Can your period start and stop while breastfeeding?

Understanding Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the relationship between breastfeeding and menstruation can be a source of confusion and concern. One common question is whether it is possible for a woman’s period to start and stop while she is breastfeeding. The answer is nuanced and varies significantly from one individual to another.
The Timing of Your Period Resuming
After giving birth, many women experience a delay in the return of their menstrual cycle, particularly if they are breastfeeding. This is largely due to the hormonal changes that occur during lactation. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, can inhibit ovulation, which in turn delays the onset of menstruation. For some mothers, this means that their periods may not return until they begin to wean their baby off breast milk, while others might see their menstrual cycle resume as early as a few weeks postpartum.
Irregular Cycles and Variability
It’s important to note that even when menstruation does resume, the cycles can be irregular. Many women report experiencing fluctuations in their menstrual patterns during breastfeeding. Factors such as the frequency of breastfeeding, the age of the baby, and whether the mother is supplementing with formula can all influence when and how periods return. For instance, mothers who breastfeed exclusively may find that their periods are delayed longer compared to those who introduce other forms of nutrition.
Impact on Breastfeeding and Milk Supply
Interestingly, the onset of menstruation can also affect breastfeeding dynamics. Some infants may react to changes in the mother’s milk supply or taste during their menstrual cycle, leading to fussiness or altered feeding patterns. However, most babies continue to breastfeed without significant issues throughout the mother’s menstrual cycle. If a mother experiences a drop in milk supply during her period, increasing the frequency of breastfeeding sessions can often help to boost production.
The Possibility of Periods Starting and Stopping
It is indeed possible for a woman’s period to start and then stop again while she is still breastfeeding. This can happen for several reasons, including changes in breastfeeding frequency or the introduction of solid foods. If a mother begins to breastfeed less frequently, particularly at night, her body may respond by resuming ovulation and menstruation, only for the cycle to become irregular again if breastfeeding patterns change.
In summary, while breastfeeding can significantly delay the return of menstruation, the experience varies widely among women. Factors such as breastfeeding frequency, the introduction of other foods, and individual hormonal responses all play a role in determining when and how periods resume. For mothers navigating this complex landscape, understanding these dynamics can help alleviate concerns and foster a more comfortable breastfeeding experience.

Why does my period come and go while breastfeeding?

Irregular periods are also an aftereffect of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Your period is most likely to resume if your baby no longer requires night-time feeding because they are sleeping for six or more hours. If your baby is feeding less or has started eating solid foods, your period will return soon.

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.

Can you have a phantom period while breastfeeding?

Even if you don’t get your period for the whole duration of your breastfeeding, you can still experience period-like symptoms. This is sometimes referred to as the phantom period, but it doesn’t need to be as daunting as the Scooby-Doo-like name implies – especially since there’s less blood involved than normal!

Can you get your period and then lose it again while breastfeeding?

Once your periods return, they may be irregular to start with if you are still making milk (lactating). It’s not unusual to skip a period, or even for it to be a few months before your next one.

Can a breastfeeding mother miss her period without being pregnant?

Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can suppress your period, depending on how frequently you are nursing. You may get a period while breastfeeding, and then not have another one for several months or more, particularly if your baby is nursing exclusively.

Is it normal to bleed between periods and breastfeeding?

If you combine breastfeeding with formula feeding, your first period could start again after about 5-6 weeks after having your baby. When your baby starts breastfeeding less often (around 3 feeds a day), you may start ‘spotting’. Spotting is a light and irregular period that usually appears as spots of blood.

How likely is it to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

About 2 out of 100 people who use breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the 6 months it can be used after a baby is born. Breastfeeding won’t prevent pregnancy if you feed your baby anything other than breast milk. So if you breastfeed but also use formula, LAM isn’t a great birth control method for you.

Can breastfeeding start and stop your period?

Can Your Period Start and Stop While Breastfeeding? It is completely normal for periods to start and stop while breastfeeding. It all depends on how often you breastfeed. The more often you exclusively breastfeed, the less quickly your period will return to normal.

What are the signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

In the early stage or first trimester of your pregnancy, you may have nipple tenderness and breast soreness. You may have a decreased food and water intake due to morning sickness and feel tired. Such physical discomfort may increase while breastfeeding.

Why am I getting my period every 2 weeks after giving birth?

It’s very common to have irregular periods for the first several months postpartum. Once your hormones normalize, you should start getting a regular period again. If you’re breastfeeding, you may not menstruate at all until you begin the weaning process. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.