What happens if your period returns while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Period While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation while breastfeeding can be a surprising and sometimes concerning experience. After childbirth, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, and breastfeeding plays a crucial role in delaying the return of the menstrual cycle. However, as breastfeeding patterns change, so too can the regularity of a woman’s periods.
Hormonal Dynamics at Play
During breastfeeding, the hormone prolactin is elevated, which helps to suppress ovulation and menstruation. This natural mechanism is why many women do not experience their periods for months or even years after giving birth, especially if they are exclusively breastfeeding. However, as the frequency of breastfeeding decreases—such as when a baby begins to sleep through the night or when solid foods are introduced—hormonal levels start to shift, leading to the potential return of menstruation.
Impact on Milk Supply
One of the most common concerns for breastfeeding mothers is whether the return of their period will affect their milk supply. The good news is that, generally, the onset of menstruation does not mean a significant decrease in milk production. While some women may notice a temporary dip in supply due to hormonal fluctuations, this is not universal. Many mothers continue to produce adequate milk for their babies even after their periods resume.
However, it is important to monitor any changes. If a mother does experience a drop in milk supply, it can often be managed through increased breastfeeding or pumping sessions to stimulate production. Additionally, some herbal supplements, like Shatavari, are believed to help support milk supply during this time.
Physical and Emotional Changes
The return of menstruation can also bring about physical and emotional changes that may affect the breastfeeding experience. Some women report experiencing breast tenderness or changes in the taste of their milk, which can lead to temporary feeding challenges. It’s essential for mothers to remain patient and flexible during this transition, as both they and their babies may need time to adjust.
Irregular Cycles and Future Fertility
After the first period returns, it is common for cycles to be irregular for a while. This irregularity can be attributed to the ongoing hormonal adjustments as the body balances breastfeeding and menstruation. For mothers who are concerned about fertility, it is important to note that it is possible to conceive while breastfeeding, even if menstruation has not yet resumed. Therefore, if a mother is not planning for another pregnancy, she should consider discussing contraceptive options with her healthcare provider.
In conclusion, while the return of your period during breastfeeding can introduce some uncertainties, it is a normal part of the postpartum journey. Understanding the hormonal changes at play, monitoring milk supply, and being aware of potential physical and emotional shifts can help mothers navigate this transition with confidence.

Does milk supply decrease after period?

It’s usually only the 2-4 days leading up to your period and the first 1-2 days after your period starts that you will notice a drop in your milk supply. Some mothers notice a slight decrease from the time they ovulate until their period arrives, though this is less common.

Why did my postpartum bleeding start again?

So, what’s makes your bleeding after birth stop and then start again? While there are a few reasons, some of the most common causes include: Experiencing extra blood flow in the morning when your first wake up. During physical activity or when exercising as part of your postpartum recovery.

Does the return of your period affect breastfeeding?

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.

What are the odds of getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

If you follow the rules laid out in the LAM method — exclusive breastfeeding of an infant younger than 6 months old before your period comes back — you have less than a 5 percent chance of getting pregnant.

What are the signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

In the early stage or first trimester of your pregnancy, you may have nipple tenderness and breast soreness. You may have a decreased food and water intake due to morning sickness and feel tired. Such physical discomfort may increase while breastfeeding.

Why did I start my period if I’m 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.

Why am I getting my period every 2 weeks after giving birth?

It’s very common to have irregular periods for the first several months postpartum. Once your hormones normalize, you should start getting a regular period again. If you’re breastfeeding, you may not menstruate at all until you begin the weaning process. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Can I get my period on and off while breastfeeding?

It’s normal to have inconsistent cycles when you’re nursing, and you can chalk it up to the same hormones that cause amenorrhea. Almost all breastfeeding mothers are menstruation-free for the first six months postpartum.

Is it normal to have a random period while breastfeeding?

The hormone prolactin, which stimulates milk production, often delays the return of regular ovulation and menstruation, making irregular periods even more common among breastfeeding women.

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.