Does milk supply decrease when on period?

Understanding Milk Supply and Menstruation
For breastfeeding mothers, the return of menstruation can bring about a range of physiological changes, including potential fluctuations in milk supply. Many women wonder if their milk production decreases during their period, and the answer is nuanced.
Hormonal Influences on Milk Supply
The menstrual cycle is characterized by significant hormonal changes, particularly in estrogen and progesterone levels. These fluctuations can impact milk production. Research indicates that some women may experience a temporary dip in milk supply during their menstrual cycle, especially towards the end of the cycle or during their period itself. This is largely due to the hormonal shifts that occur as the body prepares for menstruation.
As estrogen levels rise and fall, they can affect the milk-producing glands in the breast. Specifically, just before menstruation, a drop in blood calcium levels can also contribute to a decrease in milk supply. This physiological response is normal and varies from woman to woman; some may notice a significant change, while others may not perceive any difference at all.
Duration and Recovery of Milk Supply
Typically, any decrease in milk supply is temporary. Most mothers find that their milk production returns to normal shortly after their period ends. Continued breastfeeding during this time can help stimulate milk production, as frequent nursing sends signals to the body to maintain supply.
Moreover, it’s important to note that while some mothers may feel their supply is low, this perception can sometimes be influenced by their baby’s behavior at the breast. Changes in taste or flow due to hormonal shifts might lead to fussiness, but this does not necessarily indicate a significant drop in milk supply.
Strategies to Manage Milk Supply
For mothers concerned about maintaining their milk supply during menstruation, there are several strategies that can be employed. Staying hydrated, ensuring adequate nutrition, and possibly taking calcium and magnesium supplements can help mitigate the effects of hormonal changes. Additionally, herbal remedies, such as Shatavari, have been suggested to support milk production during this time.
In conclusion, while it is common for breastfeeding mothers to experience a decrease in milk supply during their period due to hormonal fluctuations, this is typically a temporary situation. With proper management and continued breastfeeding, most women can maintain their milk supply effectively.

Why has my milk supply dropped suddenly?

Your milk supply may drop briefly if you are very unwell. Some medicines can also affect your supply. You might like to discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. Some mums find that too much alcohol, nicotine or caffeine may affect the way they make and release milk.

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.

How to prevent milk supply drop during period?

Typically, the drop in milk supply is caused by the dropping of blood calcium levels during your cycle. To combat this, a calcium/magnesium supplement (not calcium alone) is recommended. The typical dosage is either 500mg/250mg or 1500mg/750mg (calcium/magnesium, respectively).

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 leaking breasts mean good milk supply?

You can leak breastmilk for a variety of reasons including having a full supply, or if your body is not yet sure how much to produce, if your mature milk is starting to come in, if you’ve missed a feeding, or even if you are just thinking about your baby.

Is it normal to leak milk while on your period?

Causes of harmless nipple discharge include: Hormonal imbalances or changes (like during menstruation or menopause). Pregnancy or breastfeeding (chestfeeding). Medications, including birth control pills and some antidepressants.

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.

Is it normal to not produce milk while on period?

Why does this happen? 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.

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 period affect breast 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.