When should I expect my first period while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Period While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the question of when to expect the return of their menstrual cycle while breastfeeding is a common concern. The timing can vary significantly based on several factors, including the frequency of breastfeeding, whether you are exclusively breastfeeding, and individual hormonal responses.
General Timeline for Menstrual Return
Typically, the first period after giving birth can occur as early as five to six weeks postpartum. However, for those who are exclusively breastfeeding, it is not unusual for menstruation to be delayed for several months, or even longer. Many breastfeeding mothers find that their periods return between nine to eighteen months after childbirth. This delay is largely due to the hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces, which suppress ovulation.
Factors Influencing Menstrual Return
1. Breastfeeding Exclusivity: If you are exclusively breastfeeding, your body produces higher levels of the hormone prolactin, which helps maintain milk supply but also inhibits ovulation. This means that your period may not return until you start weaning your baby or reduce the frequency of breastfeeding sessions.
2. Weaning Process: As you begin to wean your baby off breast milk, particularly if you stop night feedings, you may notice changes in your menstrual cycle. The transition away from breastfeeding often signals your body to resume ovulation and, consequently, your menstrual cycle.
3. Individual Variation: Every person’s body responds differently to the postpartum period. Some may find their periods return quickly, while others may experience a longer delay. Factors such as stress, overall health, and individual hormonal balance can all play a role.
What to Expect When Your Period Returns
When your period does return, you might notice some changes compared to your pre-pregnancy cycles. Some mothers report variations in flow, duration, and even symptoms associated with their periods. Additionally, it’s important to note that some women may experience a temporary decrease in milk supply around the time of their period due to hormonal fluctuations.
In summary, while the return of your period while breastfeeding can vary widely, understanding the factors at play can help set your expectations. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or breastfeeding, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.

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.

How soon can a breastfeeding mom get her period?

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.

Is it normal to have an early return period while breastfeeding?

Early return of your period while breastfeeding
If your baby is sleeping through the night before the age of 6 months, this may cause your period to return earlier than normal which can affect your milk supply.

When should I take a pregnancy test if I am breastfeeding?

So, if you’re breastfeeding, having sex without using birth control, and think there’s a possibility you might be pregnant, you should take a standard pregnancy test on the first day of a missed period or two weeks after having unprotected sex.

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.

Are you more fertile the first year after giving birth?

Typically by around one year postpartum, your cycles will be regular again (if they were before pregnancy, that is). So, for most people, fertility will be decreased for anywhere from a few months to two years postpartum, and then return to “normal.” There is a caveat, though, and that’s secondary infertility.

How likely is it to get 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.

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 most breastfeeding moms get their first period?

Most breastfeeding mothers will resume their periods between 9 and 18 months after their baby’s birth. Weaning your baby will almost certainly cause your menstrual cycle to return, but most people find that they do not need to wean in order for their cycle to gradually resume.

Does breastfeeding delay the first period?

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.