How long after stopping breastfeeding does your period return?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation After Breastfeeding
The return of menstruation after childbirth is a significant concern for many new parents, particularly those who are breastfeeding. The timing can vary widely based on several factors, including the breastfeeding method and individual hormonal responses.
Hormonal Influence on Menstruation
Breastfeeding significantly impacts the menstrual cycle due to the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. Prolactin levels are elevated during breastfeeding, and this hormone suppresses ovulation. Consequently, many breastfeeding individuals may not experience their periods for an extended period. Research indicates that it is common for menstruation to be absent for six months or longer when exclusively breastfeeding.
Timing of Period Return
For those who are breastfeeding, the return of menstruation can be influenced by how often and how exclusively they nurse. If breastfeeding is continued without significant reduction, it may take months or even years for periods to resume. However, once breastfeeding is reduced or stopped, menstruation typically returns within one to two months.
Interestingly, only about 20% of breastfeeding parents will see their period return within the first six months postpartum. This means that for many, the absence of menstruation is a normal part of the breastfeeding experience.
Factors Affecting Menstrual Return
Several factors can influence when menstruation resumes after stopping breastfeeding:
1. Exclusivity of Breastfeeding: Exclusively breastfeeding often delays the return of periods longer than mixed feeding or formula feeding.
2. Frequency of Nursing: More frequent nursing sessions can prolong the absence of menstruation.
3. Individual Hormonal Responses: Each person’s body reacts differently to hormonal changes, which can affect the timing of the menstrual cycle’s return.
In summary, while the return of menstruation after stopping breastfeeding can vary, many individuals can expect their periods to resume within one to two months after they significantly reduce or stop nursing. However, for those who continue to breastfeed exclusively, it is not unusual for menstruation to remain absent for several months or even longer. Understanding these dynamics can help new parents navigate the postpartum period with greater clarity and reassurance.

How soon does period return if not breastfeeding?

If you’re not breastfeeding, you can expect your period to return between six and eight weeks postpartum,” Berens says. Some women may have a period before this timeframe, while others could go as long as three months before they have a period after birth.

How soon will my period start after stopping breastfeeding?

Only around one-fifth of breastfeeding parents will get their period within six months of giving birth. If you are a breastfeeding parent, your menstrual cycle will return within one to two months after you stop nursing your child or start significantly reducing the amount you nurse.

Is my period coming back after breastfeeding?

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.

How long do you stay fertile after giving birth?

Contraception after having a baby
You can get pregnant 3 weeks after the birth of a baby, including if you’re breastfeeding and your periods haven’t started again. You need to use contraception every time you have sex after giving birth unless you want to get pregnant again.

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.

Is my period late because I stopped breastfeeding?

Most moms should see their periods return within six to eight weeks after weaning. If you haven’t gotten your period three months after you stop breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.

How long after I stop breastfeeding will my period return?

Only around one-fifth of breastfeeding parents will get their period within six months of giving birth. If you are a breastfeeding parent, your menstrual cycle will return within one to two months after you stop nursing your child or start significantly reducing the amount you nurse.

Do you lose weight when you stop breastfeeding?

That said, it’s not a guarantee that you’ll gain weight after you stop nursing. “Some women actually lose weight after weaning,” Cording says. It’s worth checking in with yourself if you’re concerned about your overall health or feel like your eating habits haven’t been the best lately.

How do I know if it’s my period or postpartum bleeding?

Lochia and menstrual blood are similar in that the bleeding subsides before going away. The biggest difference between the two types of discharge is that lochia lasts much longer. A typical period lasts about one week. Lochia lasts about six weeks in most people.

Why has my period not returned after breastfeeding?

Women who breastfeed can find that it takes longer for their periods to return after giving birth. This is because the hormone that is used for milk production – prolactin – can also suppress the hormone that is responsible for ovulation.