Understanding the Connection and How to Increase It Naturally during period

Breastfeeding is a unique experience, but for many moms, it comes with questions—especially when your menstrual cycle returns. One of the most common concerns is about a drop in milk supply during your period. If you’ve noticed that your baby seems less satisfied, or you’re pumping less milk around your menstrual days, you’re not alone.

Understanding how menstruation affects lactation, why milk supply drops during your period, and how to naturally increase your milk supply during your period can help you manage this temporary shift with more confidence.

Why Does Milk Supply Drop During Your Period?

It’s completely normal to experience a dip in milk supply before or during menstruation. This typically happens due to hormonal changes, particularly the drop in estrogen and progesterone, and the rise in calcium loss.

Here are some reasons why this occurs:

• Hormonal shifts: Before menstruation begins, estrogen and progesterone fluctuate. These hormones interfere with the prolactin hormone, which plays a key role in milk production.

• Calcium levels: Lower calcium levels around your period can also reduce milk volume. This drop in calcium can also make your nipples feel more sensitive or sore, making nursing uncomfortable for some.

• Fluid retention: Some moms experience breast fullness or engorgement due to water retention during menstruation. This can make milk feel “stuck” even though it’s still being produced.

How Much Does Milk Supply Decrease During Period?

The decrease in supply varies. Some mothers notice only a slight change, while others feel a 20–30% drop in milk output, especially in the 3–5 days leading up to their period. You may notice:

• Your baby nursing more frequently

• Less output during pumping sessions

• Fussiness at the breast

• Softer or less full-feeling breasts

It’s important to remember that this is usually temporary and milk supply tends to return to normal shortly after the period ends.

Aching knees during pregnancy….

When Does Milk Supply Increase After Period?

In most cases, milk supply begins to rebound a few days after menstruation starts, once hormones level out. By the end of your period, your prolactin levels start rising again, which supports stronger milk production. Many mothers report that their supply normalizes within 5–7 days after their period begins.

Will My Milk Supply Increase After My Period?

Yes, your milk supply usually increases again after your period. The temporary dip during menstruation doesn’t indicate a long-term issue. Once your body adjusts hormonally and calcium levels rebalance, your supply will begin to climb again.

However, if your period lasts longer or is very heavy, or if your diet or hydration is poor, the dip may last a bit longer than average. Monitoring your baby’s feeding cues and diaper output can help reassure you that they are still getting what they need.

How to Increase Milk Supply During Your Period Naturally

If you’re worried about the drop in milk supply during your period, there are several natural and safe methods to support and even increase your supply:

1. Increase Nursing or Pumping Frequency

Your body produces milk based on demand. Nursing or pumping more frequently (every 2–3 hours) sends a strong signal to your body to produce more milk, even during hormonal changes.

2. Breast Compression During Feeds

Using gentle pressure on your breast while feeding can help encourage more milk flow and keep your baby interested when the milk is slower.

3. Stay Hydrated

Menstruation can dehydrate you slightly. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support healthy milk production.

4. Calcium and Magnesium Supplements

Taking calcium and magnesium supplements during the second half of your cycle (ovulation to your period) can reduce supply dips and help with mood swings and breast tenderness. Many lactation experts recommend:

• 500–1000 mg calcium

• 250–400 mg magnesium

Talk to your doctor or lactation consultant before starting any new supplements.

5. Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet

Include foods rich in iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, and B-vitamins. Leafy greens, oats, nuts, seeds, dairy, and fish are all great choices.

6. Galactagogues (Milk-Boosting Foods)

Natural milk-boosting foods can help maintain your supply. Consider:

• Fenugreek

• Oats

• Brewer’s yeast

• Fennel

• Garlic

• Barley

• Dates

These can be added to your daily diet in the form of teas, smoothies, or healthy snacks.

7. Skin-to-Skin Contact

Frequent skin-to-skin time with your baby helps release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes letdown and milk ejection. This bonding time is especially effective when your supply is low.

What If My Milk Supply Doesn’t Come Back After My Period?

While it’s rare, some women experience ongoing low milk supply even after menstruation ends. If this happens:

• Review your nursing or pumping routine

• Make sure you’re drinking enough water and eating well

• Consider working with a lactation consultant to identify any underlying issues like latch problems, tongue tie, or hormonal imbalances

Also, ensure you’re managing stress, getting enough rest, and giving your body the time it needs to adjust postpartum.

Is It Normal Not to Have Menstruation While Breastfeeding?

Yes, it’s perfectly normal to not have a period while breastfeeding, especially in the first 6–12 months. This condition is called lactational amenorrhea. It happens because the hormone prolactin, which supports milk production, suppresses ovulation and menstruation.

Here are a few things to know:

• The more exclusively you breastfeed, the more likely your period is to be delayed.

• Some moms don’t get their period back until they start weaning or introducing solids.

• If your baby nurses at night or you pump regularly, your cycle may take even longer to return.

Having no period while breastfeeding is not a sign of a problem. However, it’s still possible to get pregnant, so don’t rely on lactation as a guaranteed form of birth control unless using the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) with proper guidance.

Summary: Milk Supply and Menstrual Cycles

It’s normal for your milk supply to fluctuate during your menstrual cycle, especially during the days just before or at the start of your period. Don’t panic if you notice a temporary dip—most of the time, your body will naturally return to its regular rhythm within days.

Use gentle, natural methods to support your body during this time, and be patient with yourself. You’re doing an incredible job, and small adjustments can make a big difference in maintaining your breastfeeding journey.

If issues persist, don’t hesitate to talk to a lactation consultant or healthcare provider. Support and solutions are always available.