How long does it take to get your period while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the question of when menstruation will return after childbirth is a common concern, particularly for those who are breastfeeding. The timeline for the return of periods can vary significantly among individuals, influenced by several factors including breastfeeding practices and hormonal changes.
Typical Timeline for Menstruation Resumption
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their menstrual cycles to resume between 9 and 18 months after giving birth. This timeframe is not set in stone, as it can be affected by how often and how exclusively a mother breastfeeds her baby. For instance, mothers who breastfeed exclusively, especially both day and night, may find that their periods take longer to return.
The Role of Hormones
The primary reason for the delay in menstruation during breastfeeding is the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. High levels of prolactin can inhibit the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. Therefore, as long as a mother continues to breastfeed frequently, particularly at night, her body may continue to suppress ovulation and menstruation.
Impact of Weaning
Weaning can significantly influence the return of menstruation. Many mothers notice that their periods begin to return shortly after they start to wean their baby from breastfeeding. However, it is important to note that most mothers do not need to completely stop breastfeeding for their menstrual cycles to gradually resume.
Variability Among Individuals
It is crucial to recognize that every woman’s body responds differently to the postpartum period. Some may find their periods return sooner, while others may experience a longer delay. Factors such as individual hormonal balance, overall health, and breastfeeding frequency all play a role in this variability.
Conclusion
In summary, while the average timeframe for the return of menstruation during breastfeeding is between 9 and 18 months, this can vary widely based on individual circumstances and breastfeeding practices. Understanding these factors can help new parents navigate the complexities of postpartum recovery and family planning.

What are the signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

In the early stage or first trimester of your pregnancy, you may have nipple tenderness and breast soreness. You may have a decreased food and water intake due to morning sickness and feel tired. Such physical discomfort may increase while breastfeeding.

How soon after breastfeeding will I get my 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.

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.

How soon can you get pregnant while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding and Fertility
Once you start menstruating, it is usually a sign that your fertility has returned or will return soon. As menstruation returns to a fairly regular schedule, it usually means that you are back to full fertility and breastfeeding won’t have any effect on your ability to get pregnant.

What are the weird symptoms after stopping breastfeeding?

Other Strange Body Ailments Can Happen
Some might experience headaches or migraines, while others feel exhausted or even dizzy immediately after weaning. Another common post-weaning issue? Acne. Big hormone changes can really throw your body for a loop.

What does your first period look like while breastfeeding?

It might be a bit uncomfy to breastfeed during your first period after pregnancy. When your first post-baby period does show up, there’s a good chance your flow could be a little wonky compared to what you’re used to — it could be heavier, or even lighter. It could be longer or shorter than your pre-baby periods.

Why am I getting my period while breastfeeding?

If you have lower levels of progesterone, you’re likely to get your periods back earlier than people with higher levels (Ingram et al 2004). So it’s possible that you could be breastfeeding around the clock, but still become fertile and start your periods again.

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 long does it take to start period while breastfeeding?

The first period after the birth of your child can be as early as five to six weeks. Or, you may not have your period for as long as you nurse your child. Once you stop feeding your baby at night or begin to give them formula or solid foods, your period will return soon.

Does getting your period mean your milk is drying up?

Menstruation can sometimes decrease milk production
The increase in these hormones can cause a decrease in milk production for some women. However, for most women, the increase in these hormones is not high enough to affect milk production. Most mothers do not notice any impact of menstruation on their milk production.