How to get your period back after stopping breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Period After Stopping Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the journey of breastfeeding is intertwined with the complexities of postpartum recovery, including the return of menstruation. After stopping breastfeeding, some women may find that their periods do not return immediately, leading to questions and concerns about their reproductive health.
The Impact of Breastfeeding on Menstruation
Breastfeeding significantly influences hormonal levels in a woman’s body, particularly the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. Elevated prolactin levels can suppress ovulation, delaying the return of menstruation. For some women, this means that their periods may not resume until they have completely weaned their child, while others may notice a return of their cycle even with partial breastfeeding.
The timeline for the return of menstruation varies widely among individuals. Some may experience their first postpartum period as early as five to six weeks after childbirth, especially if they are not exclusively breastfeeding. Conversely, those who continue to breastfeed frequently, particularly at night, may find that their periods are absent for several months.
Steps to Encourage the Return of Your Period
If you have recently stopped breastfeeding and are eager to get your period back, there are several strategies you can consider:
1. Gradually Reduce Breastfeeding Sessions: One effective method is to gradually decrease the number of breastfeeding sessions. This can help lower prolactin levels, potentially allowing ovulation to resume.
2. Introduce Solid Foods or Formula: If your child is old enough, introducing solid foods or formula can also signal your body to resume its normal hormonal cycle. This shift can help in the transition away from exclusive breastfeeding.
3. Monitor Your Body’s Signals: Pay attention to your body’s signals. Some women may notice changes in their breast milk supply or feeding patterns as their menstrual cycle begins to re-establish itself. Keeping track of these changes can provide insight into your reproductive health.
4. Consult a Healthcare Provider: If your period does not return within a few months after stopping breastfeeding, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can assess your individual situation and rule out any underlying issues that may be affecting your menstrual cycle.
What to Expect After Stopping Breastfeeding
It’s important to remember that the absence of a period after stopping breastfeeding is often normal. Hormonal adjustments can take time, and each woman’s body responds differently to the cessation of breastfeeding. While some may experience a quick return to their regular cycle, others might find it takes longer.
Using a period tracker app can be helpful in monitoring your cycle and any symptoms you may experience. This information can be valuable if you need to discuss your menstrual health with a healthcare professional.
In conclusion, while the return of your period after stopping breastfeeding can vary greatly, understanding the factors at play and taking proactive steps can help facilitate this natural process. Embrace the journey of postpartum recovery, and remember that your body is adjusting in its own time.

How long after finishing breastfeeding does period return?

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.

How do I get my period back after breastfeeding?

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 does period return if not breastfeeding?

If you’re not breastfeeding, you can expect your period to return between six and eight weeks postpartum,” Berens says. Some women may have a period before this timeframe, while others could go as long as three months before they have a period after birth.

Can breastfeeding randomly stop your period?

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.

How long does it take for your period to regulate after breastfeeding?

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.

Why is my period not returning while breastfeeding?

Most breastfeeding women find they don’t have their period for many months after the birth of their baby. This is because breastfeeding hormones can stop you from ovulating (releasing an egg) each month.

Is it normal to not have a period after stopping breastfeeding?

If your periods do not return even after you have stopped breastfeeding, it may be a cause for concern. In some cases, persistent lactational amenorrhea can indicate that your body is not producing enough hormones to support ovulation and a regular menstrual cycle.

How long after stopping breastfeeding do you 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.

Is it harder to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

While exclusive breastfeeding can temporarily delay your fertility postpartum, making it more difficult to conceive while nursing, it’s not impossible. With that in mind, the short answer is yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.

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.