How long after stopping nursing will I get my period?

Understanding the Return of Your Period After Stopping Nursing
The return of menstruation after stopping breastfeeding can vary significantly from one woman to another, influenced by several factors including hormonal changes, breastfeeding frequency, and individual body responses.
Breastfeeding and Hormonal Influence
Breastfeeding naturally suppresses ovulation due to elevated levels of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. This hormonal environment can delay the return of your menstrual cycle. For many women, the first period after stopping nursing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to resume. According to health experts, if you are exclusively breastfeeding, your period may not return until you significantly reduce nursing sessions or stop altogether.
Timeline for Menstrual Return
For those who combine breastfeeding with bottle feeding, the timeline can be shorter. Some women report that their periods return as soon as 5 to 6 weeks after giving birth if they are not exclusively breastfeeding. Conversely, if you have been exclusively breastfeeding, it might take longer, with some women experiencing a delay of up to six months or more after weaning before their periods resume.
Variability in Experiences
It’s important to note that experiences can vary widely. Some women may find that their first period after stopping nursing is heavier or more painful than before, while others may notice lighter and less frequent cycles. This variability can be attributed to the body’s adjustment to hormonal changes post-pregnancy and breastfeeding.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you find that your period has not returned several months after stopping breastfeeding, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider. While it is often normal for menstruation to take time to resume, persistent absence of periods could indicate other underlying issues that may need to be addressed.
In summary, while the return of your period after stopping nursing is influenced by various factors, it is generally expected to occur within a few weeks to several months. Each woman’s body is unique, and understanding your own cycle can help you navigate this transition more comfortably.

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 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 it normal to not get your period back while 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.

How long after breastfeeding can you get your period?

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 soon after stopping breastfeeding will I 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.

How long after stopping breastfeeding does cycle 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 quickly can a woman get pregnant after giving birth?

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. Your midwife will discuss contraception with you after your baby is born.

How long does it take for hormones to reset after stopping breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.

How long can you go without a period while breastfeeding?

Exclusive breastfeeding will likely prevent the return of your menstrual cycle in the first six months after birth.

Why am I not getting my period after stopping 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.