How to get periods naturally while breastfeeding?

Understanding Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation during breastfeeding can be a complex and often confusing topic. While some women may experience a quick return to their menstrual cycle, others may find that their periods are delayed for months. This variability is largely influenced by hormonal changes, breastfeeding frequency, and individual physiological differences.
Hormonal Influence on Menstruation
During breastfeeding, the body produces higher levels of the hormone prolactin, which is essential for milk production. Elevated prolactin levels can suppress ovulation, leading to a delay in the return of menstruation. According to Dr. Kelsi Drummond, M.D., “It’s common for mothers not to have their period while breastfeeding due to high levels of prolactin, but as soon as you start reducing the frequency of nursing, menstruation can return”. This means that the more frequently a mother breastfeeds, especially during the night, the longer it may take for her period to resume.
Factors Affecting the Return of Periods
Several factors can influence when menstruation returns after childbirth. These include:
– Breastfeeding Exclusivity: Mothers who exclusively breastfeed may experience a longer delay in the return of their periods compared to those who supplement with formula or introduce solid foods earlier.
– Frequency of Nursing: The frequency and duration of breastfeeding sessions play a crucial role. More frequent nursing can prolong the absence of menstruation.
– Individual Differences: Each woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding. Some may experience a non-ovulatory period before six months postpartum, while others may not menstruate for many months.
Natural Ways to Encourage the Return of Periods
If a mother is looking to encourage the return of her menstrual cycle while breastfeeding, there are a few natural approaches she might consider:
1. Gradually Reduce Nursing Frequency: As mentioned, reducing the frequency of breastfeeding can help lower prolactin levels, potentially leading to the return of menstruation. This could involve introducing more formula or solid foods to the baby’s diet.
2. Monitor Stress Levels: High stress can also impact hormonal balance and delay the return of periods. Engaging in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise can be beneficial.
3. Consider Herbal Remedies: Some mothers find that herbal teas designed for breastfeeding can help boost milk production and may also support hormonal balance. Ingredients like fenugreek and blessed thistle are often included in these blends.
4. Maintain a Balanced Diet: A nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support overall health and hormonal balance. Ensuring adequate intake of iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids can be particularly beneficial.
Conclusion
The return of menstruation while breastfeeding is a highly individual experience, influenced by a variety of factors including hormonal levels, breastfeeding practices, and personal health. While some mothers may wish to encourage the return of their periods, it is essential to approach this process with patience and an understanding of the body’s natural rhythms. Ultimately, whether menstruation returns quickly or takes time, the focus should remain on the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

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.

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.

How can I induce my period urgently?

How to Make Your Period Come Faster

1. Hormonal Birth Control.
2. Vitamin C.
3. Emmenagogues.
4. Papaya and Pineapple.
5. Stress Management.
6. Have Sex.
7. Exercise.
8. Staying Safe.

How can I start my period while breastfeeding?

Your period is most likely to resume if your baby no longer requires night-time feeding because they are sleeping for six or more hours. If your baby is feeding less or has started eating solid foods, your period will return soon.

What are the odds of getting 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.

How to get your period in one hour?

Foods to eat to get periods immediately

1. Ginger. Ginger triggers uterine contractions.
2. Parsley. The two chemicals in parsley, apiol and myristicin, increase uterine contractions, leading to your monthly cycle’s inciting impact.
3. Papaya.
4. Dates.
5. Turmeric.
6. Celery.
7. Coriander seeds.
8. Vitamin C foods.

Why am I not getting my period while breastfeeding?

Almost all breastfeeding mothers are menstruation-free for the first six months postpartum. It’s a phenomenon known as lactational amenorrhea. Essentially, your baby’s regular nursing acts as an inhibitor on the release of the hormones necessary to prepare for a new pregnancy.

How to start a stuck period?

5 Ways To Jumpstart Your Menstrual Cycle

1. Take Your Birth Control. If you’re on the Pill, you can manipulate when you’ll get your period and when you won’t.
2. Have An Orgasm. During sexual intercourse, the stimulation of the vagina causes pelvic blood flow to head in that direction.
3. Reduce Your Stress.
4. Exercise.

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.

What drink makes your period start?

Ginger tea is one of the most powerful emmenagogue (herbs with magical properties that stimulates menstrual flow, resulting in promotion of menstruation), but unlike parsley it can have some side effects, like acidity. For extremely delayed periods, a combination of parsley and ginger tea is recommended.