What happens if I get my period and still breastfeed?

Understanding Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation while still breastfeeding can raise a host of questions and concerns. The interplay between breastfeeding and the menstrual cycle is complex, influenced by hormonal changes, breastfeeding frequency, and individual physiological differences.
Hormonal Dynamics
When a woman breastfeeds, her body produces higher levels of the hormone prolactin, which is essential for milk production. This hormone can suppress ovulation, leading to a delay in the return of menstruation. For mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding, it is common for periods to be absent for several months, sometimes even up to a year or more. However, as breastfeeding patterns change—such as when a baby begins to consume solid foods or sleeps longer stretches at night—prolactin levels may decrease, potentially leading to the return of menstruation.
What to Expect When Your Period Returns
If you do get your period while still breastfeeding, it generally does not have a significant impact on your milk supply or the quality of your breast milk. Most mothers report that their milk remains nutritious and sufficient for their babies during this time. However, some women may notice slight changes in their milk’s taste or supply, which can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation.
Breastfeeding and Fertility
It’s important to note that even if you are breastfeeding and have not yet resumed your menstrual cycle, ovulation can still occur. This means that it is possible to become pregnant while breastfeeding, even if your periods have not returned. The likelihood of ovulation varies among women, but it is a factor to consider if you are not planning another pregnancy.
Individual Variability
Every woman’s experience is unique. Factors such as how frequently the baby nurses, the mother’s overall health, and individual hormonal responses can all influence when menstruation resumes. Some mothers may experience a non-ovulatory period, where they have menstrual-like bleeding without actual ovulation, which can further complicate the understanding of fertility during this time.
In summary, getting your period while breastfeeding is a normal occurrence for many mothers. While it may bring about some changes in your body and breastfeeding experience, it typically does not interfere with milk production or the health of your baby. As always, if you have specific concerns or experience significant changes, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and reassurance.

What happens if I get my period while 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.

Can your breast bleed while breastfeeding?

If you find 1 or both nipples hurt at every feed, or your nipples start to crack or bleed, it’s important to get help from your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter as soon as you can. They can watch as you feed your baby and help you get them correctly positioned and attached to the breast.

What happens if period blood goes in the mouth?

If you ingested small amounts of menses or exposed menstrual blood to your mouth (as long as there is no chance of STI or HIV transmission), the risk to your health is low.

Can my period affect my baby?

Menstruation can affect your milk supply, especially during the end of the cycle or during your period. This is due to a decrease in prolactin concentration. At this time, nursing may be uncomfortable, and you might see your baby nursing more frequently due to the decrease in blood supply.

Why is my period so heavy while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding also plays a role in postpartum menstrual changes. Exclusively breastfeeding can suppress ovulation and delay the return of your menstrual cycle after giving birth. However, when your periods do return, they might be heavier than usual due to hormonal fluctuation.

Can you get your period and still be pregnant in the first month?

If you’re pregnant, you won’t get your period. But you can have other bleeding that might look like a period. The bleeding may be due to: Implantation.

Is it possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

“You can’t get pregnant if you’re breastfeeding.” Maybe you’ve heard this myth before…and we should warn you, it’s just that—a myth! The truth is you can get pregnant while you’re breastfeeding, even if your menstrual cycle hasn’t returned to normal.

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.

Should I stop breastfeeding if I’m bleeding?

Usually, even if you have an infection, it’s still safe to breastfeed with blood in your breast milk but some infections are not safe for your baby. For instance, if you have a blood-borne infection, you should talk to a health care provider.

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.