Can breastfeeding make periods heavier?

Understanding the Connection Between Breastfeeding and Menstrual Cycles
Breastfeeding is a profound experience for many new parents, but it also brings a host of physiological changes, particularly concerning menstruation. One common question that arises is whether breastfeeding can lead to heavier periods once menstruation resumes.
The Resumption of Menstruation
After childbirth, many women experience a delay in the return of their menstrual cycles, largely influenced by breastfeeding. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, suppresses ovulation, which can postpone the onset of periods for several months. However, when menstruation does return, the experience can vary significantly from one individual to another.
Changes in Menstrual Flow
Research indicates that for some women, periods may become heavier after childbirth, regardless of breastfeeding status. This change can be attributed to various factors, including hormonal fluctuations and the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth. Some women report experiencing longer, more painful, or heavier periods post-pregnancy, while others may find their menstrual cycles improve.
Hormonal Influences
The hormonal landscape during breastfeeding is complex. While breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation, once periods resume, the hormonal shifts associated with the menstrual cycle may lead to changes in flow. For instance, the interplay between estrogen and progesterone can affect the thickness of the uterine lining, which in turn influences menstrual flow. If the lining is thicker, it may result in heavier bleeding when menstruation occurs.
Individual Variability
It’s crucial to note that the experience of heavier periods is not universal. Each woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding and menstruation. Factors such as individual health, breastfeeding frequency, and overall hormonal balance play significant roles in determining menstrual flow.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding can influence the timing and nature of menstrual cycles, the relationship between breastfeeding and heavier periods is not straightforward. Some women may experience heavier periods after childbirth, while others may not notice any significant changes. As always, if there are concerns about menstrual health or changes in flow, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable for personalized guidance and support.

Are your hormones higher when breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding induces oxytocin release from the brain, which signals the breasts to release milk. Oxytocin levels remain high with baby suckling and then fall when not nursing. Higher oxytocin means higher prolactin and lower cortisol 5. Prolactin is the other essential hormone released during breastfeeding.

Why are my periods so heavy after having a baby?

Some women experience heavier, longer or more painful periods after having a baby. These changes may relate to a larger uterine cavity causing more endometrium (mucous lining the uterus) to shed. For some women, however, their periods improve.

Is it normal to have a heavy period after stopping breastfeeding?

For most Mum’s, the first period after giving birth and stopping breastfeeding is heavier, with increased bleeding and cramping. Whilst this can be quite uncomfortable, it is completely normal. However, if you are needing to change your pad or tampon every hour do not hesitate to contact your Doctor.

Does breastfeeding affect period flow?

Most breastfeeding women find they don’t have their period for many months after the birth of their baby. This is because breastfeeding hormones can stop you from ovulating (releasing an egg) each month.

Why am I pouring blood on my period?

For many people, heavy periods have no cause. For others, it’s due to a health condition such as fibroids, adenomyosis or endometriosis. You may be experiencing a heavier than ‘normal’ period if you’re: bleeding through your clothes.

Is it normal to have a heavy first period while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding also plays a role in postpartum menstrual changes. Exclusively breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and delay the return of your menstrual cycle after giving birth. However, when your periods do return, they might be heavier than usual due to hormonal fluctuation.

Does breastfeeding cause you to bleed more?

Does breastfeeding make a difference to the bleeding? Bleeding is redder and heavier just after breastfeeding or expressing milk, as breastfeeding makes the womb contract . However, the overall amount of blood will be the same if breastfeeding or not. Stronger ‘afterpains’ cramps might also be felt while breastfeeding.

Is bleeding heavier after breastfeeding?

You may notice the bleeding is redder and heavier when you breastfeed. This happens because breastfeeding makes your womb contract. You may also feel cramps similar to period pains. The bleeding will carry on for a few weeks.

Does breastfeeding increase blood flow?

The internal thoracic artery supplies the majority of blood to the nipple via the first to fourth intercostal branches9. Oxytocin not only stimulates milk ejection but also increases blood flow to the breast via vasodilation17,19.

Why did my period come back while breastfeeding?

Many women are at risk of early return of their period if they aren’t breastfeeding overnight. If you have managed to get your baby sleeping through the night before 6 months and are not nursing overnight, the drop in prolactin due to longer periods of time without milk removal can signal your period to start.