Does breastfeeding alter your period?

The Impact of Breastfeeding on Menstruation
Breastfeeding is a profound experience for many new mothers, not only in terms of nurturing their infants but also in how it influences their bodies, particularly their menstrual cycles. Understanding this relationship can help mothers navigate the complexities of postpartum recovery and fertility.
Delayed Return of Menstruation
One of the most significant effects of breastfeeding on menstruation is the delay in the return of a woman’s period. For many breastfeeding mothers, menstruation may not resume for several months, often ranging from 9 to 18 months after childbirth. This delay is primarily due to the hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, suppresses ovulation, which in turn postpones the menstrual cycle.
Interestingly, some women may experience their first period just a few weeks postpartum, even while breastfeeding. This variability can be attributed to individual differences in hormonal levels and breastfeeding practices. For mothers who breastfeed exclusively, the likelihood of their menstrual cycle returning is lower in the first six months compared to those who supplement with formula.
Effects on Milk Supply and Baby’s Feeding Patterns
The return of menstruation can also influence breastfeeding dynamics. Hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle may affect a mother’s milk supply temporarily. Some mothers report changes in their baby’s feeding behavior during this time, as infants may sense variations in milk taste or availability. However, most mothers find that increasing the frequency of breastfeeding sessions can help maintain their milk supply during their period.
Weaning and Menstrual Resumption
As mothers begin to wean their babies, the return of menstruation is almost guaranteed. The process of weaning reduces prolactin levels, allowing ovulation and the menstrual cycle to resume more regularly. However, it is essential to note that many women do not need to completely wean to see their cycles gradually return; some may experience a resumption of periods while still breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding significantly alters a woman’s menstrual cycle, primarily delaying its return due to hormonal changes. While the experience varies widely among individuals, most breastfeeding mothers can expect their periods to resume between 9 and 18 months postpartum. Understanding these changes can empower mothers to manage their health and breastfeeding journey more effectively, ensuring both they and their babies thrive during this critical period.

How long does it take for your period to regulate while breastfeeding?

If you are exclusively breastfeeding, you may still see the return of a monthly bleed beginning around 4 months, especially if your little one starts sleeping longer stretches at night at an early age. But more commonly, women get their periods back anywhere between 8 – 18 months postpartum.

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.

How long does it take for period to normalize after breastfeeding?

Though most women get their periods within 12 weeks of delivery, breastfeeding is the most significant factor that can delay it. Your first periods after delivery can be different than your periods before you became pregnant, and it can take up to a year for them to return to the way they were.

Does breastfeeding reduce menstrual flow?

364-366), almost everyone who is fully breastfeeding their babies will be free of menstrual periods for 3 – 6 months or longer. This is called lactational amenorrhea. Fully breastfeeding means the baby relies completely on breastfeeding for nourishment and for all sucking needs.

Can breastfeeding make period lighter?

Breast-feeding keeps these hormone levels high, so the longer you nurse, the more likely you will experience a light period, or no period at all. On the flip side, as you wean your baby off of breast milk, your periods will likely return relatively quickly.

Why is my period so irregular after breastfeeding?

Your period after pregnancy can be irregular due to hormonal changes, especially with the levels of estrogen and progesterone still fluctuating. If you’re breastfeeding, prolactin—the hormone responsible for milk production—can further delay your cycle, causing it to be on and off.

Can breastfeeding mess with your period?

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.

What are the side effects of breastfeeding hormones?

Breastfeeding and hormonal changes
Decreased estrogen levels impact vaginal tissue, temporarily decreasing elasticity, blood flow, and thinning of the tissue. These vaginal changes cause symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, burning, irritation, painful intercourse, urinary frequency, and urgency.

Do you still ovulate while breastfeeding?

How does breastfeeding affect fertility? Women who aren’t breastfeeding may ovulate (release an egg) as early as 5 to 6 weeks after the birth. However, if you’re breastfeeding, your hormones don’t return to pre-pregnancy levels until much later, and this delays ovulation and the return of periods.

How long does it take for periods to Normalise after breastfeeding?

Once you start to ease up on breast-feeding, especially after the first year as your baby gains more nutrition from foods, your periods will start to normalize again. If you don’t breast-feed, you should have normal cycles again right away. You might even get your next period four weeks after delivery.