When does the period come back after a C-section breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation After a C-Section While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of their menstrual cycle after childbirth is a significant milestone, often accompanied by a mix of anticipation and concern. This experience can vary widely, particularly for those who have undergone a cesarean section (C-section) and are breastfeeding.
Timing of Menstrual Return
Typically, for mothers who do not breastfeed, the first menstrual period can return as early as six to eight weeks postpartum. However, for those who are exclusively breastfeeding, the timeline can be quite different. Exclusive breastfeeding often delays the return of menstruation due to a natural phenomenon known as lactational amenorrhea. This condition can extend the absence of periods for several months, with many breastfeeding mothers experiencing a return of their menstrual cycle between three to six months after giving birth.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that while some women may see their periods return around the six-month mark, others may not experience menstruation until they begin to wean their baby. In fact, it is common for breastfeeding mothers to find that their periods do not resume until they stop nursing altogether, or at least reduce the frequency of feedings, particularly during the night.
Variability and Individual Differences
It’s important to recognize that every woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes of postpartum life. Factors such as the frequency of breastfeeding, individual hormonal levels, and overall health can influence when menstruation resumes. Some mothers may find that their periods return as early as nine months postpartum, while others may not see a return until 18 months after childbirth.
Impact of C-Section on Menstrual Cycle
Interestingly, the method of delivery—whether vaginal or via C-section—does not significantly impact the timing of the return of menstruation. Women who have had a C-section can expect similar patterns regarding their menstrual cycle as those who have delivered vaginally, provided they are breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, for mothers who have had a C-section and are breastfeeding, the return of their menstrual cycle can be delayed significantly compared to those who do not breastfeed. While many can expect their periods to resume within three to six months postpartum, individual experiences will vary widely. Understanding these patterns can help new mothers navigate the postpartum period with greater confidence and awareness of their bodies’ natural rhythms.

What are the chances of getting pregnant after a C-section?

Out of the nearly 2,500 people followed for the study, about 69 percent were able to conceive again within 3 years after having a C-section. Of those who had vaginal births, about 76 percent were able to conceive in the same time frame.

When will I get my first period while breastfeeding?

If you bottle feed your baby, or combine bottle feeding with breastfeeding, your first period could start as soon as 5 to 6 weeks after you give birth. If you fully breastfeed (including at night) without any bottle feeding, your periods may not start again until you start to reduce breastfeeding.

How soon after breastfeeding does period return?

If you choose to breastfeed exclusively, your first period may not return for several months. For those who keep breastfeeding, it might not return for 1 to 2 years. There is no way to know if your periods will return the same way they were before you were pregnant.

Why am I not getting my period after a C-section?

The resumption of periods after Cesarean section entirely depends on your hormones. After the delivery, the hormone levels of Human Chronic Gonadotropin or hCG, Progesterone, and Oestrogen tend to be on the lower side. One significant element that sees when your periods will return after C-section is breastfeeding.

How long does it take to get your period back 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.

When do you get your period after a C-section while 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.

Will milk supply drop when period returns?

Menstruation can sometimes decrease milk production
After ovulation, estrogen and progesterone levels in the body rise and calcium levels fall. The increase in these hormones can cause a decrease in milk production for some women.

When will my period return after a C-section?

Most people will get their first period after a C-section within 6–8 weeks if they are not nursing. 2 Having a prior history of C-section does not impact how quickly your period after a C-section will return. What does affect menstruation, however, is whether you choose to breastfeed your baby.

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

If you are breastfeeding exclusively, your periods may not start again until you stop breastfeeding or until you stop night-time breastfeeding. This is because the hormone that causes your body to make breastmilk can stop your body making the hormone that controls your periods.

Is it harder to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

While exclusive breastfeeding can temporarily delay your fertility postpartum, making it more difficult to conceive while nursing, it’s not impossible. With that in mind, the short answer is yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.