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How can I get my period back while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Period While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation while breastfeeding can be a perplexing topic. The timing and experience of getting your period back can vary significantly from one individual to another, influenced by several factors including breastfeeding practices, hormonal changes, and personal health.
The Hormonal Connection
Breastfeeding naturally suppresses ovulation due to elevated levels of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. This hormonal environment typically delays the return of menstruation. For many mothers, periods may not resume until they start weaning or significantly reduce breastfeeding frequency. Research indicates that most breastfeeding mothers will see their periods return between 9 to 18 months postpartum, although some may experience it sooner or later depending on their unique circumstances.
Factors Influencing Menstrual Return
1. Breastfeeding Frequency: Exclusive breastfeeding, especially on demand, can prolong the absence of menstruation. If you are breastfeeding both day and night, this can further delay your cycle. Conversely, introducing solid foods or reducing breastfeeding sessions may encourage the return of your period.
2. Individual Variation: Each body responds differently to the postpartum period. Some mothers may find their cycles return quickly, while others may experience a longer delay. This variability can be influenced by factors such as stress, sleep patterns, and overall health.
3. Weaning: Gradually weaning your baby can lead to the resumption of your menstrual cycle. However, it’s important to note that many mothers do not need to completely stop breastfeeding for their periods to return.
Managing Expectations and Health
When your period does return, it may not resemble your pre-pregnancy cycles. The first few periods can be heavier and more painful than usual, which is a common experience for many postpartum individuals. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can affect your milk supply temporarily. Some mothers notice changes in their baby’s feeding patterns around the time of their period, but typically, increasing breastfeeding frequency can help stabilize milk production.
What Can You Do?
If you are eager to get your period back while breastfeeding, consider the following strategies:
– Adjust Feeding Patterns: Gradually reduce the frequency of breastfeeding sessions, especially night feedings, to signal your body to resume ovulation.
– Monitor Your Health: Ensure you are maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and getting adequate rest, as these factors can influence hormonal balance and menstrual health.
– Consult Healthcare Providers: If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or breastfeeding, discussing them with a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance and reassurance.
In conclusion, while the return of your period during breastfeeding can be unpredictable, understanding the underlying hormonal dynamics and individual factors can help you navigate this phase with greater ease. Remember, every journey is unique, and what works for one mother may not be the same for another.

How can I get my period back asap?

How to Make Your Period Come Faster

  1. Hormonal Birth Control.
  2. Vitamin C.
  3. Emmenagogues.
  4. Papaya and Pineapple.
  5. Stress Management.
  6. Have Sex.
  7. Exercise.
  8. Staying Safe.

What makes your period come back while breastfeeding?

If your first postpartum period returns earlier than expected while you’re breast feeding, one reason could be if you’ve stopped breastfeeding overnight. If your baby is sleeping through the night before the age of 6 months, this may cause your period to return earlier than normal which can affect your milk supply.

Does getting your period mean your milk is drying up?

Menstruation can sometimes decrease milk production
The increase in these hormones can cause a decrease in milk production for some women. However, for most women, the increase in these hormones is not high enough to affect milk production. Most mothers do not notice any impact of menstruation on their milk production.

What happens if your period doesn t come back after breastfeeding?

If you choose to breastfeed exclusively, your first period may not return for several months. For those who keep breastfeeding, it might not return for 1 to 2 years. There is no way to know if your periods will return the same way they were before you were pregnant.

How to get your period back while breastfeeding?

If you are breastfeeding exclusively, your periods may not start again until you stop breastfeeding or until you stop night-time breastfeeding. This is because the hormone that causes your body to make breastmilk can stop your body making the hormone that controls your periods.

What can a woman do to start ovulating again?

Five simple changes to help your body ovulate naturally

  1. Increase your body weight. First, determine your BMI.
  2. Swap low carb for slow carb.
  3. Add some good fats–including animal fat.
  4. Improve your sleep: Not just the length, but the quality of your rest.
  5. Balance hormones naturally.

What to expect when trying to dry up breast milk?

Some people may stop producing milk over just a few days. For others, it may take several weeks for their milk to dry up completely. It’s also possible to experience let-down sensations or leaking for months after suppressing lactation. If your breast milk comes back in without any reason, talk with your medical team.

How to start ovulating again while breastfeeding?

To bring back your fertility sooner, try changing your breastfeeding pattern. There is no general rule around breastfeeding frequency that leads to the return of fertility. Abrupt changes in breastfeeding generally brings back fertility quicker.

How can I get my period naturally while breastfeeding?

The first period after the birth of your child can be as early as five to six weeks. Or, you may not have your period for as long as you nurse your child. Once you stop feeding your baby at night or begin to give them formula or solid foods, your period will return soon.

What is the longest time without a period while breastfeeding?

Most breastfeeding mothers will resume their periods between 9 and 18 months after their baby’s birth. Weaning your baby will almost certainly cause your menstrual cycle to return, but most people find that they do not need to wean in order for their cycle to gradually resume.

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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