Does starting your period decrease 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 starting their period will lead to a decrease in the amount of milk they can produce. The answer is nuanced, as hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can indeed influence milk production.
Hormonal Changes and Milk Supply
When a woman begins her menstrual cycle, her body undergoes significant hormonal changes. These fluctuations can lead to temporary drops in breast milk supply for some mothers. Specifically, the return of menstruation is often associated with a decrease in milk production due to the interplay of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can affect lactation.
Research indicates that many breastfeeding mothers experience a temporary dip in milk supply just before their period starts. This decrease is typically short-lived, with milk production often returning to normal levels once menstruation begins and the hormonal balance stabilizes.
Individual Variability
It’s important to note that the impact of menstruation on milk supply can vary widely among individuals. While some mothers may notice a significant drop in milk production, others may not experience any noticeable changes at all. Factors such as the frequency of breastfeeding, overall health, and individual hormonal responses play a crucial role in this variability.
Behavioral Changes in Babies
Mothers may also observe changes in their baby’s feeding behavior during their menstrual cycle. Some infants might fuss or seem less interested in breastfeeding, which can be attributed to changes in the taste or flow of milk rather than a direct decrease in supply. This can lead to concerns about milk availability, but as long as the baby continues to breastfeed regularly, there is generally no cause for alarm.
Managing Milk Supply During Menstruation
For mothers who do experience a drop in milk supply during their periods, there are strategies to help manage this situation. Staying hydrated, ensuring adequate nutrition, and frequent breastfeeding can help maintain milk production. Additionally, some herbal supplements, like Shatavari, are suggested to support milk supply during this time.
In conclusion, while starting your period can lead to a temporary decrease in milk supply for some breastfeeding mothers, this effect is not universal. Understanding the hormonal dynamics at play and recognizing individual responses can help mothers navigate this natural phase of breastfeeding with confidence.

Is it normal for your milk supply to drop after your period?

It’s usually only the 2-4 days leading up to your period and the first 1-2 days after your period starts that you will notice a drop in your milk supply. Some mothers notice a slight decrease from the time they ovulate until their period arrives, though this is less common.

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?

What are the signs your milk supply is decreasing?

1. Not producing enough wet/dirty diapers each day. Especially in the first few weeks of life, the number of wet and dirty diapers your child produces is an indicator of the amount of food they’re getting.
2. Lack of weight gain.
3. Signs of dehydration.

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.

How long does it take for breasts to refill?

To put a number on it, it usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes after feeding to generate enough milk for your baby, and about 60 minutes to replenish fully. The more often your baby feeds, and the more they empty your breasts, the more milk your body will produce.

Does starting your period affect your breast milk?

Will having periods affect my breast milk supply? 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.

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.

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 much does milk supply decrease during period?

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. If your baby is older than six months of age, he may want more solid food.

How do I keep my milk supply up when I start my period?

“A daily dose of 500 to 1,000 mg of a calcium and magnesium supplement from the middle of your cycle through the first three days of your period may help minimize any drop in supply”.