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Understanding the Return of Menstruation While Breastfeeding
The return of menstruation after childbirth is a significant concern for many new mothers, particularly those who are breastfeeding. The timing of when periods resume can vary widely, influenced by several factors including breastfeeding frequency, the introduction of solid foods, and individual hormonal responses.
Breastfeeding and Menstrual Cycles
For mothers who choose to breastfeed, the return of their menstrual cycle can be delayed significantly. Research indicates that breastfeeding can suppress ovulation, which in turn postpones the return of menstruation. In fact, many breastfeeding mothers may not see their periods return for months or even years after giving birth. This phenomenon is often referred to as lactational amenorrhea, a natural form of contraception that occurs due to the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding.
Factors Influencing the Return of Periods
The timing of when a breastfeeding mother might expect her period to return can depend on several key factors:
1. Feeding Patterns: If a baby is exclusively breastfed, especially during the night, the mother’s period may remain absent for a longer duration. However, once the baby begins to sleep for longer stretches at night or starts to consume solid foods, the likelihood of menstruation returning increases.
2. Individual Variation: Each woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes post-pregnancy. Some may experience their first postpartum period as early as three months after childbirth, while others may not see it return until they have completely weaned their child.
3. Partial Weaning: Interestingly, even partial weaning can trigger the return of menstruation. If a mother reduces breastfeeding sessions, particularly overnight feeds, she may find that her period resumes sooner than expected.
4. General Health and Stress: A mother’s overall health, stress levels, and lifestyle can also play a role in the timing of her menstrual return. Factors such as sleep deprivation and physical recovery from childbirth can influence hormonal balance, affecting menstruation.
Conclusion
In summary, the return of menstruation while breastfeeding is a complex interplay of biological, behavioral, and individual factors. While some mothers may find their periods returning within a few months, others may experience a much longer delay. Understanding these dynamics can help new mothers navigate their postpartum experience with greater awareness and preparation.
Can your period start then stop again while breastfeeding?
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.
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.
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.
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 back so fast while breastfeeding?
If your first postpartum period returns earlier than expected while you’re breast feeding, one reason could be if you’ve stopped breastfeeding overnight. If your baby is sleeping through the night before the age of 6 months, this may cause your period to return earlier than normal which can affect your milk supply.
What is first period like while breastfeeding?
Your periods may be irregular, especially if you are still breastfeeding sometimes. At first, you may have some more clotting in your periods than before. Experts recommend seeking medical advice if you have blood clots in your period for at least a week. Some people find their periods get easier after pregnancy.
How do I know when my breast milk is drying up?
What are the signs your milk supply is decreasing?
- 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.
- Lack of weight gain.
- Signs of dehydration.
When did your period come back when breastfeeding?
If you are exclusively breastfeeding, you may still see the return of a monthly bleed beginning around 4 months, especially if your little one starts sleeping longer stretches at night at an early age. But more commonly, women get their periods back anywhere between 8 – 18 months postpartum.
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.
Are you fertile 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.