Does 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 host of changes, not just in their bodies but also in their milk supply. Many women wonder if getting their period will decrease their ability to produce milk. The answer is nuanced, as hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can indeed affect milk production.
Hormonal Changes and Milk Supply
When a woman’s menstrual cycle resumes, her body undergoes significant hormonal shifts. These changes can lead to a temporary decrease in breast milk supply. Specifically, the drop in milk production is often attributed to fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can alter the composition and flow of breast milk. As these hormones rise and fall, some mothers may notice that they produce less milk than they did prior to the onset of their period.
Temporary Nature of Supply Changes
It’s important to note that any decrease in milk supply during menstruation is typically temporary. Many mothers experience a dip in milk production just before their period starts, but this often resolves shortly after menstruation ends. The body is generally capable of adjusting back to its normal milk production levels once the hormonal balance stabilizes post-period.
Breastfeeding Behavior and Milk Perception
Mothers may also perceive a decrease in milk supply based on their baby’s behavior at the breast. If a baby seems fussier or less satisfied during feedings, it might not solely be due to a drop in milk supply. Changes in the taste or flow of milk, influenced by hormonal shifts, can also affect how a baby feeds. Therefore, it’s crucial for mothers to remain attentive to their baby’s cues and not jump to conclusions about their milk supply based solely on feeding behavior.
Strategies to Support Milk Supply
For those concerned about maintaining their milk supply during their menstrual cycle, there are several strategies that may help. Some mothers find that herbal supplements, known as galactagogues, can support milk production. While scientific evidence on their effectiveness is mixed, herbs like fenugreek and blessed thistle are commonly used. Additionally, ensuring adequate hydration and nutrition, particularly calcium intake, can also play a role in sustaining milk supply during this time.
Conclusion
In summary, while getting your period can lead to a temporary decrease in milk supply due to hormonal changes, this effect is usually short-lived. Mothers can take proactive steps to support their milk production and should remain attuned to their baby’s needs during this time. Understanding these dynamics can help alleviate concerns and foster a positive breastfeeding experience, even amidst the challenges of menstruation.

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.

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.

What causes breast milk to suddenly decrease?

Milk production may also decrease if you nurse or pump less often than you did before, get sick, are stressed, or get pregnant again. If low milk production seems to be a problem, but your baby seems to be sucking effectively talk with your healthcare provider or certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).

Why we should not drink milk during periods?

Milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, which may help alleviate menstrual cramps and support overall bone health. However, if you find that dairy products cause digestive discomfort or bloating, you might want to limit your intake or switch to lactose-free alternatives.

Does getting your period while breastfeeding affect milk supply?

Hormonal changes with your menstrual cycle (periods) may affect how your baby wants to feed. This may affect your breast milk supply. But a few additional breastfeeds per day are usually enough to boost your breast milk supply back up.

Why has my milk supply dropped randomly?

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.

Do I produce less milk during my period?

DOES YOUR PERIOD DECREASE YOUR MILK SUPPLY? It is common to have a drop in supply at certain points in your cycle, often from mid-cycle to around the time of your period. It can also be less comfortable to nurse at this time. This is due to the hormonal changes and is only temporary.

Does milk supply decrease after a period?

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.

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.

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.