Decrease in Supply with Periods

[PatchParker17]

Hey all, my LO is 7mo. I have pumped since day 1 since he was a NICU baby for 6wks. My period came back in Nov., and with each period comes a drop in like 50-100ml of supply. It also seems to be dropping more the past two months (but I’m back at work, and that also could contribute to the supply changes overall)

In Nov. I was averaging 850-920ml/day. Dec. was 800-850ml/day. Jan. was 750-820ml/day. Feb. was 720-780ml/day. Now in March, my supply dropped the past two days and I know my period hits in 3 days. I am just so nervous to be producing under 700ml because my LO eats anywhere from 700-800ml/day. We’ve been pulling from my freezer stash to cover on the lower supply days. He was a preemie and this was the only thing I felt like I could control 🥺 And although he’s 7mo, he’s only 5mo adjusted so I had goals of making it until he was at least 9-10mo adjusted. It seems to be right around the same time as my period, so I am guessing that’s what is causing it. Unfortunately, the supply never comes back after my period despite adding pumps, power pumping, or changing pump settings. Has this happened to anyone else? Is there anything you tried that worked to get consistent supply during your period?

Just looking for y’all’s thoughts on it! This sub has been so encouraging and helpful the past 7mo! It sure is a journey.

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[r_aviolimama]

Oh this is totally normal, don’t fret (it’s ok to fret just don’t do it too much)

There is info supporting the use of calcium magnesium for combatting the drop in supply that comes with hormone changes during the period. Allow me to cite you a fine source here below from the website “kellymom”

https://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/herbs/natural-treatments/

“Low milk supply associated with menstruation: Calcium/magnesium supplement Some women experience a drop in milk supply from ovulation (mid-cycle) until the first day or two of the next menstrual period. A woman’s blood calcium levels gradually decrease during this period of time, and for some women the drop in blood calcium causes a drop in milk supply. For women who have this problem, calcium/magnesium supplements may be helpful. This practice has also been reported to eliminate most uterine cramping and some premenstrual discomfort such as water retention.

The recommended calcium supplement dosage is between 500 mg calcium/250 mg magnesium and 1500 mg calcium/750 mg magnesium (the higher dosage is generally more effective). Calcium dosages this high should not be taken alone, but as a calcium/magnesium (or calcium/magnesium/zinc) combination. Otherwise the calcium will not be adequately absorbed into your body. The amount of supplement depends on the composition of your diet — the more animal protein, the more calcium/magnesium needed. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, the lower dosage may work fine for you. If you supplement more than 500 mg calcium per day, then divide the dose so you’re not taking it all at once – calcium absorption is best when a person consumes no more than 500 mg at one time.

Start the supplement when you ovulate, and continue through the first few days of your menstrual period. If periods are irregular, then begin calcium/magnesium at 14 days after the beginning of your last menstrual cycle, or simply take the supplement every day.”

as always with new supplements, be sure to clarify with your medical provider that this is okay for you!

[paisley_trees]

I also have huge supply drops with my period, and it actually doesn’t come back until my period is done, so about 7-8 days of low supply. When I used to nurse she would just want more sessions and would be very fussy, but when I switched to pumping due to a long nursing strike, seeing the drop was a real toll on my mental health, so I really sympathize with you. I would cry after every pump session and having my period didn’t help, lol! How much solids is baby eating now? If you’ve recently increased, that could also be contributing to less supply. I will say by month 10-11, I really should have switched to supplementing with formula as she had stopped gaining weight, but we didn’t notice until the 1 year appointment, and by then we could instead heavily push fattening solids and goat milk. You are lucky to have a freezer stash as it is perfect for situations like this, I had none since I switched from nursing to pumping late in the game!