5 Weird Ways Your Period Can Affect Your Parenting

Last updated on April 1st, 2022 at 08:46 pm

Have you ever wondered if your period might affect the way you parent your baby? Or if there’s a link between your period and breastfeeding? There’s more to the fluctuation of hormones during your cycle than just PMS. From breastfeeding to your tolerance and mood, here are 5 ways your monthly cycle can cause change to your day-to-day activities.

One. You may have already suspected this one, so it might be good to learn that it’s not just your imagination. Your period and breastfeeding are definitely linked! Breastmilk supply can decrease from about the mid-point of your menstrual cycle until the end of your period. So if you’re looking for an explanation for your breastfeeding baby’s increased fussiness or extra hunger – check your calendar.

La leche league says “A daily dose of 500 to 1,000 mg of a calcium and magnesium supplement from the middle of your cycle through the first three days of your period may help minimize any drop in supply”.

Two. About halfway through your cycle, oestrogen and progesterone stores take a dive, dragging your serotonin levels down with them. Irritability and even anger around this time is a likely effect. It’s harder to regulate your mood at this time. But being aware that it’s your hormones, not your choice, can help you understand your feelings.

Three. Breastfeeding aversion and agitation, or BAA, is linked to hormones. While you are in your fertile window, your breasts can feel more sensitive, meaning that breastfeeding can trigger extreme physical discomfort in some women. It’s sometimes described as a skin-crawling feeling and often comes with negative invasive thoughts. It can be a worrying experience when you don’t know what it is! But rest assured, you are not alone if this has happened to you.

Side note: Did you know that in your lifetime you’ll use around 11,000 disposable sanitary products? Those items, which contain non-biodegradable materials end up on landfills, blocking sewers, or in the sea. Up to 27,938 tampons and applicators wash up on beaches per day! Consider switching to a comfortable and convenient Mooncup to be 100% more eco friendly during your period. Click Here To Learn More

Four. Lethargy can strike during the week of your actual period. You may find that at this point you’re flat on your back as your toddler runs circles around you. Or the house looks like a war zone… and you know what, it will stay like that until you feel better, or somebody else tidies it! Your body is telling you to rest, so rest as much as you can. Eat and hydrate extra to properly fuel yourself for the work that you can’t avoid.

Five. Good news! It’s not all bad! Starting the week after your period, your estrogen levels begin to rise. I like to think of this phase as the ‘More to give’ window. You’ll experience a mood lift, increase in energy, and you might even find that you’re more optimistic and creative! During this time you’re able to be Super Mummy, have fun, and engage in all the activities that little ones love. This is the stage of your cycle where you’re really your best, unstoppable self.

Start tracking:

If you’re not already tracking your period, you should. Here’s why. Confirming that your feelings are linked to your cycle can help validate them, and give you the perspective you need to be able to cope with them. Tracking your period will help you see the link between your period and breastfeeding changes. It might help explain fussy periods when your baby seems unusually hungry and increases feeds.

Looking for more content on breastfeeding? Read A YEAR OF BREASTFEEDING; LOOKING BACK

If you found this post interesting or helpful, share it on social media and drop a comment below! Have you noticed any of the above changes during your cycle?

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