How to maintain milk supply during period?

Understanding the Impact of Menstruation on Milk Supply
For breastfeeding mothers, the return of menstruation can bring about a mix of emotions and concerns, particularly regarding milk supply. Many women wonder if their menstrual cycle will affect their ability to produce enough milk for their babies. The answer is nuanced, as hormonal fluctuations during this time can indeed lead to temporary changes in milk production.
Hormonal Changes and Milk Supply
When menstruation resumes, hormonal shifts occur that can influence breast milk supply. Specifically, the drop in progesterone and estrogen levels just before menstruation can lead to a decrease in milk production for some women. This is often a temporary situation, with many mothers noticing a slight dip in supply just before or during their periods. However, understanding that these changes are typically short-lived can help alleviate some anxiety.
Strategies to Maintain Milk Supply
To counteract any potential decrease in milk supply during menstruation, several strategies can be employed:
1. Frequent Nursing: Continuing to breastfeed regularly is crucial. The act of suckling stimulates milk production, helping to maintain supply. If your baby seems to nurse less frequently, it may be beneficial to encourage more frequent feedings.
2. Hydration and Nutrition: Staying well-hydrated is essential for milk production. Additionally, consuming lactogenic foods—such as oats, almonds, and leafy greens—can support milk supply. Some mothers find that taking calcium and magnesium supplements can also be beneficial during this time.
3. Power Pumping: This technique involves pumping milk for short intervals, mimicking cluster feeding. It can be particularly effective in boosting supply when you notice a dip. Power pumping sessions typically last about an hour, with intervals of pumping for 20 minutes followed by a 10-minute break.
4. Stress Management: Stress can negatively impact milk supply, so finding ways to relax and manage stress is important. Techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or even short walks can help maintain a calm environment conducive to breastfeeding.
5. Herbal Support: Some mothers turn to herbal remedies like Shatavari or nursing teas containing galactagogues (such as fenugreek) to help support milk production during their periods.
Conclusion
While the return of menstruation can lead to fluctuations in milk supply, understanding these changes and implementing supportive strategies can help breastfeeding mothers maintain their milk production. By focusing on frequent nursing, proper hydration, nutrition, and stress management, mothers can navigate this natural phase with confidence, ensuring their babies continue to receive the nourishment they need.

How can I stop my milk supply from dropping during my 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).

Why am I lactating on my period?

This is called idiopathic galactorrhea. It may mean that your breast tissue is particularly sensitive to the milk-producing hormone prolactin in your blood. If you have increased sensitivity to prolactin, even normal prolactin levels can lead to galactorrhea.

Will pumping every 2 hours increase milk supply?

Pump more often, from both breasts
Many women wonder how often they should pump. A general guideline is to pump every three hours. But if you’re trying to produce more breast milk, you can: Try pumping both breasts for 15 minutes every two hours for 48-72 hours.

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 bleeding affect milk supply?

Sometimes, mothers have medical issues that can cause low milk supply including: Severe postpartum bleeding or hemorrhage (more than 1,000 ml). You can ask your healthcare provider about blood loss during labor and delivery.

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.

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.

Why is my period so heavy while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding also plays a role in postpartum menstrual changes. Exclusively breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and delay the return of your menstrual cycle after giving birth. However, when your periods do return, they might be heavier than usual due to hormonal fluctuation.

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.

What decreases milk supply?

Other things that can also lead you to have low milk production include:

• Smoking or drinking.
• Some medicines and herbs.
• Hormonal forms of birth control. This is especially true for birth control that has estrogen.
• Nursing or pumping less often.
• Getting sick.
• Feeling stressed.
• Getting pregnant again.