Many new mothers wonder if their breastmilk tastes different at various times, especially when they are on their period. This is an understandable concern since hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and breastmilk is made from components in the mother’s blood. There has been some research into whether menstrual cycles impact breastmilk taste and composition. Keep reading to learn more about what the science says so far about breastmilk and periods.
Breastmilk Composition and Taste Overview
Before examining how periods may or may not affect breastmilk, it helps to understand what gives breastmilk its taste and nutritional value. Here is a quick overview of breastmilk composition and the factors that influence it:
- Breastmilk consists of water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. The proportions of these components change over time as the baby ages.
- The main proteins in breastmilk are whey and casein. These proteins provide nourishment for the baby and also influence taste.
- The main carbohydrate in breastmilk is lactose, which provides energy. Lactose levels remain fairly steady.
- The main fats in breastmilk are triglycerides, which also provide energy. Fat content varies widely between mothers and pumping sessions.
- Vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc enrich breastmilk and support the baby’s health.
- Other components like antibodies, enzymes, hormones, and probiotics help breastmilk fight infection and populate the baby’s gut with beneficial bacteria.
- Factors like diet,hydration levels, time of day, stage of lactation, and pace of pumping or breastfeeding all impact breastmilk composition.
- The taste of breastmilk can vary slightly based on the foods mom eats. For example, it may taste sweeter after eating fruits.
In general, breastmilk has a mildly sweet taste. The taste is light, creamy, and straight from the source, unlike formula which is processed. Next, let’s look specifically at whether periods seem to affect breastmilk taste based on limited research so far.
Does Breastmilk Taste Different During a Period?
There has not been extensive research on how menstrual cycles impact breastmilk taste and composition. However, a few small studies provide some early insight:
Limited Research So Far
A small 1986 study in the journal Neuroendocrinology Letters examined breastmilk samples from 8 women. It found:
- Protein levels were higher in breastmilk during menstruation compared to ovulation and mid-luteal phase.
- No significant differences were seen in fat, lactose, citric acid, or total milk volume during the menstrual cycle.
- The study acknowledged needing a larger sample size for more definitive results.
A 1999 study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition obtained breastmilk samples from 43 women. It found:
- Nitrogen and potassium levels were elevated in breastmilk during menstruation compared to midcycle phases.
- Overall nutritional content did not change significantly across the menstrual cycle.
- Again, larger studies were needed for confirmation.
A small 2010 study in the journal Nutrition Research examined breastmilk from 12 women. It found:
- Immunoglobulin A levels increased in breastmilk right before menstruation.
- Hormones like estradiol and progesterone fluctuated in breastmilk with peaks mid-cycle.
- No major differences were seen in macronutrients like protein, fat, lactose or total energy during the cycle.
Overall, these limited studies suggest some fluctuations in breastmilk components tied to the menstrual cycle, but no drastic nutritional changes.
Anecdotal Experiences
In the absence of large-scale studies, many mothers rely on anecdotal reports to get a sense of how periods may affect breastmilk. Some mothers do report noticing taste differences such as:
- More watery or thinner milk
- More salty taste
- More metallic or sour taste
- Decreased creaminess
- Increased nipple sensitivity and changes in color
However, many other mothers report no noticeable differences in breastmilk taste with their periods. Experiences vary a lot from woman to woman.
Why Might Breastmilk Taste Different on Your Period?
Although research is still limited, some theories exist for why periods may alter breastmilk taste including:
Hormone Changes
- Levels of estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, oxytocin, and other hormones fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle.
- These hormones play a role in breast development and milk production.
- Hormone changes might impact breastmilk composition and taste to some degree.
Changes in Blood and Body Chemistry
- A woman’s blood volume and chemistry changes during her period as the uterus sheds lining.
- Breastmilk is made from components filtered from the mother’s bloodstream.
- Period-related changes in blood composition may transfer to breastmilk.
Individual Differences
- Women have varying menstrual symptoms and hormone changes cycle to cycle.
- Breastmilk composition also varies widely between women.
- These factors likely contribute to individual differences in period-related breastmilk taste changes.
Perception Differences
- Physical and emotional discomfort from periods may make women more sensitive to detecting differences in breastmilk taste.
- However, true compositional differences may be subtle and hard to confirm.
- Perceived taste differences may stem from expectation bias rather than measurable changes.
In summary, several mechanisms related to hormones, blood chemistry, individual variation, and perception bias help explain possible taste changes but require more research.
Do Breastmilk Nutrients Change with Menstruation?
