How long does it take to get your period after you stop 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 timeline for when periods resume can vary widely, influenced by several factors, including breastfeeding practices and individual hormonal responses.
The Impact of Breastfeeding on Menstruation
Breastfeeding has a profound effect on a woman’s menstrual cycle due to the hormonal changes it triggers. Specifically, the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, can suppress ovulation and delay the return of menstruation. For those who breastfeed exclusively, it is not uncommon for periods to remain absent for several months. In fact, some studies suggest that if a parent is exclusively breastfeeding, their period may not return for six months or longer after giving birth.
When to Expect Your Period After Weaning
Once breastfeeding is reduced or stopped, many individuals can expect their menstrual cycle to return relatively quickly. Research indicates that for those who begin to wean their baby or significantly reduce nursing, menstruation may resume within one to two months. This timeframe can vary, with some experiencing their first period as early as five to six weeks after stopping breastfeeding.
Factors Influencing the Timeline
Several factors can influence when menstruation returns after breastfeeding:
1. Breastfeeding Exclusivity: Parents who breastfeed exclusively may experience a longer delay in the return of their period compared to those who supplement with formula or solid foods.

2. Nighttime Feeding: Continuing to breastfeed at night can prolong the absence of menstruation. Many find that stopping nighttime feeds can help trigger the return of their cycle.
3. Individual Hormonal Variability: Each person’s body responds differently to hormonal changes, meaning that some may find their periods return sooner or later than the average.
Conclusion
In summary, the return of menstruation after stopping breastfeeding is a highly individual experience. While many can expect their periods to resume within one to two months after weaning, those who breastfeed exclusively may not see their cycle return for several months. Understanding these dynamics can help new parents navigate this transitional phase with greater awareness and preparedness.

How fertile are you after breastfeeding?

PIP: During studies on the resumption of fertility postpartum in 12 breastfeeding mothers who were using no contraception, 8 pregnancies occurred. In 7 cases, these pregnancies occurred while the mothers continued to breastfeed, while in 1 it occurred within 2 weeks of weaning.

How soon will I ovulate after stopping breastfeeding?

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 soon will my period start 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.

How soon after stopping breastfeeding does period 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.

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 has my period not returned 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.

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.

When will your period return 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.

Are you more fertile while breastfeeding?

In general, ovulation precedes 1st menstruation more frequently in those who do not nurse when compared to those who nurse. Breastfeeding has a demonstrable influence in inhibiting ovulation; it is not surprising that it has an inhibiting effect on fertility.

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.