Period Impact on Breast Milk Supply: What to Expect

Hey moms! Becoming a new mom is such an amazing experience. Full of love, joy, and, of course, a lot of questions. One thing many breastfeeding moms, like you, wonder about is how their menstrual cycle (periods) might affect their breast milk supply or whether the breast milk supply during period will drop. If you’re asking yourself this, know that you’re definitely not alone. It is very common to have a drop in supply at certain points in your cycle. Let’s dive into what you need to know about breast milk supply during period.

Understanding the Impact of Hormones on Breast Milk Supply During Period

How menstrual hormones affect your milk supply? When you’re pregnant, your body makes a lot of changes to help support your baby. These changes also stop your period from coming. You may experience a drop in breast milk supply. But once your baby starts eating solid foods and breastfeeding less, your period might return.

Menstruation can affect your milk supply. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone change during your period and can affect how much milk you produce. Some moms find their milk supply drops a little when they have their period, while others don’t notice much difference. Every woman’s body is different, so your experience might not be the same as someone else’s.

Normal Breast Milk Supply During Period

The temporary drops in breast milk supply during menstruation are normal perfectly. The most important thing is to pay attention to how your baby is doing. If they’re feeding well, gaining weight, and having plenty of wet and dirty diapers, your milk supply is likely just fine.

Keep track of your baby’s feedings by writing down a few details. Note how often they eat, how long they nurse, and how much milk they seem to get. If you have any worries or questions, don’t hesitate to contact a lactation consultant. They’re there to help and can give you great advice.

How Much Does Milk Supply Decrease During Period

How much your milk supply drops during your period can vary a lot from one mom to another. For many moms, the decrease is small and doesn’t affect their baby’s feeding. Some, milk supply is unaffected by their cycle. But some moms might notice a bigger drop.

A few things can affect how much your milk supply goes down:

• Your overall milk supply: If you already have a good milk supply, it might not change much.
• Your baby’s age and feeding habits: Older babies might handle changes in milk supply better.
• The heaviness of your period: Heavier bleeding might lead to a more noticeable drop in milk supply.

Even if you see a slight drop in milk supply, don’t worry too much. Your body is great at adjusting, and your milk supply will usually go back to normal after your period.

How to Increase Breast Milk Supply During Period

How to Boost Your Milk Supply During Your Period? If your milk supply goes down a little during your period, there are things you can do to help increase it. It’s important to be consistent, and it may take a little time to see results.

• Feed More Often: Nursing your baby more frequently can help stimulate milk production. Don’t hesitate to wake your baby for extra feeds if needed.
• Pump After Feeds: If you’re not exclusively breastfeeding, adding a pumping session or two can help increase your milk supply.
• Skin-to-Skin Time: Hold your baby close and cuddle them more. This helps your body release a hormone that helps your milk flow.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods. Both are important for making enough milk.
• Get Plenty of Rest: Try to manage stress and get enough sleep. Both can help you produce more milk.

Extra Tips to Enhance Milk Supply During Your Period

In addition to these basics, you might find these extra tips helpful:

• Try power pumping: This means using a special pumping routine to help boost your milk production. It’s a good idea to consult a lactation consultant for tips on how to do this effectively.
• Consider Lactation-Friendly Foods: Foods like oatmeal or herbs such as fenugreek might help boost milk supply. Be sure to check with your doctor before introducing any new herbs into your diet.
• Use Warm Compresses: Applying a warm compress to your breasts before feeding or pumping can encourage milk flow.
• Gently Massage Your Breasts: A light massage while feeding or pumping can help release milk.

When to Seek Professional Help

It’s normal for your milk supply to change a bit sometimes, but if you’re worried or if something doesn’t feel right, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional. If you’re worried about your baby’s weight gain, if they’re not producing enough wet diapers, or if you’re dealing with persistent pain or discomfort, it’s a good idea to consult a lactation consultant. They can offer personalized guidance to help you address any issues.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience. With the right help and some good strategies, you can keep giving your baby the best even when you have your period.

Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions

It’s natural to have questions and concerns about how your period might affect breastfeeding. Let’s clear up a few common worries and myths:

Common Concerns:

• Is my milk supply too low?
  Many new moms worry about this. While a slight decrease is normal, as long as your baby is feeding well and growing, your milk supply is likely fine.
• Will my baby refuse my milk because of taste changes?
  Some moms worry that hormonal changes might alter the taste of their milk. Most babies won’t notice or mind any minor taste changes.

Myths:

“Breast milk becomes less nutritious during your period.”
This isn’t true. Your breast milk stays just as nutritious all through your menstrual cycle.

“Breastfeeding prevents periods indefinitely.”
Breastfeeding might delay your period, but it doesn’t stop it forever. Many women start getting their period back even while they’re still breastfeeding.

Each mother’s experience with breastfeeding and menstruation is unique. It’s important to find what works best for you and your baby. If you have ongoing concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a lactation consultant or other healthcare professional.

Conclusion

May be you face some difficulty in breastfeeding while on your period. But knowing and understanding how actually your body works and also using a few helpful tips, it can make a big difference. You know, everyone’s experience is unique. So it is important to find what works best for you and your baby.

Trust that your body can adjust and give your baby what they need. If you’re worried or have questions, don’t be afraid to ask for help from doctors or other experts. You’re doing great, and with a little patience and support, you can keep breastfeeding successfully, even during your period.

Sources

1. What to Know About Periods While Breastfeeding – https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/what-to-know-periods-breastfeeding
2. Menstruation and Ovulation – The impact on milk production – https://www.lllc.ca/menstruation-and-ovulation-impact-milk-production#
3. The physiological basis of breastfeeding – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK148970/