When do you get your period while breastfeeding?

Understanding Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation while breastfeeding can be a source of confusion and concern. The timing of when a woman gets her period after giving birth varies significantly and is influenced by several factors, including breastfeeding practices and individual hormonal changes.
Timing of Menstruation Resumption
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their menstrual cycles to resume between 9 to 18 months postpartum. However, this timeline is not set in stone. Some women may find that their periods return as early as six weeks after delivery, while others may not see any signs of menstruation until they begin to wean their baby off breast milk.
The primary reason for this variability lies in the hormone prolactin, which is elevated during breastfeeding. Prolactin helps to suppress ovulation, meaning that many breastfeeding mothers may not experience their periods at all while exclusively nursing. As breastfeeding frequency decreases, particularly when introducing solid foods or reducing nursing sessions, menstruation is more likely to return.
Factors Influencing Menstrual Cycle Resumption
Several factors can influence when a mother’s period returns:
1. Breastfeeding Exclusivity: Mothers who breastfeed exclusively are less likely to have their periods return quickly. Research indicates that the likelihood of menstrual cycles resuming increases after the six-month mark for those who are exclusively breastfeeding.
2. Supplemental Feeding: If a mother is supplementing breastfeeding with formula or solid foods, her period may return sooner. In cases where breastfeeding is not full-time, periods can resume anywhere from two weeks to 12 weeks after delivery.
3. Individual Variation: Each woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes of postpartum recovery. Some may experience irregular cycles initially, which is a common aftereffect of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, the return of menstruation while breastfeeding is a highly individualized experience. While many mothers may not see their periods return until they start weaning, others might find their cycles resuming much sooner. Understanding these dynamics can help new mothers navigate their postpartum journey with greater confidence and awareness.

When should I expect my first period after breastfeeding?

It’s possible for your periods to return as soon as 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth. If you bottle feed or partially breastfeed your baby, you’ll tend to start having periods sooner than if you exclusively breastfeed. If you choose to breastfeed exclusively, your first period may not return for several months.

What does your first period look like while breastfeeding?

It might be a bit uncomfy to breastfeed during your first period after pregnancy. When your first post-baby period does show up, there’s a good chance your flow could be a little wonky compared to what you’re used to — it could be heavier, or even lighter. It could be longer or shorter than your pre-baby periods.

How quickly can a woman get pregnant after giving birth?

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.

What are the signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding?

In the early stage or first trimester of your pregnancy, you may have nipple tenderness and breast soreness. You may have a decreased food and water intake due to morning sickness and feel tired. Such physical discomfort may increase while breastfeeding.

Can I get pregnant while breastfeeding if I haven’t had a period?

“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.

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 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.

When does your period return if breastfeeding?

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. Post-birth bleeding. Whether you had a C-section or delivered vaginally, you will have bleeding for six to eight weeks after giving birth.

Does getting your period while breastfeeding affect milk supply?

Hormonal changes with your menstrual cycle (periods) may affect how your baby wants to feed. This may affect your breast milk supply. But a few additional breastfeeds per day are usually enough to boost your breast milk supply back up.