When do most breastfeeding moms get their period back?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation for Breastfeeding Moms
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation after childbirth is a significant milestone, often intertwined with the experience of breastfeeding. The timing of when a breastfeeding mother gets her period back can vary widely, influenced by several factors including breastfeeding practices, individual hormonal responses, and overall health.
Typical Timeline for Menstruation Resumption
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect to see their menstrual cycles return between 9 and 18 months postpartum. This timeframe is largely influenced by the frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding. For those who breastfeed exclusively, the return of menstruation may be delayed longer compared to mothers who supplement with formula or begin weaning earlier.
Interestingly, while some mothers may experience their first postpartum period as early as six weeks after giving birth, this is less common among those who are actively breastfeeding. In fact, research indicates that the likelihood of menstruation returning increases significantly after the six-month mark for mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding.
Factors Influencing Menstrual Return
Several factors can affect when a breastfeeding mother will get her period back:
1. Breastfeeding Exclusivity: Mothers who breastfeed exclusively are more likely to experience a delay in the return of their menstrual cycles. The hormone prolactin, which is elevated during breastfeeding, suppresses ovulation, thereby postponing menstruation.
2. Weaning: The process of weaning can trigger the return of menstruation. Many mothers find that once they start to reduce breastfeeding sessions, their periods return more quickly.
3. Individual Variation: Each woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes associated with childbirth and breastfeeding. Some may find their cycles return sooner, while others may not see a return for several years.
What to Expect When Periods Return
When menstruation does return, many mothers report that their first period can be heavier and more painful than pre-pregnancy cycles. This can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations and the body readjusting after pregnancy. Additionally, some mothers may notice changes in their milk supply around the time of their period, although these fluctuations are typically temporary.
In summary, while the return of menstruation for breastfeeding mothers can vary significantly, most will see their cycles resume between 9 and 18 months postpartum, with individual experiences shaped by breastfeeding practices and personal health. Understanding this timeline can help mothers navigate their postpartum journey with greater awareness and preparedness.

Can your period skip a month while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can suppress your period, depending on how frequently you are nursing. You may get a period while breastfeeding, and then not have another one for several months or more, particularly if your baby is nursing exclusively.

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.

What are the odds of getting pregnant while breastfeeding?

About 2 out of 100 people who use breastfeeding as birth control get pregnant in the 6 months it can be used after a baby is born. Breastfeeding won’t prevent pregnancy if you feed your baby anything other than breast milk. So if you breastfeed but also use formula, LAM isn’t a great birth control method for you.

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.

When does your period return while breastfeeding?

The first period after the birth of your child can be as early as five to six weeks. Or, you may not have your period for as long as you nurse your child. Once you stop feeding your baby at night or begin to give them formula or solid foods, your period will return soon.

How do you know if you are returning fertility while breastfeeding?

If you are having regular menstrual cycles it is likely you have returned to fertility. Long, short, or irregular cycles can be a sign that your cycles are not yet fertile. Keeping a record of your periods can help you to identify that your body is ovulating.

Is it normal to not get your period back after breastfeeding?

After having a baby, your periods will return at your body’s own pace. If you are breastfeeding your baby, your periods may not return for months or even years after childbirth. If your baby is being fed using formula, you may find your periods return shortly after childbirth.

How soon after weaning does your period return?

Only around one-fifth of breastfeeding parents will get their period within six months of giving birth. If you are a breastfeeding parent, your menstrual cycle will return within one to two months after you stop nursing your child or start significantly reducing the amount you nurse.

How fertile are you after having a baby?

You can get pregnant 3 weeks after the birth of a baby, including if you’re breastfeeding and your periods haven’t started again. You need to use contraception every time you have sex after giving birth unless you want to get pregnant again. Your midwife will discuss contraception with you after your baby is born.

How common is it to miss a period while breastfeeding?

Also, some people have a non-ovulatory period before 6 months postpartum, but do not menstruate again for many months. According to The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (p. 364-366), almost everyone who is fully breastfeeding their babies will be free of menstrual periods for 3 – 6 months or longer.