How does my period affect my breast milk?

Understanding the Impact of Menstruation on Breast Milk
For breastfeeding mothers, the return of menstruation can raise questions about how their menstrual cycle affects breast milk production and quality. While many women may worry about a potential drop in milk supply or changes in the taste of their milk during their period, the reality is often more nuanced.
Milk Supply Fluctuations
Research indicates that hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle can indeed influence breast milk supply. As a woman approaches her period, fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can lead to temporary changes in milk production. Some mothers report a slight decrease in supply during this time, which can last for a few days. However, it’s important to note that this does not mean that breastfeeding must stop; the milk remains nutritious and safe for the baby.
Taste and Feeding Behavior
In addition to potential changes in supply, the taste of breast milk may also be affected during menstruation. Some studies suggest that breast milk can become less sweet and slightly saltier due to hormonal shifts, which might lead to changes in a baby’s feeding behavior. Babies may fuss or feed less during this time, not necessarily because of a decrease in milk supply, but rather due to the altered taste. Once the period concludes, most babies typically return to their usual nursing patterns.
Safety and Nutritional Value
Despite these changes, breastfeeding during menstruation is perfectly safe. The nutritional quality of breast milk does not diminish, and mothers can continue to provide their babies with essential nutrients. The presence of menstruation does not necessitate weaning; many mothers successfully breastfeed throughout their menstrual cycles without any adverse effects on their babies.
Conclusion
In summary, while menstruation can lead to temporary fluctuations in breast milk supply and taste, it does not pose a risk to the health or nutrition of breastfeeding infants. Mothers can feel reassured that their bodies are designed to adapt to these changes, allowing them to continue nursing effectively. If concerns about milk supply arise, maintaining frequent breastfeeding sessions can help ensure that production remains steady, even during the menstrual cycle.

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.

Does your period affect your baby while breastfeeding?

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. This may affect your breast milk supply.

Can you get your period and still be pregnant in the first month?

If you’re pregnant, you won’t get your period. But you can have other bleeding that might look like a period. The bleeding may be due to: Implantation.

How long does breast milk taste different during your period?

Your breast milk is still healthy and nutritious. But hormone changes leading up to your period can affect your milk and feeding pattern for a few days. Your baby may notice a change in the taste of the milk because the levels of sodium and chloride in the milk go up while potassium and lactose go down.

How can I maintain my breast milk supply during my period?

4 Steps to take to boost breast milk volume during your period

1. Pump right before you to to sleep and after you’re breastfeeding your baby.
2. Take a calcium and magnesium supplement.
3. Eat oatmeal.
4. Use galactagogues to increase milk supply.

Does milk supply drop when baby sleeps through the night?

Letting your baby sleep for longer periods during the night won’t hurt your breastfeeding efforts. Your growing baby can take in more milk during the day — and that, in turn, means longer stretches of sleep at night. Your milk supply will adjust to the new routine.

How much does milk supply drop with your 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.

Can my period affect my breastfed baby?

Some women notice changes in the way their baby breastfeeds around the time of their period or when they ovulate. A baby may seem fussy when they feed, want to breastfeed more often, or even refuse the breast at times. It is thought that this is due to differences in the flow and taste of breastmilk.

Does milk supply go back up after period?

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.

Why does my breast milk smell and taste bad?

If you have soapy or metallic tasting breastmilk, this could be a sign of high lipase. Lipase is an enzyme that naturally occurs in breastmilk, but some women can have an excess of lipase, which can make their stored milk smell/taste off. This can lead to potential rejection of your stored breastmilk by your baby.