Does milk supply drop when you get your period?

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 their menstrual cycle affects how much milk they produce, and the answer is a nuanced one.
Hormonal Fluctuations and Milk Production
When a woman gets her period, her body undergoes significant hormonal changes. These fluctuations can lead to a temporary drop in breast milk supply, particularly noticeable during the latter part of the menstrual cycle and throughout the period itself. This decrease is primarily attributed to changes in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, which can influence milk production.
Research indicates that as menstruation approaches, some women may experience a reduction in milk output. This is often linked to a drop in blood calcium levels, which can occur just before menstruation begins. The hormonal shifts can also affect how the baby feeds, as some infants may sense these changes and adjust their feeding patterns accordingly.
Managing Supply Drops
While a decrease in milk supply during menstruation is common, it is typically temporary. Many mothers find that their supply stabilizes shortly after their period ends. To mitigate the effects of this drop, lactation professionals often recommend strategies such as increasing breastfeeding frequency or incorporating calcium and magnesium supplements into the diet. These supplements may help maintain calcium levels in the blood, potentially supporting milk production during this time.
Additionally, managing stress through relaxation techniques, adequate rest, and gentle exercise can also be beneficial. Stress can exacerbate hormonal fluctuations, further impacting milk supply.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is common for breastfeeding mothers to experience a drop in milk supply during their menstrual cycle, this is usually a temporary situation. Understanding the underlying hormonal changes can help mothers navigate this phase more effectively, ensuring that both they and their babies continue to thrive.

What causes a drastic drop in milk supply?

A decrease in milk supply can be caused by a variety of different factors. A very common (and solvable) problem is not pumping or feeding enough. Because milk production works on a supply and demand basis, not pumping on a frequent schedule will signal to your body that it does not need to produce milk.

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.

How long does milk supply drop during period?

For some, milk supply is unaffected by their cycle. For others, breast milk production can drop during ovulation (mid-cycle), until the first day or two of the next menstrual period.

Does period mean no more breast milk?

Most mothers do not notice any impact of menstruation on their milk production. Continue to nurse your baby on demand. You may find she nurses more frequently or longer for a couple of days after you ovulate, but that’s okay.

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.

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 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.

Do soft breasts mean no milk?

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.

How many days does it take for milk supply to decrease?

It may take several days or weeks for your breasts to completely stop making milk. Breast fullness should decrease in 1-3 days. You may feel emotional during this time. Be sure to take care of yourself.

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.