When do you get your period back while 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, especially for those who are breastfeeding. The timing of this return can vary significantly from one individual to another, influenced by several factors including breastfeeding practices and hormonal changes.
The Role of Breastfeeding in Menstrual Cycle Resumption
Breastfeeding has a profound impact on a woman’s hormonal balance, particularly through the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. High levels of prolactin can suppress ovulation, leading to a delay in the return of menstruation. For many breastfeeding mothers, periods may not resume until they begin to wean their baby off breast milk. In fact, it is common for women to experience a gap of 9 to 18 months before their menstrual cycle returns, particularly if they are exclusively breastfeeding.
However, this timeline can vary. Some women may find that their periods return as early as a few weeks postpartum, especially if they are not breastfeeding exclusively. For those who breastfeed less frequently or supplement with formula, menstruation might resume anywhere from two weeks to three months after delivery.
Factors Influencing the Return of Your Period
The return of menstruation while breastfeeding is influenced by several factors:
1. Breastfeeding Exclusivity: Mothers who breastfeed exclusively are more likely to experience a longer delay in the return of their periods. Research indicates that the likelihood of menstrual cycles returning increases after the six-month mark of exclusive breastfeeding.
2. Weaning: Gradually reducing breastfeeding sessions, particularly night feedings, can trigger the return of menstruation. Many mothers report that their periods resume shortly after they start weaning.
3. Individual Variation: Each woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes associated with childbirth and breastfeeding. Some may experience irregular cycles or prolonged amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) even after weaning.
What to Expect
When menstruation does return, it may not follow the same pattern as before pregnancy. Many women experience irregular cycles initially, which can be attributed to the lingering effects of hormonal fluctuations from pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In summary, while the return of your period during breastfeeding can be unpredictable, it is generally influenced by how exclusively you breastfeed and your individual hormonal response. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or breastfeeding, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 do you start ovulating after birth if breastfeeding?

By contrast, all breastfeeding mothers who breastfed for a mean of 40 weeks maintained elevated basal prolactin levels for longer than the bottlefeeders. The mean time to 1st ovulation was 36 weeks with a range between 15-66 weeks postpartum.

Why has my period not returned after breastfeeding?

Women who breastfeed can find that it takes longer for their periods to return after giving birth. This is because the hormone that is used for milk production – prolactin – can also suppress the hormone that is responsible for ovulation.

What is the first postpartum period like?

Your first postpartum period may be met with a heavy cycle, pelvic pressure, achiness and a return to tampons – which might be suddenly slightly more uncomfortable (ouch!). So, if no one has told you, I’ll be the first to tell you – your first postpartum period might look like a crime scene.

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.