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When did your period come back when breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of their menstrual cycle after childbirth is a significant milestone, often intertwined with the experience of breastfeeding. The timing of when periods resume can vary widely among women, influenced by several factors related to breastfeeding practices and individual physiology.
Timing of Menstruation Resumption
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their periods to return between 9 to 18 months after giving birth. However, this timeline is not set in stone. Some women may find that their menstrual cycle resumes as early as a few weeks postpartum, particularly if they are not exclusively breastfeeding or if they begin to wean their baby off breast milk. Conversely, those who breastfeed frequently, especially both day and night, may experience a longer delay in the return of their periods.
Influence of Breastfeeding Patterns
The frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding play crucial roles in determining when menstruation will return. Mothers who breastfeed exclusively are less likely to see their periods return until they start weaning their child. In contrast, if a mother supplements with formula or if her baby begins to sleep through the night, she may notice her cycle returning sooner. This is because breastfeeding suppresses ovulation, which in turn delays the menstrual cycle.
Variability Among Women
It’s important to note that every woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding. While some may experience irregular periods upon their return, others might find their cycles gradually normalize. Factors such as stress, overall health, and individual hormonal balance can also influence this variability.
Conclusion
In summary, the return of menstruation while breastfeeding is a complex interplay of individual circumstances and breastfeeding practices. While many mothers may not see their periods return until they begin to wean, others might experience their first postpartum period much sooner. Understanding these dynamics can help new mothers navigate their postpartum journey with greater awareness and preparedness.

When do breastfeeding moms get their period back?

4 to 8 weeks after you start supplementing breastfeeding with formula or introducing solids. 7 to 8 months, or even longer, after you give birth if you’re breastfeeding exclusively. Some women don’t start having periods again until they stop breastfeeding.

How long does it take for periods to normalise after breastfeeding?

Once you start to ease up on breast-feeding, especially after the first year as your baby gains more nutrition from foods, your periods will start to normalize again. If you don’t breast-feed, you should have normal cycles again right away. You might even get your next period four weeks after delivery.

Why did I start my period if I’m exclusively 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.

When will I get my first period while breastfeeding?

If you bottle feed your baby, or combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding, your first period could start as soon as 5 to 6 weeks after you give birth. If you fully breastfeed (including at night) without any bottle feeding, your periods may not start again until you start to reduce breastfeeding.

Can you randomly get your period while breastfeeding?

When you breastfeed, the levels of this hormone are high in your body. Because of this, you will probably not have your period or will experience only some light spotting while breastfeeding. Meanwhile, some women get their period a few weeks after giving birth, even if they are breastfeeding.

How do I know when my breast milk is drying up?

What are the signs your milk supply is decreasing?

  1. Not producing enough wet/dirty diapers each day. Especially in the first few weeks of life, the number of wet and dirty diapers your child produces is an indicator of the amount of food they’re getting.
  2. Lack of weight gain.
  3. Signs of dehydration.

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.

When do your periods become regular after having a baby?

It can sometimes take up to a year for your periods and fertility to get back to normal. Generally, you are advised to waiting at least 2 years after giving birth before getting pregnant again.

How long does it take for hormones to balance after breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.

When does milk supply decrease?

Breast milk supply is maintained by frequent nursing. Some moms experience a sudden drop in supply when they return to work or if they’re away from their baby for other reasons. Not pumping often enough. If your pumping frequency doesn’t match your little one’s demand, you might see your supply dropping.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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