By: Courtney Miller, RN, BSN, IBCLC
Do you notice a drop in your breastmilk supply before or around your monthly cycle? You're not alone! Many breastfeeding parents experience a temporary dip in milk supply during this time. In this post, we’ll explore what causes this change and share strategies to help you maintain a steady milk supply.
What Causes the Drop in Milk Supply?
If you notice a decrease in your milk supply around your menstrual cycle, it’s likely due to the fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone that occur during ovulation. These hormonal changes can cause a gradual decrease in calcium levels in your body, which in turn may affect your milk production.
What Can You Do About It?
One way to combat this temporary dip in milk supply is by replenishing the calcium that your body may be losing. A calcium and magnesium supplement can help restore your calcium levels, ensuring that your milk supply remains consistent. It's important to note that calcium should not be taken without magnesium, as magnesium helps the body absorb calcium properly.
Supplement Dosage:
500 mg calcium / 250 mg magnesium
1500 mg calcium / 750 mg magnesium
The higher dosage tends to be more effective in restoring milk supply to normal levels. If you’re unsure about your calcium and magnesium needs, it’s always a good idea to consult with your primary care physician.
Other Tips for Managing Supply Dips
In addition to calcium and magnesium supplements, there are other ways you can help boost your supply if it dips during your cycle:
Add extra nursing or pumping sessions: More frequent sessions can help signal your body to produce more milk.
Power pumping: This technique involves pumping in a series of sessions, mimicking cluster feeding to increase milk production.
More skin-to-skin contact or a “breast-cation”: These bonding activities can help stimulate milk production.
Eat galactagogues: These are foods known to help increase milk supply, such as oats, fennel, and brewer’s yeast.
What If You Do Nothing?
Sometimes, doing nothing is the best option. If your milk supply dips, but you continue nursing as usual, you may notice your baby clusterfeeding a bit more during this time. This is totally normal, and your milk supply will likely return to normal soon. The dip is temporary, so there’s no need to panic.
Emotional Changes and Sensitivity
Along with fluctuations in milk supply, the hormonal changes in your cycle can trigger other emotional and physical changes. Some breastfeeding parents experience increased nipple sensitivity or even nursing aversion. We’ll address these emotional aspects and offer tips for managing them in a future post, so stay tuned!
Final Thoughts
A temporary dip in your milk supply around your menstrual cycle is common and usually nothing to worry about. You have several options for managing this, including supplementing with calcium and magnesium, increasing nursing or pumping sessions, eating galactagogues, or simply continuing as usual. Whatever you choose, remember that the dip is only temporary and your supply will return. Keep breastfeeding, and don’t panic!
Have questions about managing your milk supply? Reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help!
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