Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » How can I get my period to come back while breastfeeding?

How can I get my period to come back while breastfeeding?

Understanding Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation during breastfeeding can be a perplexing topic. The timing of when your period will return varies significantly among individuals, influenced by several factors including breastfeeding frequency, hormonal changes, and personal health.
Hormonal Influence on Menstruation
Breastfeeding naturally suppresses ovulation due to the hormones involved in milk production, particularly prolactin. This hormone is responsible for milk synthesis and can delay the return of your menstrual cycle. Generally, the more frequently a baby is breastfed, especially during the night, the longer it may take for periods to resume.
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their periods to return between 9 to 18 months postpartum. However, this timeline can vary widely; some may find their cycles returning sooner, even while exclusively breastfeeding.
Factors That May Help Regulate Your Cycle
If you’re looking to encourage the return of your period while breastfeeding, consider the following factors:
1. Gradual Weaning: While it’s not necessary to completely stop breastfeeding to get your period back, gradually reducing the number of feedings can help. This is particularly effective if you are breastfeeding frequently throughout the day and night.
2. Introduce Solid Foods: As your baby begins to eat solid foods, they may naturally breastfeed less. This reduction in breastfeeding frequency can signal your body to resume ovulation and menstruation.
3. Monitor Stress Levels: High stress can also impact your hormonal balance and delay the return of your period. Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or simply taking time for yourself can be beneficial.
4. Consult Healthcare Providers: If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or breastfeeding, discussing them with a healthcare provider can provide personalized insights and recommendations. They can help assess your situation and suggest appropriate steps based on your health and breastfeeding patterns.
What to Expect When Your Period Returns
When your period does return, it may not resemble your pre-pregnancy cycle. The first few periods can be heavier or more painful than usual, and it may take some time for your cycle to regulate itself. Additionally, some mothers notice changes in their milk supply or their baby’s feeding patterns during their menstrual cycle, which is a normal response to hormonal fluctuations.
In conclusion, while the return of your period during breastfeeding is influenced by various factors, understanding your body and making gradual adjustments can help facilitate this natural process. Remember, every journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.

How long can lactational amenorrhea last?

It can work for up to 6 months after birth. It is effective right away. There are no added hormones that can affect your breastmilk. There is no cost and no birth control supplies are needed.

How to get your period overnight?

It’s not possible to start your period overnight through natural or safe methods. If you’re concerned about irregular periods, consult a doctor for advice. How do you know when your period is coming? You may notice premenstrual symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, mood swings, or mild cramping.

How do I get my period back when 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.

Is it normal to stop menstruation while breastfeeding?

Most breastfeeding women find they don’t have their period for many months after the birth of their baby. This is because breastfeeding hormones can stop you from ovulating (releasing an egg) each month.

How to get your period back?

How is amenorrhea treated?

  1. Following a diet and exercise plan that help you maintain a weight that’s healthy for you.
  2. Stress management techniques.
  3. Changing exercise levels.
  4. Hormonal treatment (medication), as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
  5. Surgery (in rare cases).

How to get periods immediately during breastfeeding?

It’s not unusual to skip a period, or even for it to be a few months before your next one. When you start reducing the amount of time you spend breastfeeding, your periods should start to return to their usual routine. You should talk to your doctor about your periods if you are having: changes in their usual pattern.

Will milk supply drop when period returns?

Menstruation can sometimes decrease milk production
After ovulation, estrogen and progesterone levels in the body rise and calcium levels fall. The increase in these hormones can cause a decrease in milk production for some women.

Why am I not getting my period while breastfeeding?

Almost all breastfeeding mothers are menstruation-free for the first six months postpartum. It’s a phenomenon known as lactational amenorrhea. Essentially, your baby’s regular nursing acts as an inhibitor on the release of the hormones necessary to prepare for a new pregnancy.

How to naturally get your period back after birth control?

Most people find that their cycle returns to normal soon after stopping birth control, so there is often no need to try any specific techniques to help the body adjust.

Is it normal for your period to never return after breastfeeding?

If your periods do not return even after you have stopped breastfeeding, it may be a cause for concern. In some cases, persistent lactational amenorrhea can indicate that your body is not producing enough hormones to support ovulation and a regular menstrual cycle.

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.

Leave a Comment