Can you start your period while exclusively breastfeeding?

Understanding Menstruation While Exclusively Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation can be a perplexing topic, especially when they are exclusively breastfeeding. The relationship between breastfeeding and the menstrual cycle is influenced by various biological factors, and understanding this connection can help alleviate concerns for nursing mothers.
Can You Start Your Period While Exclusively Breastfeeding?
Yes, it is possible to start your period while exclusively breastfeeding, although it is relatively uncommon. Exclusively breastfeeding typically delays the return of menstruation due to the hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces. When a mother breastfeeds, her body produces higher levels of prolactin, a hormone that helps with milk production and suppresses ovulation. This suppression of ovulation means that many women may not experience their menstrual cycle for several months, or even longer, after giving birth.
However, the timeline for the return of periods can vary significantly from one woman to another. Some mothers may find that their periods return as early as six weeks postpartum, while others may not see any signs of menstruation for several months or even longer. Factors such as the frequency of breastfeeding, the baby’s age, and individual hormonal responses all play a role in this process.
What to Expect If Your Period Returns
If a mother does start her period while breastfeeding, she may notice some changes in her milk supply or the taste of her milk. Many infants continue to breastfeed without any issues during their mother’s menstrual cycle, but some may become fussy or alter their feeding patterns due to changes in milk flow or taste. This variability can be attributed to the hormonal fluctuations that occur during menstruation, which can affect both the composition and the quantity of breast milk produced.
The Role of Exclusive Breastfeeding
Exclusive breastfeeding, defined as feeding the baby only breast milk without any supplemental food or drink, can significantly delay the return of menstruation. When mothers adhere to this practice, especially if they are nursing frequently throughout the day and night, the likelihood of ovulation—and thus menstruation—occurring is greatly reduced. This natural form of birth control is often referred to as the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM).
In summary, while it is possible for a mother to start her period while exclusively breastfeeding, it is not the norm. The return of menstruation is influenced by a variety of factors, including breastfeeding frequency and individual hormonal responses. For many mothers, the experience of menstruation during breastfeeding can be managed with understanding and support, ensuring that both mother and baby continue to thrive during this unique phase of life.

Does getting your period mean your milk is drying up?

Menstruation can sometimes decrease milk production
The increase in these hormones can cause a decrease in milk production for some women. However, for most women, the increase in these hormones is not high enough to affect milk production. Most mothers do not notice any impact of menstruation on their milk production.

Can you start your period while breastfeeding?

When you breastfeed, the levels of this hormone are high in your body. Because of this, you will probably not have your period or will experience only some light spotting while breastfeeding. Meanwhile, some women get their period a few weeks after giving birth, even if they are breastfeeding.

When will my period return when I’m breastfeeding?

364-366), almost everyone who is fully breastfeeding their babies will be free of menstrual periods for 3 – 6 months or longer.

Is it normal to have a random period while breastfeeding?

The hormone prolactin, which stimulates milk production, often delays the return of regular ovulation and menstruation, making irregular periods even more common among breastfeeding women.

Are you more fertile while breastfeeding?

In general, ovulation precedes 1st menstruation more frequently in those who do not nurse when compared to those who nurse. Breastfeeding has a demonstrable influence in inhibiting ovulation; it is not surprising that it has an inhibiting effect on fertility.

When will I get my first period while breastfeeding?

If you bottle feed your baby, or combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding, your first period could start as soon as 5 to 6 weeks after you give birth. If you fully breastfeed (including at night) without any bottle feeding, your periods may not start again until you start to reduce breastfeeding.

Are you fertile while breastfeeding?

“You can’t get pregnant if you’re breastfeeding.” Maybe you’ve heard this myth before…and we should warn you, it’s just that—a myth! The truth is you can get pregnant while you’re breastfeeding, even if your menstrual cycle hasn’t returned to normal.

Why did I get my period if I’m exclusively breastfeeding?

Feeding your baby stops certain hormones from releasing, which are important to ovulation . However, when you get your first period after birth depends on how often you breastfeed, whether your baby is sleeping through at night, and whether they’ve started solid foods yet (Gill 2016, HSE 2022, LLLC 2023).

What does your first period look like while breastfeeding?

It might be a bit uncomfy to breastfeed during your first period after pregnancy. When your first post-baby period does show up, there’s a good chance your flow could be a little wonky compared to what you’re used to — it could be heavier, or even lighter. It could be longer or shorter than your pre-baby periods.

Why do I only bleed when I breastfeed?

Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which causes more cramping. While this ultimately leads to less bleeding, you may notice more cramping or bleeding while you breastfeed or just after. Breastfeeding can also cause a delay of your first period after giving birth.