Is your period impacting your milk supply
Motherhood brings a plethora of changes and challenges, and one common concern for many breastfeeding mothers is whether their period is affecting their milk supply. If you find yourself worried that your menstrual cycle is causing a drop in milk production, you’re not alone. Let’s delve into this topic and explore what could be happening and how you can address it.
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Understanding the Connection
Firstly, it’s essential to recognize that the return of your menstrual cycle may not necessarily be the cause of a reduced milk supply, but rather a sign of it. Typically, a woman’s period returns when there is a spacing out of breastfeeding sessions. This can occur around the six-month mark as solids are introduced, and babies begin stretching the time between feeds. Alternatively, if you’ve returned to work or started supplementing with bottles, your baby might be going longer stretches without breastfeeding, prompting the return of menstruation.
Possible Effects on Supply
While it’s true that some women notice a slight dip in milk supply during their period, it’s crucial to consider the broader context. The spacing out of feedings or reliance on bottle-feeding might be impacting your supply more than your period itself. The question then becomes: are these extended intervals between feedings causing your period to return, or vice versa?
Strategies to Boost Supply
If you suspect your milk supply is lower during your period, here are some proactive steps you can take:
Stimulate More Frequently: Increasing the frequency of breastfeeding or pumping sessions can help boost your supply. Make sure you are providing stimulation to your breasts for every bottle your baby receives.
Check Your Pumping Technique: Ensure that your pump fits properly and that you’re pumping adequately for every time your baby has a bottle. This consistency can help maintain and boost your milk supply.
Power Pumping: Consider adding a few power-pumping sessions each week. This involves short bursts of pumping with breaks in between, mimicking the cluster feeding of a baby and helping to stimulate higher milk production.
Reflect and Adjust
Evaluate if your feeding schedule could be contributing to reduced milk production. Are feedings being spaced out too much? Adjust as needed, focusing on frequent breast stimulation. These actions can lead to calmer breastfeeding sessions and better milk transfer for your baby.
Conclusion
While it might be alarming to see changes in your milk supply during your period, understanding the root causes and making small adjustments can help mitigate the situation. If lingering concerns persist, don’t hesitate to seek advice from lactation consultants or community support groups. By staying informed and proactive, you can navigate breastfeeding challenges with confidence.
Feel free to leave any questions in the comments, and let’s continue the conversation on nurturing both you and your baby through this special journey.
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If you need more support
I lead a team of Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners around the globe, who share my programs and who I personally mentor.
If you are struggling with your baby or child, you can reach out and we can help. We do in person and virtual feeding assessments. We also offer women’s health services and can help you achieve optimal hormonal health. Our services are often covered through insurance.
You can find the nurse closest to you here. If you need more help you can reach out to [email protected].
Thank you so much for being a part of our community,
Carrie Bruno RN, IBCLC, MSCP