Getting Your Period While Breastfeeding: How Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Milk Supply

Breastfeeding mothers often hear that their period will stay away longer if they continue breastfeeding. While this is frequently true, especially if you’re nursing day and night, every mother’s experience is unique. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the return of your period while breastfeeding, how hormonal changes affect milk supply, and what steps you can take to boost your supply when needed.

Your First Period After Giving Birth

The return of menstruation postpartum varies significantly among mothers. Research indicates that breastfeeding mothers are more likely to resume cycles after six months of exclusive breastfeeding. However, it’s entirely normal for some mothers to experience their first period earlier.

Early Return of Your Period While Breastfeeding

If you get your period sooner than expected while breastfeeding, it may be due to reduced nighttime nursing. For example, if your baby starts sleeping through the night before six months, the decrease in overnight nursing sessions may trigger your cycle to resume earlier. Nighttime nursing helps to maintain higher levels of prolactin, the milk-making hormone, and fewer nursing sessions can lower prolactin levels, leading to the return of your period.

Understanding Hormones, Your Menstrual Cycle, and Milk Production

Hormone Changes When Your Period Returns

Prolactin is essential for milk production, and it peaks overnight, which is why frequent nighttime nursing helps maintain supply. When your period returns, the shift in hormones can affect prolactin levels, especially if nighttime feeds decrease. The drop in prolactin and the return of estrogen and progesterone can lead to changes in milk production.

Your Period and Drops in Milk Supply

Many breastfeeding mothers notice a temporary drop in supply around the time their period is due. This decrease, often noticed the week before bleeding begins, can result in softer breasts and reduced milk volumes when pumping. However, this is usually temporary, and supply tends to bounce back after the period ends. Feeding on demand and letting your baby nurse as much as needed will help signal your body to produce more milk.

How to Increase Your Milk Supply During Your Period

If your period returns early and you’re breastfeeding, you may need to monitor your milk supply carefully to ensure your baby is getting enough milk. Here are strategies to help you manage any dips in supply:

4 Steps to Boost Breast Milk Volume During Your Period

1. Pump Before Bed and After Nursing Sessions

Pumping before you go to bed and after breastfeeding sessions can help stimulate milk production and keep supply up. If your baby naturally stretches sleep longer overnight, it’s generally okay to let your breasts remain fuller for longer periods. Babies who extend sleep on their own often make up for it with more frequent feeds during the day, so keep an eye on your baby’s growth and satisfaction cues.

2. Take a Calcium and Magnesium Supplement

Studies show that calcium levels drop just before menstruation, which can also impact milk supply. Taking a calcium supplement alongside magnesium can help maintain calcium levels and reduce the likelihood of a supply dip. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements, as every mother’s needs are different.

3. Eat Oatmeal Regularly

Many breastfeeding moms swear by oatmeal as a milk booster, although scientific evidence is limited. Oatmeal is rich in iron, which is essential for new mothers, and iron deficiency can impact milk production. Adding oatmeal to your diet, especially around your period, may help maintain supply in some women.

4. Consider Galactagogues to Support Milk Supply

Galactagogues are foods, herbs, and medications thought to increase milk supply. While scientific support is mixed, some mothers find them helpful in boosting supply during menstruation. Popular herbal galactagogues include fenugreek, nettle, blessed thistle, and ginger. Remember to consult your healthcare provider before trying herbal supplements, as they are not FDA regulated and may carry risks for breastfeeding mothers.

Key Takeaways

If you notice a decrease in milk supply during your period, know that this is common and often temporary. Feed your baby on demand, monitor any changes in your baby’s feeding behavior or weight, and consider using the strategies above to boost supply. Consulting with your doctor or a lactation consultant is always a wise first step to ensure there are no underlying causes affecting your milk production.

Sources:

1. Lawrence, R. A., & Lawrence, R. M. (2016). Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession. Elsevier Health Sciences.

2. Neville, M. C., & Morton, J. (2001). “Physiology and Endocrinology of Lactation.” Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia, 6(3), 311-328.

3. Kent, J. C., Prime, D. K., & Garbin, C. P. (2012). “Principles for Maintaining or Increasing Breast Milk Production.” Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 41(1), 114-121.