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

Understanding the Return of Menstruation After Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation after childbirth is a significant milestone, often intertwined with the experience of breastfeeding. The timing of when a period resumes can vary widely, influenced by several factors, including breastfeeding practices and individual hormonal changes.
Breastfeeding and Menstrual Cycles
Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in determining when menstruation returns. For those who exclusively breastfeed, the return of periods can be delayed significantly. Research indicates that most breastfeeding mothers may not see their menstrual cycle resume until between 9 to 18 months postpartum. This delay is largely due to the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production and can inhibit the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
Interestingly, the timing can differ based on how one feeds their baby. For instance, only about one-fifth of breastfeeding parents will have their period return within the first six months after giving birth. In contrast, those who bottle-feed or partially breastfeed often find that their periods return sooner, sometimes as early as 4 to 6 weeks postpartum .
Weaning and the Resumption of Menstruation
The process of weaning can also trigger the return of menstruation. Many women report that their periods start again shortly after they begin to reduce breastfeeding frequency or stop altogether. Specifically, once a mother starts weaning her baby off breast milk, she can expect her regular menstrual cycle to return. This is particularly true if night-time breastfeeding is discontinued, as this can further influence hormonal levels.
Variability in Experiences
It’s essential to recognize that every woman’s experience is unique. While some may find their periods returning quickly after weaning, others might not see a return for several months, even after stopping breastfeeding. Factors such as individual hormonal balance, overall health, and the presence of any underlying conditions can all play a role in this variability.
In summary, the timeline for the return of menstruation after breastfeeding is not set in stone. For those who exclusively breastfeed, it may take several months to over a year for periods to resume, while those who mix feeding or bottle-feed may notice a quicker return. Understanding these dynamics can help new parents navigate this transitional phase with greater awareness and preparedness.

How soon do periods return when breastfeeding?

Most women find their periods return between 9-18 months post partum although but we do know that continued breastfeeding will cause spikes in prolactin levels which can be enough to impact fertility.

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 long is the first period after breastfeeding?

The duration of your first period after having a baby can vary widely and depends on your individual body. It can range from a few days to a full week. Just like before pregnancy, some will have longer periods, and some will have shorter ones.

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.

Can breastfeeding cause you to miss a period?

Breast-feeding is known to delay your period. This can come as a welcome perk for mothers who wish to delay menstruation even longer than nine months. While some women don’t get periods at all during the months they nurse, some get them irregularly.

How long is first period 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 it normal to not get your period 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 fertile are you 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. Your midwife will discuss contraception with you after your baby is born.

How soon after stopping breastfeeding did you get your period?

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.

How long after stopping breastfeeding do periods 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.