When a menstrual period returns during the breastfeeding journey, many parents observe changes in their breast milk supply. A menstrual cycle can temporarily influence milk production.
The Hormonal Connection
Hormones largely dictate breast milk production. During pregnancy, high levels of estrogen and progesterone work to prepare the breasts for lactation while simultaneously inhibiting the full action of prolactin, the primary milk-making hormone. These hormones prevent milk production until after birth.
After delivery, estrogen and progesterone levels drop as the placenta is expelled. This hormonal shift allows prolactin to become fully active, signaling mammary glands to produce more milk. When menstruation resumes, typically after ovulation, estrogen and progesterone levels rise again. This cyclical increase can temporarily interfere with prolactin’s effectiveness, leading to a dip in milk supply.
Estrogen can reduce milk supply by affecting prolactin function, while progesterone may directly inhibit prolactin release. Calcium levels can also fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. Blood calcium levels often decrease just before a period, which is associated with a temporary reduction in milk supply. Breast milk contains calcium, and while the body prioritizes providing calcium for milk, these shifts can influence overall production.
Recognizing Supply Changes
Parents may notice several indicators that their breast milk supply is being affected by their menstrual cycle. A common sign is a temporary reduction in the volume of milk produced, which can be particularly evident a few days before and during the menstrual period. Individuals who pump might observe a noticeable decrease in their usual output. The breasts may also feel less full or softer than usual, indicating less milk storage.
Changes in the baby’s feeding behavior can also signal a temporary dip in supply. The baby might appear less satisfied after feedings, feed more frequently, or exhibit fussiness at the breast, sometimes pulling away in frustration. The taste of breast milk can also change slightly during menstruation; it may become saltier due to increased levels of chloride and sodium and a decrease in lactose, which some babies might notice. These changes are generally temporary and tend to resolve shortly after the menstrual period concludes, as hormone levels stabilize.
Managing Supply Fluctuations
When experiencing a temporary dip in breast milk supply due to menstruation, several strategies can help maintain milk production. Increasing the frequency of nursing or pumping sessions is a primary approach. Feeding on demand, or more often than usual, sends signals to the body to produce more milk, aligning with the principle of supply and demand.
Power pumping can also be an effective method to stimulate milk production, as it mimics the cluster feeding patterns of an infant. This technique typically involves pumping for short intervals, resting, and then repeating the cycle over approximately an hour, once or twice daily. Staying well-hydrated is also important; drinking water to quench thirst supports overall milk production.
Ensuring adequate nutrition, including a balanced diet, contributes to maintaining milk supply. Some parents find calcium and magnesium supplements helpful, often in a 2:1 ratio (e.g., 500-1500mg calcium to 250-750mg magnesium), ideally starting around ovulation. Certain foods, such as oatmeal, which is rich in iron, are also anecdotally associated with supporting milk supply. While some herbal or pharmaceutical galactagogues can increase prolactin levels and potentially boost supply, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using them.
Managing stress and ensuring sufficient rest are also beneficial, as stress can impact milk production. These fluctuations are typically short-lived, and milk supply often rebounds.