Breastfeeding parents often wonder how their menstrual cycle influences milk supply. While many factors influence milk production, a temporary dip connected to menstruation is often observed. This fluctuation is short-lived and manageable.
The Menstrual Cycle and Milk Supply
The menstrual cycle’s shifting hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, can affect breast milk production. During the luteal phase, after ovulation and leading into menstruation, progesterone and estrogen levels rise. These hormones can temporarily reduce milk supply for some individuals.
Prolactin is the primary hormone responsible for producing breast milk. Elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen, similar to those experienced during pregnancy, can interfere with prolactin’s action on milk-making cells, leading to a temporary decrease in milk production. While the composition of breast milk can also change slightly, becoming saltier and less sweet during this time, it remains nutritious and safe for the baby.
This temporary hormonal shift can result in a noticeable reduction in milk volume. It is most frequently observed in the days leading up to a period and during the first one to two days of menstruation. For many, this dip resolves as the menstrual period progresses and hormone levels normalize.
Recognizing and Addressing Changes
Parents might notice several signs of a temporary decrease in milk supply related to their menstrual cycle. The baby may seem less satisfied after feedings, feed more frequently, or appear fussy at the breast. Parents who pump might observe less output during pumping sessions, and breasts may feel softer or less full than usual. Some individuals also experience increased nipple sensitivity or soreness around their period, which can make nursing uncomfortable.
Several practical strategies can help manage a temporary dip in milk supply. Increasing feeding frequency, allowing the baby to nurse on demand, can signal the body to produce more milk. Power pumping, which mimics cluster feeding by pumping on and off for about an hour, can also help stimulate milk production. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also important for maintaining milk supply.
Some parents find certain supplements helpful in mitigating the dip in supply. Calcium and magnesium supplements, often in a 2:1 ratio, are suggested. A drop in blood calcium levels during the menstrual cycle may contribute to the milk supply decrease for some individuals. These supplements can be taken daily or from ovulation through the first few days of the period. Consulting a healthcare provider or lactation consultant before starting any new supplements is always recommended.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
While temporary dips in milk supply around menstruation are common, there are situations where seeking professional guidance is advisable. If the decrease in milk supply is significant and does not recover as the period ends, or if it causes persistent concern, a lactation consultant can provide tailored advice.
Monitor the baby for signs of insufficient milk intake. Signs include poor weight gain, fewer wet diapers (less than six per day after four to five days), or dark, concentrated urine. A consistently sluggish, excessively sleepy, or unsatisfied baby after most feedings may also indicate an issue.
If the parent experiences significant discomfort or distress due to breastfeeding challenges, such as persistent pain that is not related to temporary nipple sensitivity, a lactation consultant can help identify and address the underlying problem. If there is a suspicion of other underlying causes for a milk supply issue, or if general strategies are not effective, a healthcare provider or lactation consultant can offer comprehensive support.