Does your 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 milk production decreases when they get their period, and the answer is nuanced.
Hormonal Fluctuations and Milk Supply
When menstruation begins, hormonal changes occur that can indeed affect milk supply. Specifically, the drop in estrogen and progesterone levels during the menstrual cycle can lead to a temporary decrease in breast milk production. This is particularly noticeable towards the end of the cycle and during the period itself. As the body prepares for menstruation, some mothers report a noticeable dip in their milk supply, which can be attributed to these hormonal shifts.
Individual Variability
It’s important to note that the extent of this drop can vary significantly from one mother to another. Some may experience a slight decrease, while others might notice a more pronounced drop in supply. Factors such as overall health, hydration, and stress levels can also play a role in how menstruation affects milk production.
Taste Changes and Feeding Behavior
Interestingly, the taste of breast milk can change during menstruation, which may influence how babies respond to feeding. Some infants may be less interested in breastfeeding if they detect these changes, potentially leading to a perceived decrease in milk supply. However, if the baby continues to feed well, the mother may not experience a significant drop in milk production.
Managing Supply Drops
For mothers concerned about a decrease in milk supply during their period, there are several strategies that can help. Increasing the frequency of breastfeeding or pumping sessions can stimulate milk production. Additionally, some lactation professionals recommend calcium-magnesium supplements, as a drop in calcium levels during menstruation may contribute to reduced milk supply.
Conclusion
In summary, while many breastfeeding mothers may experience a temporary drop in milk supply during their menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes, the impact can vary widely. Understanding these changes and employing strategies to manage them can help mothers maintain their breastfeeding journey even as they navigate the complexities of their menstrual cycles.

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.

Can I get my period while exclusively pumping?

If you are exclusively breastfeeding, you may still see the return of a monthly bleed beginning around 4 months, especially if your little one starts sleeping longer stretches at night at an early age. But more commonly, women get their periods back anywhere between 8 – 18 months postpartum.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Can your period affect your milk supply?

DOES YOUR PERIOD DECREASE YOUR MILK SUPPLY? It is common to have a drop in supply at certain points in your cycle, often from mid-cycle to around the time of your period. It can also be less comfortable to nurse at this time. This is due to the hormonal changes and is only temporary.

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.

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 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.