does having your period change your breast milk in any way?

[olivo]

I am absolutely gutted that my periods have returned today, as DD has hit 20 weeks. I am excl bf and wondered if this is the reason that she has been a bit fussy feeding? does it affect the taste or supply or anything?

My periods returned when dd was 13 weeks, exclusively feeding every 2hrs day and night.

I have a temporary dip in supply during my period so dd always fed more then and was a bit fussy at it being harder work but it's very temporary and a tiny dip.

Exclusively fed to 7 months and still feeding at 2.7.

I had a problem with blocked ducts when I ovulated though. Every month at exactly the same time but got very good at resolving it.

They say that the milk tastes different and is less abundant, but DD doesn't seem to mind at all.

thanks, i feel really glum about the whole thing. it didnt return till 7mo with dd1. i dont do periods very well, want to go back on combined pill to control them but cant if want to bf, which i do. not sure if i can do another 4 months or so of periods

Olivo, yes has affected my milk supply with both of mine. Only when it's coming on though, so for a day or so (during PMT). But then again, I think stress affects milk too so not really that surprising.

olivo, can you use the minipill instead? Perfectly compatible with bfing.

Stress does not affect your milk except in very severe or serious circumstances so don't worry about that.

I was so upset when my periods came back at 13 weeks. I was still feeding round the clock, still anaemic, periods were heavy and it made dd that little bit more fussy.

thanks again. hopefully my supply will sort itself out again after today. I'm still feeding on demand and felt awful today as dd had her vaccinations and was fretful anyway.

i might ask about the minipill, only you have to be fairly precise in taking it ,don't you? i'm not bothered about it as a contraceptive, just as period control!

I think there's one you can have with a bigger window for taking it now, so not so desperate that it's exactly the same time. Especially if it's not contraception you're after.

Your supply will be just fine.

I'm on mini-pill and bfing. Haven't had a period in nearly 2 yrs now (DD is 12 months). Last time they came back at 4 months which was particularly gutting as DS was a v frequent feeder, esp at night.

Blurb on the minipill says you ideally take it same time every day, but must be within 3 hrs. I set an alarm on my mobile to remind me.

hmm, not sure if i'd manage within three hours - i honestly am a disaster. i used to generally wake in the night realising that i'd forgotten my pill but that was ok with the combined.
Might give it a try though, esp as not using as contraceptive.

Well, being completely honest, I have missed the odd one, but have been on it for nearly a year and not pg...

olivo, i always have a drop in supply when my period is due.
i know it's about to come because ds3 feeds a lot more than usual and gets quite fussy and grumpy.

gets better after they're on solids though i found

thanks, there is hope then...
I was so hopeful this time as it all started off so well but this has definitely made me wibble.

just wanted to say thanks again, my supply seems to have settled down again and dd is happier. I think it was the shock of my period arriving so unexpectedly. I'm a bit more chilled today!