Does getting your period while breastfeeding affect milk supply?

Understanding the Impact of Menstruation on Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of their menstrual cycle while breastfeeding can raise questions about its effects on milk supply. The relationship between menstruation and breastfeeding is complex, influenced by hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.
Hormonal Fluctuations and Milk Production
When a woman begins to menstruate again, her body undergoes hormonal shifts that can impact breast milk production. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, may fluctuate during this time. Some mothers report a temporary decrease in milk supply just before and during their periods, which can last for a few days. This drop is often attributed to the hormonal changes that accompany menstruation, which can alter both the taste and flow of breast milk.
Breastfeeding Frequency Matters
Despite these potential changes, it is crucial for breastfeeding mothers to continue nursing frequently. Regular suckling from the baby can help maintain milk supply, even during menstruation. Experts recommend that mothers try to breastfeed as often as possible, as this can mitigate the effects of hormonal fluctuations and prevent issues such as breast engorgement or plugged ducts.
Baby’s Behavior During Menstruation
Mothers may notice that their babies behave differently at the breast during their periods. This could manifest as fussiness or a change in feeding patterns. However, this behavior does not necessarily indicate a significant drop in milk supply. Instead, it may be due to the baby reacting to changes in the taste of the milk or the flow rate, which can be influenced by hormonal shifts.
Individual Variability
It’s important to note that every woman’s experience is unique. Some may find that their milk supply remains stable throughout their menstrual cycle, while others may experience noticeable fluctuations. Factors such as the frequency of breastfeeding, overall health, and individual hormonal responses can all play a role in how menstruation affects milk supply.
Conclusion
In summary, while getting your period while breastfeeding can lead to temporary changes in milk supply due to hormonal fluctuations, maintaining a consistent breastfeeding routine can help manage these effects. Mothers are encouraged to continue nursing regularly, as this not only supports milk production but also fosters a strong bond with their baby during this transitional phase.

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.

What makes your milk supply dry up?

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.

Does milk supply go back up after a period?

This is normal behavior—and in fact, nursing more frequently is your baby’s way of ensuring that they get enough milk. It’s very rare that your drop in milk supply will mean that you are somehow starving your baby. Remember that the drop is normal, time-limited, and your supply will rebound once you get your period.

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.

Does milk supply decrease when on period?

During the menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations are inevitable, impacting breast milk production. The two primary hormones involved are estrogen and progesterone. As menstruation approaches, these hormone levels decrease, leading to a drop in milk supply for some women.

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.

What happens when you get your period while breastfeeding?

The return of your periods should have little effect on your breast milk. So, you can continue to breastfeed if you would like to. Hormonal changes with your menstrual cycle (periods) may affect how your baby wants to feed. This may affect your breast milk supply.

What happens if blood comes while breastfeeding?

While blood in breast milk doesn’t automatically mean something bad — it could be a result of damaged nipples, broken capillaries or mastitis — it could also be a sign of a serious health condition.

When is it too late to increase milk supply?

NO, it is NEVER too late! 🚫⏰ With the right pump, flange, and schedule, you can absolutely increase your milk supply at any stage of your pumping journey.