Does your period change when you stop breastfeeding?

Understanding the Impact of Stopping Breastfeeding on Menstrual Cycles
For many new parents, the relationship between breastfeeding and menstruation can be a source of confusion and concern. One common question is whether stopping breastfeeding will lead to changes in menstrual cycles. The answer is nuanced, as it varies significantly from person to person.
Hormonal Influences on Menstruation
Breastfeeding affects hormonal levels in the body, particularly the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. High levels of prolactin can suppress ovulation, leading to a delay in the return of menstruation. For those who breastfeed exclusively, it is not uncommon for menstruation to be absent for several months postpartum. In fact, some individuals may not see their periods return until they have completely weaned their child.
When breastfeeding is reduced or stopped, the hormonal balance begins to shift. As prolactin levels decrease, the body may resume ovulation, which can trigger the return of menstruation. This process can vary widely; some may experience their first period within weeks of stopping breastfeeding, while others might take several months.
Variability in Menstrual Patterns
The timing of the return of menstruation after stopping breastfeeding is highly individual. Factors such as the frequency of breastfeeding, the age of the baby, and personal hormonal profiles all play a role. For instance, those who have been breastfeeding exclusively may find that their periods return more quickly once they begin to reduce feedings, especially if they stop nighttime feedings. Conversely, some may experience irregular periods for a time as their body readjusts to the absence of breastfeeding.
Physical and Emotional Considerations
It’s also important to note that the transition away from breastfeeding can be accompanied by physical and emotional changes. Some individuals may experience symptoms such as mood swings or physical discomfort as their bodies adjust to the hormonal changes associated with the return of their menstrual cycle.
In summary, stopping breastfeeding can lead to changes in menstrual cycles, but the specifics can vary greatly among individuals. While some may see their periods return shortly after weaning, others might experience a longer delay. Understanding these dynamics can help new parents navigate this significant transition with greater ease and awareness.

Do periods change after breastfeeding?

Your period can take up to a year to become regular, no matter how consistent it was before pregnancy. To develop, grow, and deliver a baby, your body experiences several hormonal changes, and it needs time to return to normal. Breastfeeding moms are even more likely to have an irregular menstrual cycle.

Will I lose weight if I stop breastfeeding?

It is it a myth that breastfeeding burns up lots of calories making milk. You will burn some stored body fat, but your body protects some fat for the purpose of breastfeeding. Many women don’t lose all the baby weight until they completely stop nursing.

What happens if you stop breastfeeding suddenly?

Slow Milk Production Gradually
If you suddenly stop nursing your baby, your body continues to produce milk. A good way of slowing milk production gradually is to pump or hand express just enough milk at regular intervals to avoid discomfort. In this way milk production will slowly decrease.

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.

How long after stopping breastfeeding do hormones return to normal?

Often your hormones settle within a few weeks and you and your child adjust to a new rhythm where breastfeeding is no longer part of your current story. These feelings of sadness and general lowness that can happen after weaning are normally temporary. Being gentle and patient with yourself is important.

Is your period irregular after stopping breastfeeding?

Yes. Typically, your periods after breastfeeding will be irregular. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, our hormone levels are fluctuating. This can mean it takes our body some extra time to find its natural pre-pregnancy rhythm and return to our normal cycle.

What are the side effects of stopping breastfeeding?

What’s more, when you wean, your body stops producing the feel-good hormones of oxytocin and prolactin. For some parents — especially if those who wean abruptly — this can increase feelings of moodiness, irritability, and sadness. For others, it can lead to something anecdotally known as post-weaning depression.

How long does it take for periods to return to normal after breastfeeding?

Also, some people have a non-ovulatory period before 6 months postpartum, but do not menstruate again for many months. According to The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (p. 364-366), almost everyone who is fully breastfeeding their babies will be free of menstrual periods for 3 – 6 months or longer.

How long after stopping breastfeeding do you ovulate?

Your hormones might take some time to return to normal. Some women begin ovulating as soon as they reduce night feeds or begin to wean. For others, ovulation and periods take several months to return.

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.