How long after stopping breastfeeding does your period start?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation After Breastfeeding
The relationship between breastfeeding and the return of menstruation is a nuanced topic that varies significantly among individuals. For many new parents, the question of when their period will resume after stopping breastfeeding is a common concern, influenced by various factors including the frequency and duration of breastfeeding.
Timing of Menstruation Resumption
For those who breastfeed exclusively, menstruation may not return for several months or even years after childbirth. This is largely due to the hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces. The hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, also suppresses ovulation, thereby delaying the return of menstrual cycles.
Once a parent begins to wean their baby off breast milk, they can expect their menstrual cycle to gradually return. The first period can occur as early as five to six weeks after stopping breastfeeding, but this is not a universal timeline. In fact, some may find that their periods do not return until they have significantly reduced breastfeeding or stopped altogether, particularly if they are still nursing at night.
Variability in Return of Cycles
The variability in the return of menstruation is significant. For parents who do not breastfeed at all or only do so part-time, periods may resume within two to twelve weeks after delivery. Conversely, those who breastfeed exclusively may experience a longer delay, with only about 20% of breastfeeding parents seeing their period return within six months.
It’s important to note that individual experiences can differ widely. Factors such as pre-pregnancy menstrual regularity, overall health, and the specific breastfeeding practices employed can all influence when menstruation resumes. For instance, if a person had regular cycles before pregnancy, they might find that their periods return more quickly after stopping breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, while the return of menstruation after stopping breastfeeding can happen as soon as five to six weeks later, many factors contribute to this timeline. Each individual’s experience is unique, and understanding the interplay between breastfeeding and hormonal changes is crucial for new parents navigating this phase of postpartum recovery.

What is your first period like after you stop breastfeeding?

Your periods will become more regular after a few months. Some women also find that their periods after weaning—and after pregnancy in general—are more intense. They may experience more cramping and PMS symptoms.

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 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 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.

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.

What is the maximum delay in periods if not pregnant?

If you don’t have any known condition affecting your menstrual cycle, your period should start within 24 to 38 days of your last period, depending on your usual cycle. If you’re 7 days past your expected due date, it is considered late. After 6 weeks, you can consider your late period a missed period.

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 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 after stopping breastfeeding will my period return?

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.

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.