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Can your period start then stop again while breastfeeding after?

Understanding Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation during breastfeeding can be a perplexing experience. It’s common to wonder if your period can start and then stop again while nursing, and the answer is a nuanced one.
The Role of Hormones
Breastfeeding significantly influences hormonal levels in a woman’s body, particularly the hormone prolactin. This hormone is crucial for milk production and is typically elevated during breastfeeding. High levels of prolactin can suppress ovulation, which often leads to a delay in the return of menstrual cycles after childbirth. However, this does not mean that menstruation is entirely absent during breastfeeding.
Irregular Cycles
Many mothers experience irregular periods when they resume menstruation while breastfeeding. Some may find that their periods start and stop unexpectedly. This irregularity can be attributed to the fluctuating levels of hormones as the body adjusts to both breastfeeding and the menstrual cycle. For some women, periods may return as early as five to six weeks postpartum, while others may not see a return until they have significantly reduced breastfeeding frequency.
Impact of Breastfeeding Frequency
The frequency and intensity of breastfeeding can also affect menstrual cycles. Generally, the more frequently a baby is breastfed, the longer it may take for periods to resume. Conversely, if a mother begins to wean her baby or reduces breastfeeding sessions, she may notice that her periods return more quickly. This is because lower prolactin levels can allow for the re-establishment of ovulation and menstruation.
What to Expect
When menstruation does return, some mothers report changes in their breastfeeding experience. For instance, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can lead to temporary changes in milk supply, often resulting in a decrease in milk production just before the period starts. This can sometimes lead to a baby wanting to feed more frequently, as they may sense a change in milk availability.
Conclusion
In summary, it is entirely possible for a breastfeeding mother to experience periods that start and stop again. This phenomenon is influenced by hormonal changes, breastfeeding frequency, and individual body responses. Each woman’s experience is unique, and while some may find their cycles return to normal relatively quickly, others may navigate a more irregular pattern for some time. Understanding these dynamics can help mothers manage their expectations and adapt to the changes in their bodies during this transitional phase of motherhood.

Can periods start and stop while breastfeeding?

It’s normal to have inconsistent cycles when you’re nursing, and you can chalk it up to the same hormones that cause amenorrhea. Almost all breastfeeding mothers are menstruation-free for the first six months postpartum. It’s a phenomenon known as lactational amenorrhea.

When should I take a pregnancy test if I am breastfeeding?

So, if you’re breastfeeding, having sex without using birth control, and think there’s a possibility you might be pregnant, you should take a standard pregnancy test on the first day of a missed period or two weeks after having unprotected sex.

When did your period return while breastfeeding?

The return of ovulation and menstrual cycles remains highly variable. However, research shows these cycles are more likely to return after six months than before six months if a mom is breastfeeding exclusively. This is normal. However, it is possible to get your period while breastfeeding before the 6 month mark.

Why did I get my period back then stop breastfeeding?

Your Period Might Be Different
Some mamas might start to get their period again even while breastfeeding. For others, their period may return as they start to drop feedings. Either way, you may notice a few changes in your cycle once it resumes.

What are the weird symptoms after stopping breastfeeding?

This adjustment can lead to a short time of feeling quite low, as your hormones settle down. It can be really common to feel down or weepy – or even depressed – after weaning. And for some, the feelings are strong and may mean there is a sense of anxiety, insomnia, anger, swings between high and low moods.

What are the side effects of breastfeeding while pregnant first?

If you are breastfeeding while pregnant, you may notice a few side effects. Morning sickness can sometimes be worse during a feed. This may be due to hormonal release in your body, hunger, thirst or tiredness. Your nipples may feel tender as a result of pregnancy hormones, which for some mums can be very painful.

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.

Is it normal to have an inconsistent period while breastfeeding?

If You Are Breastfeeding:
Some women won’t experience a period until they start formula feeding or when their baby begins eating solid food, reducing their dependency on breast milk. However, even when your cycle does return, you may still experience irregular bleeding or longer intervals between periods for some time.

Can your period skip a month while 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.

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.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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