Does breastfeeding make your periods heavier?

Does Breastfeeding Make Your Periods Heavier?
The relationship between breastfeeding and menstruation is complex and varies significantly among individuals. For many new mothers, the return of their menstrual cycle after childbirth can bring about a range of experiences, including changes in the heaviness and duration of their periods.
The Return of Menstruation
Breastfeeding can influence when a woman’s period returns postpartum. For some, menstruation may be delayed for several months or even longer due to the hormonal effects of breastfeeding. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, suppresses ovulation, which can postpone the return of periods. However, once menstruation resumes, the nature of the periods can differ from pre-pregnancy experiences.
Changes in Period Characteristics
When periods do return, many women report that their menstrual cycles are not the same as they were before pregnancy. According to health experts, some women experience heavier, longer, or more painful periods after childbirth, while others may find that their periods improve in terms of flow and discomfort. This variability can be attributed to several factors, including hormonal changes, the physical effects of childbirth, and individual health conditions.
Heaviness of Periods
Specifically regarding the heaviness of periods, there is evidence to suggest that breastfeeding can lead to heavier menstrual flows for some women. This change may be linked to the hormonal fluctuations that occur as the body adjusts to the cessation of breastfeeding and the return of normal ovulatory cycles. Additionally, the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth can also play a role in how menstrual cycles manifest postnatally.
Individual Experiences
It’s important to note that every woman’s experience is unique. While some may find their periods become heavier, others may notice a decrease in flow or changes in cycle regularity. Factors such as age, overall health, and whether a woman is exclusively breastfeeding or supplementing with formula can also influence menstrual characteristics.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation, when periods do resume, they may be characterized by changes in heaviness and duration. For some women, periods may become heavier, while others may experience lighter flows. Understanding these changes can help new mothers navigate their postpartum health more effectively. If there are concerns about menstrual changes, consulting a healthcare provider is always a good step to ensure that any underlying issues are addressed.

Does breastfeeding affect periods?

After having a baby, your periods will return at your body’s own pace. If you are breastfeeding your baby, your periods may not return for months or even years after childbirth. If your baby is being fed using formula, you may find your periods return shortly after childbirth.

Does breastfeeding increase blood flow?

The internal thoracic artery supplies the majority of blood to the nipple via the first to fourth intercostal branches9. Oxytocin not only stimulates milk ejection but also increases blood flow to the breast via vasodilation17,19.

Why are my periods so heavy after having a baby?

Some women experience heavier, longer or more painful periods after having a baby. These changes may relate to a larger uterine cavity causing more endometrium (mucous lining the uterus) to shed. For some women, however, their periods improve.

What causes period to return while breastfeeding?

But more commonly your menstrual cycle returned because your baby already started nursing less or you started pumping less. If your supply has decreased because your baby is nursing less often, or you are pumping less often, then breastfeed or pump more times a day to increase milk production.

How long does it take for a 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.

Why am I pouring blood on my period?

For many people, heavy periods have no cause. For others, it’s due to a health condition such as fibroids, adenomyosis or endometriosis. You may be experiencing a heavier than ‘normal’ period if you’re: bleeding through your clothes.

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.

What causes your period to return while breastfeeding?

But more commonly your menstrual cycle returned because your baby already started nursing less or you started pumping less. If your supply has decreased because your baby is nursing less often, or you are pumping less often, then breastfeed or pump more times a day to increase milk production.

Why do I bleed more when I breastfeed?

You may notice the bleeding is redder and heavier when you breastfeed. This happens because breastfeeding makes your womb contract. You may also feel cramps similar to period pains. The bleeding will carry on for a few weeks.

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.