How soon can a breastfeeding mom get her period?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation for Breastfeeding Mothers
For many new mothers, the question of when their menstrual cycle will resume after childbirth is a common concern, particularly for those who are breastfeeding. The timeline for the return of menstruation can vary significantly based on several factors, including breastfeeding practices, individual body responses, and lifestyle choices.
Typical Timeline for Menstruation Resumption
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their periods to return between 9 and 18 months after giving birth. This timeframe is influenced heavily by the frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding. For mothers who breastfeed exclusively, it is not uncommon for menstruation to be delayed even longer, sometimes extending to 7 to 8 months or more. In contrast, mothers who do not breastfeed or who supplement with formula may see their periods return much sooner, typically within three months.
Factors Influencing Menstrual Return
Several factors can affect when a breastfeeding mother will get her period again:
1. Breastfeeding Exclusivity: Mothers who breastfeed exclusively are less likely to experience menstruation in the early months postpartum. The hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding, particularly the production of prolactin, can suppress ovulation, thereby delaying the return of the menstrual cycle.
2. Nighttime Feedings: If a baby begins to sleep through the night, this can lead to a decrease in breastfeeding frequency, which may trigger the return of menstruation sooner.
3. Weaning: Gradually weaning a baby from breastfeeding is almost certain to cause the menstrual cycle to resume. However, many mothers find that their periods can return even without complete weaning.
4. Individual Variability: Each woman’s body responds differently to childbirth and breastfeeding. Factors such as genetics, overall health, and stress levels can also play a role in how quickly menstruation returns.
What to Expect When Your Period Returns
When menstruation does return, some mothers may notice changes in their menstrual cycle compared to pre-pregnancy patterns. For instance, some may experience heavier or more painful periods, while others might find their cycles are irregular initially. It’s also important to note that the return of menstruation does not typically affect milk supply, although some mothers may notice slight changes in their pumping output.
In conclusion, while the return of menstruation for breastfeeding mothers can vary widely, understanding the influencing factors can help set realistic expectations. Whether it’s a few months or over a year, each mother’s experience is unique, shaped by her breastfeeding journey and individual health.

How soon can you get your period after giving birth?

It’s possible for your periods to return as soon as 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth. If you bottle feed or partially breastfeed your baby, you’ll tend to start having periods sooner than if you exclusively breastfeed. If you choose to breastfeed exclusively, your first period may not return for several months.

When should I take a pregnancy test if I am breastfeeding?

So, if you’re breastfeeding, having sex without using birth control, and think there’s a possibility you might be pregnant, you should take a standard pregnancy test on the first day of a missed period or two weeks after having unprotected sex.

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.

When will I get my first period while breastfeeding?

If you bottle feed your baby, or combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding, your first period could start as soon as 5 to 6 weeks after you give birth. If you fully breastfeed (including at night) without any bottle feeding, your periods may not start again until you start to reduce breastfeeding.

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.

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 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.

Why did I start 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.

How likely is it to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

About 2 out of 100 people who use breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the 6 months it can be used after a baby is born. Breastfeeding won’t prevent pregnancy if you feed your baby anything other than breast milk. So if you breastfeed but also use formula, LAM isn’t a great birth control method for you.

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.