How long does it take for a period to come back after breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation After Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of their menstrual cycle after childbirth is a significant milestone, often intertwined with the experience of breastfeeding. The timeline for when a period returns can vary widely, influenced by several factors, particularly the breastfeeding method and individual hormonal responses.
Breastfeeding and Menstrual Cycles
When a mother chooses to breastfeed exclusively, her body produces higher levels of the hormone prolactin, which is essential for milk production. This hormone can inhibit the reproductive hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. As a result, many breastfeeding mothers may not see their periods return for several months, and in some cases, not until they completely stop breastfeeding.
Research indicates that for mothers who breastfeed exclusively, the first period may not return until they cease nursing altogether. This can mean a delay of six months or longer, depending on the individual. However, some mothers may experience their first postpartum period as early as five to six weeks after giving birth, particularly if they begin to wean their baby or reduce nighttime feedings.
The Role of Weaning
Weaning plays a crucial role in the resumption of menstruation. As mothers start to introduce solid foods or reduce breastfeeding sessions, especially at night, they may notice changes in their menstrual cycle. The act of weaning can trigger hormonal shifts that lead to the return of periods. For many, the return of menstruation occurs between nine and eighteen months postpartum, with the timing heavily influenced by the breastfeeding pattern.
Variability in Experiences
It’s important to note that every woman’s experience is unique. Factors such as individual hormonal balance, the frequency of breastfeeding, and overall health can all impact when menstruation resumes. Some mothers may find their cycles return quickly, while others may experience a prolonged absence of menstruation.
In summary, while the return of a period after breastfeeding can vary significantly, it is generally accepted that exclusive breastfeeding can delay menstruation for several months to over a year. As mothers navigate this transition, understanding the interplay between breastfeeding and hormonal changes can provide reassurance during this period of adjustment.

How long after stopping breastfeeding will I get my period?

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.

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding too long?

For example, duration of breastfeeding experience has been shown to correlate negatively with parent-reported antisocial and aggressive behavior in children from 4 to 11 years of age [43]. These effects on antisocial behavior appear to extend well beyond childhood into adulthood.

Is it harder to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

While exclusive breastfeeding can temporarily delay your fertility postpartum, making it more difficult to conceive while nursing, it’s not impossible. With that in mind, the short answer is yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.

Does breastfeeding delay your period?

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 do I know if my period is coming back after having a baby?

Bright red bleeding that occurs six or more weeks after delivery is more likely to be your period. Pregnancy-related bleeding can increase with increased exertion or activity. If your discharge increases with exertion and decreases when you rest, it’s more likely to be lochia. Lochia also tends to have a distinct odor.

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.

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.

When does your period return after breastfeeding?

If you bottle feed or partially breastfeed your baby, you’ll tend to start having periods sooner than if you exclusively breastfeed. 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.

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.

Why is my period not returning 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.