Will my milk dry up if I get my period?

Understanding the Impact of Menstruation on Breastfeeding
For nursing mothers, the return of menstruation can raise concerns about milk supply. Many wonder if getting their period will lead to a decrease in breast milk production. The answer is nuanced and varies from person to person.
Hormonal Fluctuations and Milk Supply
When a woman begins menstruating again, her body undergoes hormonal changes that can affect breast milk production. Specifically, the hormonal shifts associated with the menstrual cycle may lead to a temporary drop in milk supply. This phenomenon is not universal, but many women report experiencing fluctuations in their milk production during this time.
Research indicates that the return of menstruation can coincide with a noticeable decrease in milk supply for some mothers. This is primarily due to the hormonal changes that occur, which can impact how much milk is produced. For instance, some mothers have shared experiences of reduced milk availability shortly after their periods return, which can be concerning for both the mother and the baby.
Individual Variability
It’s important to note that every woman’s experience is different. Factors such as breastfeeding frequency, overall health, and individual hormonal responses can all play a role in how menstruation affects milk supply. For mothers who breastfeed both day and night, the return of their period may take longer, and they might not experience significant changes in milk production.
Strategies to Manage Milk Supply
If a mother notices a decrease in milk supply when her period returns, there are strategies she can employ to help maintain her milk production. Staying hydrated, ensuring adequate nutrition, and breastfeeding or pumping more frequently can all support milk supply during this time. Additionally, some herbal supplements, like Shatavari, have been suggested to help boost milk production.
Conclusion
In summary, while many women may experience a decrease in breast milk supply when their period returns, this is not a guaranteed outcome for everyone. Understanding the body’s hormonal responses and employing strategies to manage milk supply can help nursing mothers navigate this transition more smoothly. If concerns persist, consulting with a healthcare provider or a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance and support.

Why has my milk supply dropped suddenly?

Your milk supply may drop briefly if you are very unwell. Some medicines can also affect your supply. You might like to discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. Some mums find that too much alcohol, nicotine or caffeine may affect the way they make and release milk.

When will I get my first period while breastfeeding?

If you bottle feed your baby, or combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding, your first period could start as soon as 5 to 6 weeks after you give birth. If you fully breastfeed (including at night) without any bottle feeding, your periods may not start again until you start to reduce breastfeeding.

Does milk dry up when you have your period?

The two primary hormones involved are estrogen and progesterone. As menstruation approaches, these hormone levels decrease, leading to a drop in milk supply for some women. Additionally, the increase in the hormone prolactin before menstruation can cause a temporary decrease in breast milk production.

Are you fertile 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.

Can you leak milk on your 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.

When can grandparents kiss a baby?

While fussing over a newborn baby seems like exactly what we should be doing, experts have renewed advice to parents that babies under aged three months are shielded from dangerous viruses and infections, which are most easily passed through kissing, cuddling and holding them.

Does breastmilk stop when you get your period?

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.

Does my period affect my baby?

Menstruation can affect your milk supply, especially during the end of the cycle or during your period. This is due to a decrease in prolactin concentration. At this time, nursing may be uncomfortable, and you might see your baby nursing more frequently due to the decrease in blood supply.

Why did I get 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.

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.