This post is about the how much does milk supply decrease during period and how you can prevent or make it less significant.
Even before I had my period when I was breastfeeding, I had already told myself that my milk supply would drop when my period came back.
This is something that many breastfeeding moms fear and hope they are part of the exception.
Because I was exclusively pumping, I knew what my regular milk output was, which made it very simple for me to figure out just how much my milk supply would drop when my period came.
How Much Does Milk Supply Decrease During Period
I was flying from Washington D.C. to Texas with my 3 month old. Due to having my daughter with me and us flying by ourselves, I knew I would not be able to pump during my almost 8 hour flight. I pumped before I went through TSA and packed my breast pump in my carry-on for easy access.
RELATED: Best Portable Breast Pumps
Unfortunately, I did not know about Mother’s Rooms and so I just hoped everything would turn out okay.
In hindsight, I wish I had done some research, but I was a first time mom and no one around me knew anything about breastfeeding, much less pumping. I had no one to advice me on what to do during my flight.
I did not pump until I go home. And luckily, I did not suffer from mastitis. But because of the extend of time I did not pump (I had previously maintained a very strict schedule of pumping every 2-3 hours, even at night), I immediately knew that my period came back due to how long I had gone without pumping.
I did something out of the regular and my body could tell and immediately my period came back month after month.
How Much Does Milk Supply Decrease During Period
Now that I had my period back, the fear began of just how much my milk supply was going to decrease. To my surprise, I initially did not see much of a difference.
I counted my breastmilk output/ounces regularly (thanks, postpartum anxiety…), so I learned that my milk supply decreased about 5-8oz in the days leading up to my period.
This was not that significant for me because I was pumping about 45oz per day and freezing almost half of my breastmilk.
Every breastfeeding moms’ supply is different and therefore, every time the get their period, their supply changes differently.
Many women do not notice a big difference in milk supply during their period.
It is typically the week before you get your period that you may notice a change in your milk supply due to the hormonal changes.
RELATED: Fixing Postpartum Hormone Imbalance After Childbirth & Breastfeeding
How to Prevent Milk Supply Decreasing During Period
1. Calcium Supplement
The book The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding states that: “A daily dose of 500 to 1,000 mg of a calcium and magnesium supplement from the middle of your cycle through the first three days of your period may help minimize any drop in supply”.
The reason why calcium is so important and can help you is because, “If a breastfeeding mother is deficient in calcium….Her body will use calcium stores from her bones to ensure there is sufficient calcium in her breast milk production.” (Source)
2. Magnesium Supplement
Per Legendairy Milk, “Calcium taken with magnesium in a 2:1 ratio is commonly used to support milk production and flow during menses. The recommended maximum dose is 1500mg calcium to 750mg magnesium. Some parents take this mineral supplement daily while others take it from their luteal phase through cycles day three.”
They go on to explain that “mineral supplementation can help with water retention, a particularly annoying symptom of the impending menstrual cycle. Water retention in the breast or chest may compromise milk production and flow as can any type of edema in the chest area.”
In other words, when you get our period, you are more likely to experience bloating and water retention. Opting to take a magnesium supplement can help you prevent that and, therefore, help your body not retain liquids.
3. Nurse Baby or Pump More Often
If you are exclusively nursing and your milk supply decreases, chances are that your baby has noticed and will be cluster feeding. This is a case of supply and demand.
Whether it’s the baby nursing or the pump, when you signal the body more often by emptying the breast, the body recognizes this as baby needing more milk and will therefore produce more milk.
4. Power Pump
If you are exclusively nursing and notice that your baby is not quite satisfied after eating during your period and you suspect they may still be hungry, you can add a power pump session about a week leading up to your period to boost your milk supply.
If you are exclusively pumping and notice a decrease in milk supply, add an extra pumping session or replace one pumping session with a power pump session in the days leading up to your period.
5. Take Lactation Teas/Supplements
There are many lactation teas, snacks, and supplements out in the market these days. Choose one of your liking, preferably one that is fenugreek-free*. Many moms rave about Legendairy Milk’s Sunflower Lecithin, as well as Liquid Gold.
RELATED: Best Lactation Supplements to Increase Milk Supply
*Fenugreek, which is a common ingredient on lactation teas and supplements, is known to have to opposite on some woman and therefore decrease their milk supply. Just be cautious when and if you choose to consume it. I listed some alternatives here: Best Postpartum Care Package Ideas.
How Much Does Milk Supply Decrease During Period & How to Prevent It
By now knowing how much does milk supply decrease during period, you can be better prepared with the 5 tips to boost milk supply when that time of the month comes.
Aside from taking care of your milk supply, I recommend reading Fixing Postpartum Hormone Imbalance After Childbirth & Breastfeeding next to help you during your postpartum period to balance your hormones and to help your body restore important vitamins and minerals.
P.S. If you would like to know more about portable breast pumps, read more on: Best Portable Breast Pumps.
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