can also influence how babies feed. Some infants may seem fussier or may feed more frequently during the days leading up to their mother’s period. This behavior can be attributed to the baby’s instinctual response to the changes in milk availability. Mothers are encouraged to continue feeding on demand, as this can help maintain milk supply and ensure that the baby receives adequate nutrition.
Safety and Nutritional Quality
It’s important to note that breastfeeding during menstruation is completely safe for both mother and baby. The nutritional quality of breast milk remains high, regardless of the mother’s menstrual cycle. Therefore, mothers can feel confident that their milk continues to provide essential nutrients, even if the quantity fluctuates temporarily.
Managing Supply Fluctuations
For mothers concerned about potential drops in milk supply, there are several strategies to help manage these fluctuations. Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and considering herbal supplements like breastfeeding teas may support milk production during this time. Additionally, frequent breastfeeding or pumping can stimulate milk production and help counteract any temporary decreases.
Conclusion
In summary, while menstruation can affect breast milk supply due to hormonal changes, these fluctuations are typically short-lived. Mothers can expect a dip in supply leading up to their period, followed by a rebound once menstruation begins. By understanding these patterns and employing strategies to manage supply, breastfeeding mothers can navigate this natural cycle with confidence.

Can you be around a newborn on your period?

Since mom herself will be back on her period soon, there’s no valid, medically-proven reason that someone’s menstrual cycle would cause any harm to a newborn.

Can your period come back while pumping?

But in general, if you are lactating consistently, your period will likely not return for several months or even a year after childbirth. If you aren’t breastfeeding exclusively, you may get your period sooner. Lactation suspends your menstrual cycle by impacting postpartum hormones.

Can my period make my baby fussy?

Some women notice changes in the way their baby breastfeeds around the time of their period or when they ovulate. A baby may seem fussy when they feed, want to breastfeed more often, or even refuse the breast at times. It is thought that this is due to differences in the flow and taste of breastmilk.

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.

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.

Does milk supply decrease when on period?

Menstruation can sometimes decrease milk production
After ovulation, estrogen and progesterone levels in the body rise and calcium levels fall. The increase in these hormones can cause a decrease in milk production for some women.

What happens if you hold a baby while on your period?

Since mom herself will be back on her period soon, there’s no valid, medically-proven reason that someone’s menstrual cycle would cause any harm to a newborn.

Is it OK if blood gets in 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 while 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.

Why is my milk supply suddenly dropping?

Stress is the No. 1 killer of breastmilk supply, especially in the first few weeks after delivery. Between lack of sleep and adjusting to the baby’s schedule, rising levels of certain hormones such as cortisol can dramatically reduce your milk supply.