Does your period affect breast milk supply?

Understanding the Impact of Menstruation on Breast Milk Supply
For breastfeeding mothers, the return of menstruation can raise questions about its effects on milk supply. Many women wonder if their period will cause fluctuations in their ability to produce breast milk, and if so, how significant these changes might be.
Hormonal Influences on Milk Production
The relationship between menstruation and breast milk supply is primarily governed by hormonal changes. After childbirth, the body produces prolactin, a hormone essential for milk production. Prolactin levels are typically high during breastfeeding, which suppresses the hormones associated with menstruation, namely estrogen and progesterone. As a mother’s menstrual cycle resumes, these hormone levels fluctuate, which can lead to variations in milk supply.
Timing of Supply Changes
Research indicates that many mothers experience a drop in milk supply in the days leading up to their period. This decrease is often most noticeable about a week before menstruation begins, coinciding with hormonal shifts that can lead to softer breasts and reduced pumping volumes. However, this dip is usually temporary. Once menstruation starts, many women report that their milk supply rebounds as hormonal levels stabilize.
What to Expect During Your Cycle
Mothers may notice that their milk supply dips during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, which is the time between ovulation and the start of menstruation. This phase is characterized by increased levels of progesterone, which can inhibit milk production. Conversely, once menstruation begins, the body’s hormonal balance shifts again, often leading to an increase in milk supply.
Practical Tips for Nursing Mothers
For mothers concerned about maintaining their milk supply during their menstrual cycle, there are several strategies that may help. Feeding on demand is crucial; allowing the baby to nurse frequently can stimulate milk production. Additionally, some mothers find that herbal supplements, such as Shatavari, can support milk supply during this time.
Conclusion
In summary, while many breastfeeding mothers may experience fluctuations in milk supply related to their menstrual cycle, these changes are typically manageable. Understanding the hormonal dynamics at play can help mothers navigate this natural process, ensuring that they continue to provide the best nutrition for their babies. If concerns about milk supply persist, consulting with a healthcare provider or lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance and support.

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.

Why did I start my period while breastfeeding?

If you have lower levels of progesterone, you’re likely to get your periods back earlier than people with higher levels (Ingram et al 2004). So it’s possible that you could be breastfeeding around the clock, but still become fertile and start your periods again.

When does milk supply drop?

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.

Is it possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

“You can’t get pregnant if you’re breastfeeding.” Maybe you’ve heard this myth before…and we should warn you, it’s just that—a myth! The truth is you can get pregnant while you’re breastfeeding, even if your menstrual cycle hasn’t returned to normal.

Does milk supply decrease when on period?

Menstruation can sometimes decrease milk production
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.

What causes breast milk to suddenly decrease?

Milk production may also decrease if you nurse or pump less often than you did before, get sick, are stressed, or get pregnant again. If low milk production seems to be a problem, but your baby seems to be sucking effectively talk with your healthcare provider or certified lactation consultant (IBCLC).

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.

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.

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.

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.