How to get your cycle back while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Menstrual Cycle While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of their menstrual cycle can be a topic of curiosity and concern, especially when breastfeeding. The relationship between breastfeeding and menstruation is complex and varies significantly from one individual to another.
The Timeline for Menstrual Return
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their periods to resume between 9 to 18 months after giving birth. However, this timeline can be influenced by several factors, including the frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding. For instance, mothers who breastfeed exclusively, particularly both day and night, may find that their periods do not return until they reduce the number of feedings or introduce formula or solid foods to their baby’s diet.
Interestingly, some women may experience their first postpartum period as early as five to six weeks after childbirth, while others might not see any signs of menstruation for the entire duration of breastfeeding. This variability is largely due to hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces, which can suppress ovulation and delay the return of menstruation.
Factors Influencing Menstrual Cycle Resumption
1. Breastfeeding Patterns: The more frequently a mother breastfeeds, especially during the night, the longer it may take for her menstrual cycle to return. Reducing nighttime feedings or transitioning to formula can often lead to a quicker return of menstruation.
2. Hormonal Changes: Breastfeeding triggers the release of hormones such as prolactin, which helps produce milk but can also inhibit ovulation. As breastfeeding patterns change, hormone levels will adjust, potentially leading to the resumption of the menstrual cycle.
3. Weaning: While many mothers find that they do not need to fully wean their babies to see their periods return, weaning can significantly accelerate this process. Gradually reducing breastfeeding sessions can help restore hormonal balance and prompt the return of menstruation.
Managing Changes in Milk Supply
It’s important to note that hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle can also affect breast milk supply. Some mothers may notice a temporary decrease in milk production around the time their period is due. However, increasing breastfeeding frequency during this time can usually help boost supply.
Conclusion
In summary, the return of your menstrual cycle while breastfeeding is influenced by a variety of factors, including breastfeeding frequency, hormonal changes, and weaning practices. Each mother’s experience is unique, and while some may find their periods returning sooner than expected, others may enjoy an extended break from menstruation. Understanding these dynamics can help mothers navigate this transitional phase with greater ease and confidence.

How long can lactational amenorrhea last?

It can work for up to 6 months after birth. It is effective right away. There are no added hormones that can affect your breastmilk. There is no cost and no birth control supplies are needed.

Why is my period not returning after breastfeeding?

Women who breastfeed can find that it takes longer for their periods to return after giving birth. This is because the hormone that is used for milk production – prolactin – can also suppress the hormone that is responsible for ovulation.

How do I get my period back while breastfeeding?

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.

Is it harder to get pregnant again while breastfeeding?

While it’s true that breastfeeding can delay the return of your fertility postpartum, it’s not impossible to get pregnant. The time it takes for a woman’s period to return after giving birth can vary widely. Once you start menstruating, it is usually a sign that your fertility has returned or will return soon.

How can I get my period naturally 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.

How can I get my period back asap?

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 get my fertility back while breastfeeding?

Offering plenty of nutrient dense food, frequently throughout the day and water for thirst may decrease breastfeeding frequency just enough to help your fertility return.

How long can you go without a period while breastfeeding?

Also, some people have a non-ovulatory period before 6 months postpartum, but do not menstruate again for many months. According to The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (p. 364-366), almost everyone who is fully breastfeeding their babies will be free of menstrual periods for 3 – 6 months or longer.

How do you know if you’re ovulating while breastfeeding without a period?

Getting Pregnant While Breastfeeding
Cramping, increased libido, and breast tenderness are other signs of ovulation while breastfeeding (though they could be signs of other things too!) Contact our Lactation Consultant or download our Medela Family app for more answers to your breastfeeding questions and concerns.

How do you know if you are returning fertility while breastfeeding?

Any change in your vaginal mucus or any bleeding may be a sign of a change in your hormone levels and a return to being fertile. Unless you know your signs of ovulation very well, you probably won’t know for sure that you are fertile again until you have your first period after giving birth.