Beyond taste, mothers may also wonder if their breastmilk retains the same nutritional value during their period. Here is an overview:
| Breastmilk Nutrient | Impact of Menstruation |
|---|---|
| Proteins | May increase slightly |
| Fat | No significant impact found |
| Carbohydrates | No significant impact found |
| Vitamins and Minerals | No major impact found so far |
| Antibodies and Immunities | May increase before period |
| Calories | No major impact found so far |
As the table summarizes, studies so far indicate no major depletion in key breastmilk nutrients during menstruation. Some immune components and proteins may increase. But overall, periods do not seem to compromise the nutritional value of breastmilk. Next we’ll look at some other factors that may be at play.
Other Possible Causes of Breastmilk Taste Changes
While menstrual cycles may contribute to breastmilk tasting different, other factors can also cause taste fluctuations including:
Time of Day
- Breastmilk composition varies between morning and evening.
- Morning milk contains more fat and calories.
- Evening milk contains more carbohydrates and antibodies.
Baby’s Age
- Colostrum in the first few days after birth has high protein and antibody levels.
- Breastmilk changes taste and nutrition as the baby ages and requires fewer antibodies but more fat.
Mom’s Diet
- Eating more vegetables can sweeten breastmilk.
- Garlic and spices can subtly flavor milk.
- Dietary changes impact milk more than menstrual cycles.
Breast Health Issues
- Breast infections like mastitis make breastmilk taste salty.
- Plugs in milk ducts or nipple damage can also contribute to taste changes.
Pumping and Storage Factors
- Pumping breastmilk can remove more foremilk resulting in higher lactose.
- Freezing and thawing breastmilk impacts the taste.
- Storing breastmilk in plasticware or with freezer burn creates absorbed flavors.
In summary, many other variables beyond periods can make breastmilk taste different. Isolating the impact of menstruation is difficult given all these confounding factors.
Should You Avoid Breastfeeding During Your Period?
Based on the limited research available so far, there is no need to pump and discard your breastmilk or avoid breastfeeding altogether on your period. Here are some key considerations:
- No major nutritional deficits in breastmilk have been found during menstruation.
- Your breastmilk retains important antibodies, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals your baby needs.
- Any taste differences tend to be subtle and not harmful for your baby.
- Your comfort level breastfeeding during your period is a personal decision.
- Pumping and storing milk in advance helps some moms feel better about breastfeeding less during menstruation.
Unless you notice signs of infection like fever or flu symptoms, you can keep breastfeeding as usual through your period. Focus more on keeping yourself healthy, rested, hydrated and eating well rather than denying your baby breastmilk.
Tips for Healthy Breastfeeding During Your Period
You can take some proactive steps to stay comfortable breastfeeding during your menstrual cycle:
Get Plenty of Rest
- PERIODs can leave you feeling rundown. Nap when your baby naps.
- Accept help from loved ones with meals and errands.
- Sleep when your partner can bottle feed pumped breastmilk.
Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of fluids like water, milk, and herbal tea.
- Eat water-rich fruits and vegetables.
- Dehydration can exacerbate period symptoms.
Prioritize Nutrition
- Focus on eating fresh, whole foods to nourish yourself and your breastmilk.
- Avoid restrictive diets that eliminate food groups.
- Take a postnatal vitamin with iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Reduce Inflammation
- Apply a warm compress to your abdomen and low back.
- Soak in a warm bath with epsom salts.
- Avoid inflammatory foods like refined carbs, sugar, alcohol and caffeine.
Use Comfort Measures
- Wear loose, breathable clothing and nursing pads.
- Apply lanolin cream to sore nipples.
- Use a supportive nursing pillow and find comfy breastfeeding positions.
Putting your own health and comfort first is key to maintaining your breastmilk supply and nutrition during your period. Be gentle with yourself and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
When to Seek Help
While minor breastmilk taste fluctuations are normal with menstruation, speak to your doctor right away about any major changes including:
- Extremely watery, yellow, or bloody breastmilk.
- Clumpy breastmilk accompanied by fever, chills and flu symptoms.
- New lumps, pain or redness in your breast.
- Sudden drop in your milk supply.
- Signs of dehydration and malnutrition like dizziness, lethargy and dark urine.
- Difficulty waking your baby for feedings or decreased diaper count.
These symptoms could indicate a breast infection, illness, or low milk supply requiring prompt medical assessment. Stay alert about both your health and your baby’s wellbeing.
Conclusion
Research remains limited but suggests breastmilk retains its nutritional value throughout the menstrual cycle, despite possible subtle taste differences. Any changes tend to get overshadowed by normal variations in breastmilk from day to day. Don’t hesitate to keep nursing through your period, while also taking extra care of yourself. Focus more on your comfort measures and less on scrutinizing breastmilk taste. If your baby seems satisfied after feedings, then your breastmilk is still providing the nourishment they need. Reach out for medical advice if you observe any major breast or milk changes. But otherwise, be reassured that your periods don’t compromise the amazing health benefits of breastfeeding. Your body is still working hard to provide complete nutrition for your baby, even during your monthly cycle.