How long does it take to get your period after having a baby and breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Period After Having a Baby
The journey of motherhood is filled with numerous changes, and one of the most significant is the return of menstruation after childbirth. For many new parents, this can be a source of curiosity and concern. The timeline for when your period returns can vary widely, particularly influenced by whether you are breastfeeding.
General Timeline for Menstrual Return
Typically, for those who have given birth, the first menstrual period can return anywhere from six to eight weeks postpartum. However, this timeline can be significantly extended for those who are breastfeeding. If you are exclusively nursing, it is common for your menstrual cycle to take longer to resume, often ranging from nine to eighteen months after delivery .
The Impact of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in determining when your period will return. The hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, can suppress ovulation. This means that as long as you are breastfeeding—especially if you are doing so exclusively or frequently—your body may not produce the hormones necessary for menstruation to resume.
For many breastfeeding parents, the menstrual cycle may not return until they begin to wean their child or significantly reduce the frequency of nursing sessions. This can include stopping night-time feedings, which is often a pivotal moment in the return of menstruation.
Variability Among Individuals
It’s important to note that every individual’s experience is unique. Some may find that their periods return sooner, while others may not see any signs of menstruation for several months or even longer after childbirth. Factors such as overall health, stress levels, and individual hormonal balances can all influence this timeline.
Conclusion
In summary, while the average timeframe for the return of menstruation after childbirth is about six to eight weeks, breastfeeding can extend this period significantly. For those who are exclusively breastfeeding, it may take anywhere from several months to over a year for their menstrual cycle to resume. Understanding these dynamics can help new parents navigate this transitional phase with greater ease and awareness.

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.

How common is it to miss a period while breastfeeding?

Also, some people have a non-ovulatory period before 6 months postpartum, but do not menstruate again for many months. According to The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (p. 364-366), almost everyone who is fully breastfeeding their babies will be free of menstrual periods for 3 – 6 months or longer.

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.

When should I worry about no period after baby?

Luckily, there is usually nothing to worry about if your period doesn’t restart within a few months after giving birth. In fact, if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, you may not start menstruating for half a year or more after your baby is born.

How soon after breastfeeding does your period return?

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 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 soon after birth do you get your period while 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.

Will my period affect my milk supply?

The two primary hormones involved are estrogen and progesterone. As menstruation approaches, these hormone levels decrease, leading to a drop in milk supply for some women. Additionally, the increase in the hormone prolactin before menstruation can cause a temporary decrease in breast milk production.

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.

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.