Is having a period while breastfeeding normal?

Understanding Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation during breastfeeding can raise questions and concerns. Is it normal? How does it affect breastfeeding? The answers to these questions can provide reassurance and clarity during a time of significant change.
The Normalcy of Menstruation During Breastfeeding
It is entirely normal for women to experience their menstrual cycles while breastfeeding, although the timing can vary widely. Many mothers may not see their periods return for several months postpartum, particularly if they are exclusively breastfeeding. This phenomenon, known as lactational amenorrhea, occurs because the hormones released during breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and menstruation. However, as breastfeeding patterns change—whether due to introducing solid foods or reducing the frequency of nursing—menstrual cycles may resume.
Research indicates that for mothers who breastfeed exclusively, the likelihood of their periods returning increases after the first six months. This variability means that some women may find their cycles returning sooner, while others may not menstruate until they have weaned their child.
Impact on Breastfeeding
When menstruation does return, many mothers wonder how it might affect their milk supply and their baby’s feeding habits. Generally, most infants continue to breastfeed well throughout their mother’s menstrual cycle without any significant issues. However, some babies may react differently. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can lead to changes in the taste and flow of breast milk, which might make some infants fussier or cause them to feed more or less than usual.
If a mother notices a dip in her milk supply during her period, it is often temporary. Increasing the frequency of breastfeeding sessions can help boost milk production back to normal levels.
Variability in Menstrual Experience
It’s also important to note that the nature of menstrual cycles can change after childbirth. Many women report that their periods may be heavier, lighter, longer, or shorter than they were pre-pregnancy. This variability is a normal part of the postpartum experience, and many find that their cycles stabilize after a few months.
Conclusion
In summary, having a period while breastfeeding is a normal occurrence for many women. The timing of its return can vary based on individual circumstances, particularly breastfeeding practices. While some infants may notice changes during their mother’s menstrual cycle, most continue to breastfeed without issue. Understanding these dynamics can help mothers navigate this transitional phase with confidence and ease.

Does period mean no more breast milk?

Most mothers do not notice any impact of menstruation on their milk production. Continue to nurse your baby on demand. You may find she nurses more frequently or longer for a couple of days after you ovulate, but that’s okay.

Can a breastfeeding mother miss her period without being pregnant?

Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can suppress your period, depending on how frequently you are nursing. You may get a period while breastfeeding, and then not have another one for several months or more, particularly if your baby is nursing exclusively.

How do I know if I’m having a phantom period?

The symptoms of phantom periods include abdominal cramps, fatigue, tenderness in the breasts, mood swings, bloating, and overall discomfort.

Should I stop breastfeeding if I got my period?

Will having periods affect my breast milk supply? The return of your periods should have little effect on your breast milk. So, you can continue to breastfeed if you would like to.

Why am I getting 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.

Does your milk supply drop when you get your period?

It’s essential to remember that temporary drops in breast milk supply during menstruation are normal for many mothers. However, if you find that your milk supply remains consistently low even after your period has ended, or if your baby shows signs of inadequate milk intake, it’s crucial to seek professional support.

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.

When do breastfeeding moms get their period back?

If you are exclusively breastfeeding, you may still see the return of a monthly bleed beginning around 4 months, especially if your little one starts sleeping longer stretches at night at an early age. But more commonly, women get their periods back anywhere between 8 – 18 months postpartum.

Is it normal to bleed while breastfeeding?

Cracked, sore, scabbed, bleeding, and painful nipples are common when breastfeeding, but they’re not necessarily “normal.” That simply means there are ways to help reduce the chance of experiencing these symptoms, mainly ensuring your baby has a good latch when breastfeeding.

Is it normal to have a phantom period while breastfeeding?

What Happens If My Period Returns While I’m Breastfeeding? If your period returns while you’re still breastfeeding, it does not mean that your milk supply is decreasing or that you’re not producing enough milk for your baby. It simply means that your reproductive system is resuming its natural cycle.