Does getting your period affect milk supply?

Understanding the Impact of Menstruation on Milk Supply
For breastfeeding mothers, the return of menstruation can raise questions about its effects on milk supply. Many women wonder if their menstrual cycle influences their ability to produce milk and how it might affect their breastfeeding experience.
Hormonal Fluctuations and Milk Production
The menstrual cycle is characterized by significant hormonal changes, particularly in levels of estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations can indeed impact breast milk production. As a woman’s body prepares for menstruation, these hormonal shifts may lead to a temporary decrease in milk supply. This phenomenon is not uncommon and can occur in the days leading up to the onset of menstruation.
Temporary Supply Drops
Research indicates that many breastfeeding mothers may experience a dip in milk supply just before their period begins. This decrease is typically short-lived, with milk production often returning to normal levels shortly after menstruation starts or once the hormonal balance is restored. It’s important to note that while some mothers may perceive a drop in supply, this can also be influenced by other factors, such as the baby’s feeding patterns or changes in the taste and flow of milk during this time.
Strategies to Mitigate Supply Drops
To counteract potential decreases in milk supply during menstruation, some lactation professionals recommend dietary adjustments, such as taking calcium-magnesium supplements. The rationale behind this suggestion is that lower calcium levels in the blood during menstruation might contribute to reduced milk production. Additionally, certain herbal supplements, known as galactagogues, like fenugreek and Shatavari, are believed by some to help stimulate milk production, although scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited.
Breastfeeding Experience During Menstruation
Despite the potential for temporary changes in milk supply, breastfeeding during menstruation remains safe and healthy for both mother and baby. The nutritional quality of breast milk does not diminish during this time, and mothers can continue to breastfeed without concern for their baby’s health. However, if a baby seems fussier at the breast, it may not necessarily indicate a supply issue; rather, it could be related to the changes in milk taste or flow associated with hormonal shifts.
In conclusion, while menstruation can affect milk supply due to hormonal changes, these effects are generally temporary. Mothers can take proactive steps to support their milk production and continue to provide nourishing breast milk to their babies during their menstrual cycles.

Is getting your period bad for breastfeeding?

It’s unlikely. You may worry your supply is low if your baby behaves differently at the breast. But there is no reason to think your period will directly impact your supply if your baby continues to breastfeed often. If they fuss, it could just be due to a difference in the taste or flow of your milk.

When do you get your first period while breastfeeding?

Only around one-fifth of breastfeeding parents will get their period within six months of giving birth. If you are a breastfeeding parent, your menstrual cycle will return within one to two months after you stop nursing your child or start significantly reducing the amount you nurse.

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.

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 my period affect my baby?

Menstruation can affect your milk supply, especially during the end of the cycle or during your period. This is due to a decrease in prolactin concentration. At this time, nursing may be uncomfortable, and you might see your baby nursing more frequently due to the decrease in blood supply.

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.

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.

Will my milk supply drop when I get my period?

Some moms may deal with a drop in milk supply right before our period arrives, and for the first day or two of our periods. While this drop is normal and temporary, it can be stressful to deal with — for both you and your baby.

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.