When does your period return while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Period While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation while breastfeeding can be a source of curiosity and concern. The timing of when your period returns after childbirth is influenced by several factors, primarily related to breastfeeding practices.
Typical Timeline for Menstruation Resumption
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their menstrual cycles to resume between 9 and 18 months postpartum. This timeframe can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, including how often and how exclusively a mother breastfeeds her baby. Some women may find that their periods return as early as three months after giving birth, while others may not see a return for over two years.
Influence of Breastfeeding on Menstrual Cycles
Breastfeeding affects the hormonal balance in a woman’s body, particularly through the production of prolactin, a hormone that helps maintain milk supply. High levels of prolactin can suppress ovulation, which in turn delays the return of menstruation. As breastfeeding frequency decreases—often when a baby starts eating solid foods or when night feedings are reduced—prolactin levels drop, and menstruation may resume.
Interestingly, some mothers may experience their first postpartum period even while still breastfeeding, particularly if they have made changes to their feeding routine, such as stopping overnight feedings. This indicates that while breastfeeding can delay the return of periods, it does not completely prevent it.
Individual Variability
It’s important to note that every woman’s body responds differently to the postpartum period. Factors such as overall health, stress levels, and individual hormonal responses can all play a role in when menstruation returns. For some, the return of their period may come with changes in flow or cycle regularity compared to pre-pregnancy patterns.
Conclusion
In summary, while the return of your period during breastfeeding can vary widely, most women will see their cycles resume between 9 and 18 months after childbirth. Changes in breastfeeding habits can significantly influence this timeline, and individual experiences will differ. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or any changes you experience, consulting with a healthcare provider is always a good step.

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 long does it take for periods to normalise after breastfeeding?

Once you start to ease up on breast-feeding, especially after the first year as your baby gains more nutrition from foods, your periods will start to normalize again. If you don’t breast-feed, you should have normal cycles again right away. You might even get your next period four weeks after delivery.

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.

When do you get your period back 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.

Does milk supply drop when baby sleeps through the night?

Letting your baby sleep for longer periods during the night won’t hurt your breastfeeding efforts. Your growing baby can take in more milk during the day — and that, in turn, means longer stretches of sleep at night. Your milk supply will adjust to the new routine.

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.

How long does it take for hormones to balance after breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.

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

If you have lower levels of progesterone, you’re likely to get your periods back earlier than people with higher levels (Ingram et al 2004). So it’s possible that you could be breastfeeding around the clock, but still become fertile and start your periods again.

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 breastmilk supply decrease when period returns?

Your milk supply may drop the week before your period starts and then rebound thereafter. Moms may notice decreased pump volumes or softer breasts during this time. Remember, you can’t go wrong feeding the baby on demand at the breast. You may pump less, but your body will always make milk as the baby is suckling.