How soon do you get your period while breastfeeding?

Understanding Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation during breastfeeding can be a complex and often confusing topic. The timing of when your period resumes can vary significantly based on several factors, including breastfeeding practices and individual hormonal responses.
When to Expect Your Period
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their menstrual cycles to resume between 9 to 18 months after giving birth. This timeline is influenced heavily by how exclusively and frequently a mother breastfeeds her child. For those who breastfeed exclusively, it is common for menstruation to be delayed even longer, sometimes until they begin to wean their baby or reduce breastfeeding sessions significantly.
Interestingly, only about 20% of breastfeeding parents will see their periods return within the first six months postpartum. For those who do not breastfeed at all or only do so occasionally, menstruation may resume much sooner, typically within two to twelve weeks after delivery .
Hormonal Influences
The primary reason for this delay in the return of menstruation is the hormonal interplay involved in breastfeeding. The hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, can inhibit the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. This means that as long as a mother is breastfeeding frequently, especially during the night, her body may continue to suppress ovulation and menstruation.
Variability Among Mothers
It’s important to note that every woman’s body is different. Factors such as individual hormonal levels, overall health, and breastfeeding patterns can all influence when menstruation returns. Some mothers may find that their periods resume shortly after they start introducing solid foods to their baby or when they begin to reduce breastfeeding sessions.
Conclusion
In summary, while many breastfeeding mothers may not see their periods return for several months to over a year postpartum, the experience can vary widely. Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding and menstruation can help new mothers navigate this transitional period with greater ease and awareness. If there are concerns about menstrual health or breastfeeding, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.

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.

How do I know if it’s my period or postpartum bleeding?

Lochia and menstrual blood are similar in that the bleeding subsides before going away. The biggest difference between the two types of discharge is that lochia lasts much longer. A typical period lasts about one week. Lochia lasts about six weeks in most people.

Can you randomly get your period while breastfeeding?

When you breastfeed, the levels of this hormone are high in your body. Because of this, you will probably not have your period or will experience only some light spotting while breastfeeding. Meanwhile, some women get their period a few weeks after giving birth, even if they are breastfeeding.

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.

Why did I start my period if I’m exclusively 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.

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.

Can you be around a newborn on your period?

Since mom herself will be back on her period soon, there’s no valid, medically-proven reason that someone’s menstrual cycle would cause any harm to a newborn.

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.

Will my milk supply return after my period?

Your milk supply may drop the week before your period starts and then rebound thereafter. Moms may notice decreased pump volumes or softer breasts during this time. Remember, you can’t go wrong feeding the baby on demand at the breast. You may pump less, but your body will always make milk as the baby is suckling.

When will my period start 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.