Does my milk supply decrease when my period comes? What should I do if my milk supply is low during my period?

Many mothers have this trouble, that is, the baby's desire and demand for milk is generally greater than what they can provide. In this already rare situation, it seems that the breast milk is even less after menstruation. What is going on?

Is it normal to have menstruation during breastfeeding?

The resumption of menstruation after childbirth is a natural physiological phenomenon. According to the morphology of endometrial tissue, the earliest possible menstruation is 33-42 days after childbirth, and the latest may be after the baby is 1 year old. If menstruation occurs during the lactation period, will it lead to less milk?

Does menstruation mean less milk?

When menstruation comes, milk supply will generally decrease

Milk is secreted by the alveolar cells of the mammary gland, but the secretion of milk requires the action of prolactin produced by the anterior pituitary secretory cells, and the discharge of milk depends on the production of oxytocin by the posterior pituitary nerve secretory cells. At the same time, the secretion of milk is also affected by the combined production of estrogen, progesterone, growth hormone, thyroxine, adrenal cortex hormone, insulin and other hormones. The arrival of menstruation will affect the secretion of human hormones, so menstruation may lead to a decrease in milk.

Effects of breastfeeding during menstruation on the baby

When menstruation comes, due to the concentration of breast milk, the quality of protein and fat in the breast milk will change (less fat, more protein). In addition, the baby will also feel the change in the taste of breast milk due to the concentration of breast milk, which will affect the baby's appetite. Therefore, breastfeeding after menstruation may cause indigestion in the baby.

Recommendation: To avoid milk concentration or changes in composition, mothers should drink more water and eat more fish, milk, poultry and vegetable soup during menstruation.

What to do if you have less milk during your period

If you experience a decrease in milk production during your menstrual period, don't worry too much. You can adjust your diet and massage.

In terms of diet, you can choose chicken soup, pork rib soup, crucian carp soup, pig's trotter soup, etc.

Massage method:

1. Circular massage

Place your hands above and below the breasts and massage the entire breast in a circular direction;

2. Spiral massage

Hold the breast with one hand, and massage the nipple with the index and middle fingers of the other hand in a spiral shape;

3. Acupressure

Place your hands on both sides of your breasts and squeeze from the breasts to the nipples.