When will I get my first period while breastfeeding?

Understanding Your First Period While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation after childbirth is a significant milestone, often accompanied by questions and concerns, especially when breastfeeding. The timing of your first period while breastfeeding can vary widely, influenced by several factors including breastfeeding frequency, hormonal changes, and individual body responses.
When Can You Expect Your First Period?
Generally, most breastfeeding mothers will see their periods return between 9 to 18 months after giving birth. However, this timeline can differ significantly from one person to another. For those who are exclusively breastfeeding, it is common for menstruation to be delayed even longer. Some may experience their first period as early as six to eight weeks postpartum, particularly if they are not exclusively breastfeeding or if their baby is sleeping through the night.
Factors Influencing the Return of Menstruation
1. Breastfeeding Frequency: The more frequently you breastfeed, especially during the night, the longer it may take for your period to return. This is due to the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production and can suppress ovulation.
2. Supplementing with Formula: If you are supplementing breastfeeding with formula or if your baby is nursing less frequently, you might find that your period returns sooner. This is because reduced breastfeeding can lead to lower prolactin levels, allowing your menstrual cycle to resume.
3. Individual Hormonal Changes: Each person’s body reacts differently to the hormonal shifts that occur after childbirth. Factors such as stress, overall health, and individual hormonal balance can also play a role in when menstruation resumes.
What to Expect During Your First Period
When your period does return, it may not resemble your pre-pregnancy cycles. Many women report changes in flow, duration, and symptoms. Some may experience heavier or lighter periods, and the cycle may take some time to regulate.
Breastfeeding and Menstrual Health
It’s important to note that the return of your period does not necessarily affect your milk supply. Many mothers continue to breastfeed successfully even after their menstrual cycles resume. However, if you notice any significant changes in your milk supply or your baby’s feeding patterns, it may be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.
In conclusion, while the return of your first period while breastfeeding can be unpredictable, understanding the factors at play can help you navigate this transition with greater ease. Remember, every journey is unique, and it’s perfectly normal to have questions and concerns along the way.

When did you get your period back when 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.

Why did I get my period so early while breastfeeding?

If your first postpartum period returns earlier than expected while you’re breast feeding, one reason could be if you’ve stopped breastfeeding overnight. 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.

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.

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.

How long after breastfeeding did you get your period?

Only around one-fifth of breastfeeding parents will get their period within six months of giving birth. 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.

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.

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.

When should I expect my first period while 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.

Is your first period while breastfeeding light?

If you combine breastfeeding with formula feeding, your first period could start again after about 5-6 weeks after having your baby. When your baby starts breastfeeding less often (around 3 feeds a day), you may start ‘spotting’. Spotting is a light and irregular period that usually appears as spots of blood.