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How many months after breastfeeding do you get your period?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation After Breastfeeding
The relationship between breastfeeding and the return of menstruation is complex and varies significantly among individuals. For many women, the timing of when their period resumes after childbirth is influenced by several factors, including breastfeeding practices and hormonal changes.
General Timeline for Menstruation Resumption
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their menstrual cycles to return between 9 to 18 months after giving birth. However, this timeline can differ widely from one mother to another. Some women may find that their periods return as early as six weeks postpartum, particularly if they are not exclusively breastfeeding. Conversely, those who breastfeed exclusively may experience a longer delay, often until they begin to wean their baby off breast milk.
Factors Influencing Menstrual Return
1. Breastfeeding Exclusivity: Women who breastfeed exclusively, especially during the night, may experience a prolonged absence of menstruation. This is due to the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production and can inhibit ovulation. If a mother starts to reduce breastfeeding or introduces formula, her period may return sooner.
2. Weaning: The process of weaning is a significant factor in the return of menstruation. Many women notice that their menstrual cycle begins to resume shortly after they start weaning their child from breast milk.
3. Individual Variability: Each woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy. Factors such as overall health, stress levels, and individual hormonal balance can all play a role in when menstruation resumes.
Conclusion
In summary, while the average timeframe for the return of menstruation for breastfeeding mothers is between 9 to 18 months, it can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and breastfeeding practices. For those who are not breastfeeding or are only doing so part-time, periods may resume as early as two weeks to three months after delivery. Understanding these dynamics can help new mothers navigate their postpartum experience with greater clarity and reassurance.

How long do you stay fertile after giving birth?

Contraception 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.

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

4 to 8 weeks after you start supplementing breastfeeding with formula or introducing solids. 7 to 8 months, or even longer, after you give birth if you’re breastfeeding exclusively. Some women don’t start having periods again until they stop breastfeeding.

What is your first period like after breastfeeding?

You may enjoy easier periods due to physical changes in the uterus and cervix, although some folks experience stronger cramps. Here’s another surprise: After your first post-baby period, the next may show up early…or quite late. It can take a few months for your cycle to become regular again.

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.

When do periods return after birth when breastfeeding?

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. Post-birth bleeding. Whether you had a C-section or delivered vaginally, you will have bleeding for six to eight weeks after giving birth.

How long after 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.

How soon can a breastfeeding mom get her period?

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.

How soon after birth do you get your period if not breastfeeding?

Generally speaking, here’s when you can expect your period to resume: If you’re not breastfeeding, your period could return as soon as four weeks after giving birth, although that’s not typical. Six to 12 weeks is about average. Most new moms are back on track by week 24 postpartum.

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.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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