When does your period return after breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation After Breastfeeding
The return of menstruation after childbirth is a significant concern for many new parents, particularly those who choose to breastfeed. The timing of when your period returns can vary widely based on several factors, primarily the method of feeding your baby.
Breastfeeding and Menstrual Cycles
For mothers who exclusively breastfeed, the return of menstruation can be delayed significantly. In many cases, these mothers may not see their periods return until they stop breastfeeding altogether. This phenomenon is largely due to the hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces in the body. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, suppresses ovulation, which in turn delays the menstrual cycle.
Research indicates that while some women may experience their first period as early as four to six weeks postpartum, this is more common among those who do not breastfeed or who engage in partial breastfeeding. For those who breastfeed exclusively, it is not unusual for menstruation to be absent for several months, or even up to a year or more, depending on the frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding.
Factors Influencing the Return of Your Period
1. Exclusivity of Breastfeeding: Mothers who breastfeed exclusively are likely to experience a longer delay in the return of their menstrual cycles. The more frequently a baby feeds, especially during the night, the more likely it is that ovulation will be suppressed.
2. Supplemental Feeding: If a mother begins to introduce formula or solid foods, or if she starts to breastfeed less frequently, her period may return sooner. This is because the reduction in breastfeeding can lead to a decrease in prolactin levels, allowing ovulation to resume.
3. Individual Variation: Each woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes associated with childbirth and breastfeeding. Factors such as overall health, stress levels, and individual hormonal balance can all play a role in when menstruation returns.
What to Expect
When menstruation does return, it may not be the same as it was before pregnancy. Some women report changes in their menstrual flow, cycle length, and symptoms. Additionally, during menstruation, some mothers may notice changes in their breast milk, such as variations in taste, which can affect their baby’s feeding behavior.
In summary, while the return of your period after breastfeeding can vary greatly, it is generally influenced by how exclusively and frequently you breastfeed. For those who breastfeed exclusively, it may take several months or longer for menstruation to resume, while those who supplement with formula may find their periods return sooner. Understanding these dynamics can help new parents navigate the postpartum period with greater ease and awareness.

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.

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.

Why is my period not returning 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.

Is it normal to miss a period after stopping breastfeeding?

Irregular periods are totally normal for a while, and having a late (or even missed) period isn’t unusual. Not to worry. Your periods will become more regular after a few months. Some women also find that their periods after weaning—and after pregnancy in general—are more intense.

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.

Will my period stop if I start breastfeeding again?

Can Your Period Start and Stop While Breastfeeding? It is completely normal for periods to start and stop while breastfeeding. It all depends on how often you breastfeed. The more often you exclusively breastfeed, the less quickly your period will return to normal.

Are you fertile while breastfeeding?

“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 common is it to get your period back while 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.

When will my period start 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 long does period take to come back after breastfeeding?

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. For those who keep breastfeeding, it might not return for 1 to 2 years.