Does your period interfere with breastfeeding?

Does Your Period Interfere with Breastfeeding?
For many new mothers, the return of their menstrual cycle while breastfeeding can raise questions about its impact on both milk supply and the breastfeeding experience itself. Understanding this relationship is crucial for navigating the postpartum period.
The Return of Your Period
Breastfeeding significantly influences the timing of when a woman’s period returns after childbirth. Many mothers may find that they do not have a period at all during the early months of breastfeeding, or they may experience only light spotting. This is largely due to the hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces, particularly the elevated levels of prolactin, which suppress ovulation and menstruation. However, it’s important to note that some women may resume their periods just a few weeks after giving birth, even if they are actively breastfeeding.
Effects on Milk Supply
One of the primary concerns for breastfeeding mothers is whether their menstrual cycle will affect their milk supply. Research indicates that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can indeed influence breastfeeding. For instance, some women report a temporary decrease in milk supply just before their period begins, which can lead to changes in their baby’s feeding patterns. However, this dip is usually short-lived, and most mothers can boost their milk supply back up by increasing the frequency of breastfeeding sessions.
Baby’s Feeding Behavior
In addition to potential changes in milk supply, some mothers notice that their babies may feed differently during their menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes can affect the taste of breast milk, which might lead to a temporary shift in a baby’s feeding behavior. While some babies may seem less interested in breastfeeding, others might increase their feeding frequency, possibly in response to changes in milk composition or supply.
Managing the Transition
For mothers concerned about how their period might affect breastfeeding, there are strategies to manage this transition. Increasing the number of breastfeeding sessions or offering additional comfort feeds can help maintain milk supply during the premenstrual phase. Additionally, staying hydrated and ensuring proper nutrition can support overall milk production.
Conclusion
In summary, while your period can influence breastfeeding—primarily through hormonal changes that may affect milk supply and your baby’s feeding behavior—the impact is often manageable. Many mothers successfully navigate this phase by adjusting their breastfeeding routines and staying attuned to their bodies’ signals. Understanding these dynamics can empower new mothers to continue providing nourishment to their babies while also caring for their own health during this transformative time.

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.

Does breastmilk taste different when on your period?

Your period has little impact on your breastfed baby. While milk composition does change a bit during this time, and it may have a slightly saltier taste, it has no negative effect on your baby. Your milk is still perfectly healthy and nutritious!

Does your period affect 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.

Do babies act different when mom is on her period?

Your baby may become fussy and breastfeed either more or less than usual. They may even refuse to nurse. These changes in your baby’s behavior should only last a few days (or a few cycles, as they adjust to new patterns).

Can your period be inconsistent when breastfeeding?

While it may not be as regular and consistent as your pre-baby periods, menstruating while breastfeeding will be similar in other regards. Whether or not your cycle was inconsistent before your baby, your period while you’re breastfeeding could be longer, shorter, or even missing in action for several months at a time.

Does getting your period decrease milk supply?

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.

Can you still get pregnant while breastfeeding?

While exclusive breastfeeding can temporarily delay your fertility postpartum, making it more difficult to conceive while nursing, it’s not impossible. With that in mind, the short answer is yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding. That said, it’s a little more complicated than that!

Why is my period on and off while breastfeeding?

It’s not unusual to skip a period, or even for it to be a few months before your next one. When you start reducing the amount of time you spend breastfeeding, your periods should start to return to their usual routine. You should talk to your doctor about your periods if you are having: changes in their usual pattern.

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).

What are the signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

In the early stage or first trimester of your pregnancy, you may have nipple tenderness and breast soreness. You may have a decreased food and water intake due to morning sickness and feel tired. Such physical discomfort may increase while breastfeeding.