Can you get your period when pumping?

Understanding Menstruation While Pumping
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation while breastfeeding or pumping can be a confusing and sometimes concerning experience. The relationship between breastfeeding, pumping, and the menstrual cycle is influenced by various factors, including hormonal changes and individual body responses.
When Does Your Period Return?
Typically, breastfeeding can delay the return of a woman’s menstrual cycle due to the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. Prolactin levels are higher when a mother is exclusively breastfeeding, which can suppress ovulation and, consequently, menstruation. However, this is not a universal experience. Some mothers may find that their periods return as early as six weeks postpartum, especially if they are pumping regularly or supplementing with formula.
Pumping and Its Impact on Menstruation
Pumping can influence the timing of when a mother gets her period back. If a mother is exclusively pumping and not breastfeeding directly, she may experience a quicker return of her menstrual cycle compared to those who breastfeed directly. This is because the frequency and intensity of breastfeeding can help maintain higher prolactin levels, which suppress ovulation. In contrast, pumping may not stimulate the same hormonal response, leading to the potential for ovulation and the return of menstruation.
What to Expect When Your Period Returns
When a mother begins to menstruate again while pumping, she may notice some changes in her milk supply. Some women report a temporary dip in milk production during their menstrual cycle, which can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations. However, this is usually short-lived, and most mothers can maintain their milk supply with proper pumping techniques and frequency.
Individual Variability
It’s important to note that every woman’s body is different. Factors such as stress, overall health, and the frequency of pumping can all play a role in when menstruation returns and how it affects milk supply. Some mothers may experience no change in their milk production, while others might notice fluctuations.
In conclusion, while it is entirely possible to get your period while pumping, the timing and effects can vary widely among individuals. Understanding these dynamics can help mothers navigate their postpartum experience with greater ease and confidence.

Will milk supply drop when period returns?

Menstruation can sometimes decrease milk production
After ovulation, estrogen and progesterone levels in the body rise and calcium levels fall. The increase in these hormones can cause a decrease in milk production for some women.

Do you bleed more when pumping?

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.

Why did I start my period while breastfeeding?

If you have lower levels of progesterone, you’re likely to get your periods back earlier than people with higher levels (Ingram et al 2004). So it’s possible that you could be breastfeeding around the clock, but still become fertile and start your periods again.

When did your period return while exclusively pumping?

Most breastfeeding mothers will resume their periods between 9 and 18 months after their baby’s birth.

Does pumping count as breastfeeding?

When we talk about exclusively breastfeeding, we’re really just talking about exclusively providing breast milk. We’re not talking about how your baby gets the milk. That’s why exclusively pumping is part of exclusively breastfeeding. You’re still providing breast milk as the sole source of your baby’s nutrition.

Can you have a period while pumping?

But in general, if you are lactating consistently, your period will likely not return for several months or even a year after childbirth. If you aren’t breastfeeding exclusively, you may get your period sooner. Lactation suspends your menstrual cycle by impacting postpartum hormones.

How do I know if it’s my period or postpartum bleeding?

Lochia and menstrual blood are similar in that the bleeding subsides before going away. The biggest difference between the two types of discharge is that lochia lasts much longer. A typical period lasts about one week. Lochia lasts about six weeks in most people.

Does your milk supply drop with your period?

During the menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuations are inevitable, impacting breast milk production. The two primary hormones involved are estrogen and progesterone. As menstruation approaches, these hormone levels decrease, leading to a drop in milk supply for some women.

Does period affect milk supply?

Hormonal changes with your menstrual cycle (periods) may affect how your baby wants to feed. This may affect your breast milk supply. But a few additional breastfeeds per day are usually enough to boost your breast milk supply back up.

Why am I bleeding while breast pumping?

It’s usually caused by abrasions to the nipples. However, blood in breast milk can occur due to a breast infection like mastitis, which needs medical treatment. Learn more about the causes, prevention, and treatment of blood in breast milk.