Does getting your period mean your milk is drying up?

Understanding the Connection Between Menstruation and Milk Supply
For breastfeeding mothers, the return of menstruation can raise questions about its impact on milk supply. Many wonder if getting their period signifies that their milk is drying up. The answer is nuanced, as hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can indeed affect milk production, but it does not necessarily mean that breastfeeding is coming to an end.
Hormonal Fluctuations and Milk Supply
During the menstrual cycle, particularly in the days leading up to menstruation, many women experience a drop in milk supply. This is primarily due to hormonal changes, specifically the fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. As these hormones rise and fall, they can influence the body’s ability to produce milk. Research indicates that it is common for breastfeeding mothers to notice a decrease in milk supply from mid-cycle until their period begins.
Moreover, some mothers report that nursing can become less comfortable during this time, which can be attributed to these hormonal shifts. However, this decrease in supply is typically temporary and should not be a cause for alarm.
Individual Variability
It’s important to note that every woman’s experience is unique. While some may notice significant changes in their milk supply, others may not experience any noticeable difference at all. Factors such as the frequency of breastfeeding, overall health, and individual hormonal responses can all play a role in how menstruation affects milk production.
For mothers who are breastfeeding both day and night, the return of their period may be delayed, which can further complicate the relationship between menstruation and milk supply.
Strategies for Managing Milk Supply
If a breastfeeding mother does notice a dip in her milk supply coinciding with her menstrual cycle, there are strategies she can employ to help maintain her supply. Staying hydrated, ensuring adequate nutrition, and continuing to breastfeed frequently can all support milk production during this time.
Additionally, some mothers find that pumping or expressing milk can help stimulate production if they feel their supply is dwindling.
Conclusion
In summary, while getting your period can lead to temporary fluctuations in milk supply due to hormonal changes, it does not mean that your milk is drying up permanently. Understanding these changes and employing strategies to manage them can help breastfeeding mothers navigate this natural phase of their reproductive cycle without undue stress.

How many months does it take for breast milk to dry up?

There is no set timeline for the lactation suppression process. Instead, how quickly your milk dries up depends on several factors, including the age of your baby and your average milk supply. Breast milk can take days, weeks, or months to dry up. It is recommended that you gradually wean your breastfed baby.

Will my breast milk dry up if I start my period?

Menstruation can sometimes decrease milk production
The increase in these hormones can cause a decrease in milk production for some women. However, for most women, the increase in these hormones is not high enough to affect milk production. Most mothers do not notice any impact of menstruation on their milk production.

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).

Does period mean end of 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.

Does period mean low milk supply?

It’s usually only the 2-4 days leading up to your period and the first 1-2 days after your period starts that you will notice a drop in your milk supply. Some mothers notice a slight decrease from the time they ovulate until their period arrives, though this is less common.

Why did I get my period if I’m 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.

How do I know when my breast milk is drying up?

What are the signs your milk supply is decreasing?

1. Not producing enough wet/dirty diapers each day. Especially in the first few weeks of life, the number of wet and dirty diapers your child produces is an indicator of the amount of food they’re getting.
2. Lack of weight gain.
3. Signs of dehydration.

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.

Does period mean no more breastfeeding?

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.