What happens when your period comes back after breastfeeding?

The Return of Your Period After Breastfeeding: What to Expect
For many new parents, the return of menstruation after childbirth can be a significant milestone, often accompanied by a mix of emotions and questions. The timing and nature of this return can vary widely, particularly for those who are breastfeeding. Understanding what happens when your period comes back can help ease concerns and prepare for the changes ahead.
Timing of Your First Period
The timing of your first period postpartum is influenced by several factors, primarily related to breastfeeding practices. For those who exclusively breastfeed, it is common for menstruation to be delayed. This is due to the hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces, particularly the production of prolactin, which suppresses ovulation. Many women may not see their period return until they start introducing solid foods to their baby or reduce breastfeeding frequency, typically around six months to a year after giving birth.
However, it’s important to note that every individual is different. Some may experience their first period as early as six weeks postpartum, while others may not see it return for several months or even longer. Factors such as the frequency of breastfeeding, whether the baby is supplemented with formula, and individual hormonal responses all play a role in this timing.
Physical Changes and Symptoms
When your period does return, you might notice some changes compared to your pre-pregnancy cycles. Many women report that their first few periods postpartum can be heavier or more painful than before. This can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations as your body readjusts to its non-pregnant state. Additionally, some may experience irregular cycles initially, which is quite normal as the body recalibrates.
Breastfeeding can also influence the characteristics of menstrual flow. Some women find that their periods are shorter or less frequent during the initial months after returning. It’s essential to monitor these changes and consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about the heaviness or duration of your periods.
Impact on Milk Supply
A common concern among breastfeeding parents is whether the return of menstruation will affect milk supply. Generally, the onset of your period should not significantly impact breastfeeding. However, some women report temporary fluctuations in milk supply or changes in the taste of breast milk due to hormonal shifts during their menstrual cycle. These changes are usually minor and resolve quickly, but if you notice a significant drop in supply or changes in your baby’s feeding behavior, it may be worth discussing with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider.
Fertility Considerations
Another critical aspect to consider is fertility. Even if your period has not yet returned, it is still possible to ovulate and conceive while breastfeeding. The risk of pregnancy exists, albeit at a lower rate, especially in the early months postpartum. Therefore, if you are not planning to conceive again soon, it’s advisable to discuss contraceptive options with your healthcare provider.
Conclusion
The return of your period after breastfeeding is a natural part of the postpartum journey, marked by individual variations in timing and experience. While it can bring about physical changes and emotional responses, understanding what to expect can help ease the transition. Whether your cycles return to normal quickly or take some time to stabilize, being informed and prepared can make this phase of motherhood a little smoother.

Can you get your period back while breastfeeding?

Every woman is unique and your fertility will return in its own time. Some mothers get periods very early on while breastfeeding. Others may only get their periods back after the first year of breastfeeding.

What is your first period like after breastfeeding?

You may enjoy easier periods due to physical changes in the uterus and cervix, although some folks experience stronger cramps. Here’s another surprise: After your first post-baby period, the next may show up early…or quite late. It can take a few months for your cycle to become regular again.

How do I know if it’s my period or postpartum bleeding?

Lochia and menstrual blood are similar in that the bleeding subsides before going away. The biggest difference between the two types of discharge is that lochia lasts much longer. A typical period lasts about one week. Lochia lasts about six weeks in most people.

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.

What to expect when your period comes back after breastfeeding?

When my periods return, will they be the same as usual? Once your periods return, they may be irregular to start with if you are still making milk (lactating). It’s not unusual to skip a period, or even for it to be a few months before your next one.

Why am I pouring blood on my period?

For many people, heavy periods have no cause. For others, it’s due to a health condition such as fibroids, adenomyosis or endometriosis. You may be experiencing a heavier than ‘normal’ period if you’re: bleeding through your clothes.

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.

Why did I get 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.

What are the weird symptoms after stopping breastfeeding?

Other Strange Body Ailments Can Happen
Some might experience headaches or migraines, while others feel exhausted or even dizzy immediately after weaning. Another common post-weaning issue? Acne. Big hormone changes can really throw your body for a loop.

Can a mother kiss her newborn?

Even Parents Should Not Kiss Their Baby. The pediatrician warned that the bacterium called ‘pneumococcus’ poses a danger to all children under the age of 5, especially to newborns. Even parents should not kiss their baby.