Does your milk supply drop during your period?

Understanding Milk Supply and Menstruation
For breastfeeding mothers, the return of menstruation can bring about various changes, including potential fluctuations in milk supply. Many women report experiencing a drop in breast milk production during their periods, a phenomenon that can be attributed to hormonal changes and shifts in calcium levels in the body.
Hormonal Influences
When menstruation begins, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes. Specifically, levels of estrogen and progesterone fluctuate, which can impact milk production. Higher estrogen levels, particularly, have been shown to interfere with the milk supply. This hormonal shift can lead to a temporary decrease in milk production, which many mothers notice around the time their period starts.
Calcium Levels and Milk Supply
Another critical factor in this equation is calcium. Research indicates that blood calcium levels tend to drop during menstruation, particularly around ovulation. This decrease in calcium may contribute to the reduction in milk supply that some mothers experience. To counteract this, lactation professionals often recommend calcium and magnesium supplements, as these can help stabilize blood calcium levels and potentially mitigate the drop in milk supply .
Individual Variability
It’s important to note that not all breastfeeding mothers will experience a significant drop in milk supply during their periods. The timing and intensity of menstruation can vary widely among individuals. Some mothers may not see their periods return until they begin weaning their babies off breast milk, while others might have their periods shortly after childbirth. This variability means that each mother’s experience can be quite different.
Coping Strategies
For those who do notice a decrease in milk supply during their menstrual cycle, there are several strategies that can help. Staying well-hydrated, getting adequate rest, and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or gentle exercise can be beneficial. Additionally, incorporating calcium and magnesium supplements into the diet may help maintain milk production levels during this time.
In conclusion, while many breastfeeding mothers may experience a drop in milk supply during their periods due to hormonal changes and fluctuations in calcium levels, individual experiences can vary. Understanding these factors can help mothers navigate their breastfeeding journey more effectively, ensuring both their health and that of their babies.

What causes breast milk discharge during period?

Nipple discharge is a typical part of how the breast works during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It also can be linked to menstrual hormone changes and common changes in breast tissue, called fibrocystic breast.

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).

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.

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 breastmilk taste different when on your period?

Breast milk becomes saltier and less sweet during this time. Many infants continue to breastfeed well and without any issues throughout your menstrual cycle. Other infants will not like changes to your milk’s flow or taste. Your baby may become fussy and breastfeed either more or less than usual.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.