When do you get your period back when breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the question of when their menstrual cycle will return after childbirth is a common concern, particularly for those who are breastfeeding. The timing can vary significantly based on several factors, including the frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding.
Typical Timeline for Menstrual Return
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their periods to resume between 9 to 18 months after giving birth. This timeframe is influenced by how often and how exclusively they breastfeed. For those who breastfeed exclusively, the return of menstruation is often delayed longer than for mothers who supplement with formula or introduce solid foods earlier.
Interestingly, if a mother chooses to wean her baby, this can lead to a quicker return of her menstrual cycle. However, many mothers find that they do not need to fully wean to see their periods gradually resume.
Factors Influencing Menstrual Resumption
The relationship between breastfeeding and menstruation is complex. For mothers who do not breastfeed at all or only do so occasionally, menstruation may return as soon as two weeks to three months after delivery. Conversely, for those who are breastfeeding full-time, the return of ovulation and menstrual cycles is less predictable. Research indicates that these cycles are more likely to return after six months of exclusive breastfeeding.
Individual Variability
It’s essential to recognize that every woman’s body is different. Some may experience their first postpartum period as early as six weeks after giving birth, especially if they are not breastfeeding. Others may find that their periods do not return for several months or even years, particularly if they continue to breastfeed frequently.
Impact on Milk Supply
A common concern among breastfeeding mothers is whether the return of their menstrual cycle will affect their milk supply. Generally, the onset of menstruation does not significantly impact milk production. However, some mothers may notice slight fluctuations in milk supply around the time of their period due to hormonal changes.
Conclusion
In summary, the return of menstruation while breastfeeding is influenced by various factors, including breastfeeding frequency and individual hormonal responses. While many mothers can expect their periods to return between 9 to 18 months postpartum, others may experience different timelines based on their unique circumstances. Understanding these dynamics can help mothers navigate this transitional phase with greater ease and confidence.

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.

Are you more fertile while breastfeeding?

In general, ovulation precedes 1st menstruation more frequently in those who do not nurse when compared to those who nurse. Breastfeeding has a demonstrable influence in inhibiting ovulation; it is not surprising that it has an inhibiting effect on fertility.

How soon can you get pregnant while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding and Fertility
Once you start menstruating, it is usually a sign that your fertility has returned or will return soon. As menstruation returns to a fairly regular schedule, it usually means that you are back to full fertility and breastfeeding won’t have any effect on your ability to get pregnant.

Does period mean no more breast milk?

Most mothers do not notice any impact of menstruation on their milk production. Continue to nurse your baby on demand. You may find she nurses more frequently or longer for a couple of days after you ovulate, but that’s okay.

How do I know if my period is coming back after having a baby?

Bright red bleeding that occurs six or more weeks after delivery is more likely to be your period. Pregnancy-related bleeding can increase with increased exertion or activity. If your discharge increases with exertion and decreases when you rest, it’s more likely to be lochia. Lochia also tends to have a distinct odor.

Does your milk supply drop when you get your period?

It’s essential to remember that temporary drops in breast milk supply during menstruation are normal for many mothers. However, if you find that your milk supply remains consistently low even after your period has ended, or if your baby shows signs of inadequate milk intake, it’s crucial to seek professional support.

What happens if you hold a baby while 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.

Why did I get my period if I’m exclusively breastfeeding?

Feeding your baby stops certain hormones from releasing, which are important to ovulation . However, when you get your first period after birth depends on how often you breastfeed, whether your baby is sleeping through at night, and whether they’ve started solid foods yet (Gill 2016, HSE 2022, LLLC 2023).

How soon do you get your period after stopping breastfeeding?

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.

When can my period return while 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.