What to expect when your period comes back after breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Period After Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation after breastfeeding can be a significant milestone, often accompanied by a mix of anticipation and anxiety. After months of hormonal changes and the unique experience of nurturing a newborn, the resumption of your menstrual cycle can bring about various physical and emotional changes.
Timing of Your First Period
The timing of your first period postpartum varies widely among women. Generally, most breastfeeding mothers can expect their periods to return between 9 to 18 months after giving birth, depending on several factors, including the frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation, as the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production, also suppresses ovulation.
Physical Changes and Symptoms
When your period does return, it may not resemble the cycles you experienced before pregnancy. Many women report that their first few periods postpartum can be heavier and more painful than usual. This can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations as your body readjusts to its pre-pregnancy state. You might also experience spotting or irregular cycles initially, which is completely normal.
Impact on Breastfeeding
One common concern among breastfeeding mothers is whether the return of their period will affect their milk supply. While some women may notice a temporary dip in milk production around the time of their period, this is usually short-lived. Additionally, some babies may become fussy or alter their feeding patterns during this time, but these changes typically resolve within a few days or cycles as they adjust.
Pregnancy Risks and Contraception
It’s important to note that even if you are breastfeeding, you can still become pregnant before your first postpartum period. Ovulation can occur before menstruation resumes, so if you are not planning to conceive again soon, consider discussing contraceptive options with your healthcare provider.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
The return of your period can also bring about emotional changes. Some women may experience mood swings or heightened emotions, similar to what they experienced before pregnancy. This can be attributed to hormonal shifts as your body readjusts.
Conclusion
In summary, the return of your period after breastfeeding is a natural part of postpartum recovery. While it may come with heavier flow and increased cramping, these symptoms are typically temporary. Understanding what to expect can help ease the transition back to a regular menstrual cycle, allowing you to focus on the joys of motherhood while managing your reproductive health. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or breastfeeding, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance and support.

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.

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.

Can your period start then stop again while breastfeeding after?

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. It’s a phenomenon known as lactational amenorrhea.

Are you more fertile after your first postpartum period?

You may have heard that people are “super fertile” after giving birth, but there’s no scientific evidence indicating that fertility increases post childbirth.

Does breastmilk taste different when on your period?

Your period has little impact on your breastfed baby. While milk composition does change a bit during this time, and it may have a slightly saltier taste, it has no negative effect on your baby. Your milk is still perfectly healthy and nutritious!

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 returns while breastfeeding?

The hormone that helps to make breast milk can stop hormones that control your periods. You first period may be different from how your period was before. You may have: irregular periods — especially if it returns while you’re breastfeeding cramping — this may be worse or better than before you were pregnant.

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.

How long after breastfeeding does your period return to normal?

If you choose to breastfeed exclusively, your first period may not return for several months. For those who keep breastfeeding, it might not return for 1 to 2 years. There is no way to know if your periods will return the same way they were before you were pregnant.

Does your milk supply drop when you get your period back?

DOES YOUR PERIOD DECREASE YOUR MILK SUPPLY? It is common to have a drop in supply at certain points in your cycle, often from mid-cycle to around the time of your period. It can also be less comfortable to nurse at this time. This is due to the hormonal changes and is only temporary.