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Understanding the Return of Your Period While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation during breastfeeding can be a perplexing and sometimes concerning experience. The timing and implications of this return vary widely among individuals, influenced by factors such as breastfeeding frequency, the age of the baby, and overall health.
The Timing of Menstruation Resumption
After childbirth, many women experience a delay in the return of their menstrual cycles, particularly if they are breastfeeding. This phenomenon is largely due to the hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, also suppresses ovulation. Consequently, the more frequently a baby is breastfed, especially in the early months, the longer it may take for periods to resume. For some, this can mean months or even years without menstruation, while others may find their cycles returning as early as a few weeks postpartum.
What It Means for Milk Supply
One common concern among breastfeeding parents is whether the return of their period will affect milk supply. Generally, the onset of menstruation does not significantly impact milk production. However, if a mother begins to breastfeed less frequently or if there are longer intervals between feedings, a drop in prolactin levels can occur, potentially signaling the body to resume menstruation. This can lead to a temporary decrease in milk supply, particularly if the breastfeeding routine changes around the same time.
Individual Variability
It’s important to note that the experience of getting your period back while breastfeeding is highly individual. Factors such as the baby’s age, the mother’s overall health, and the breastfeeding pattern all play crucial roles. For instance, mothers who exclusively breastfeed may find their periods delayed longer than those who supplement with formula or solid foods. The range of what is considered “normal” is vast, and each person’s body will respond differently to the interplay of breastfeeding and menstruation.
Fertility Considerations
Another critical aspect to consider is fertility. Even if a mother has not yet resumed her period, ovulation can still occur, meaning there is a possibility of becoming pregnant while breastfeeding. This is particularly true if breastfeeding patterns change, leading to less frequent feedings. Therefore, if a mother wishes to avoid pregnancy, it is advisable to consider contraceptive options, even in the absence of menstruation.
Conclusion
In summary, the return of your period while breastfeeding is a natural part of the postpartum experience, influenced by various factors unique to each individual. While it may raise questions about milk supply and fertility, understanding the underlying hormonal dynamics can help alleviate concerns. As always, if there are specific worries or unusual symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and reassurance.
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.
Can you get pregnant if your period returns while breastfeeding?
Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding?
- The short answer is yes but the factors above will affect how quickly this happens.
- If periods returned regularly then it is likely fertility is close to normal.
Why did I get 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.
What happens when your period comes back after breastfeeding?
The return of your periods should have little effect on your breast milk. So, you can continue to breastfeed if you would like to. Hormonal changes with your menstrual cycle (periods) may affect how your baby wants to feed. This may affect your breast milk supply.
