When will I get my period back when breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Period While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the question of when their menstrual cycle will return after childbirth, particularly while breastfeeding, is a common concern. The timeline for the return of menstruation can vary significantly based on several factors, including the frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding.
Typical Timeline for Menstrual Return
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their periods to resume between 9 to 18 months after giving birth. This timeframe is influenced by how often and how exclusively a mother breastfeeds her baby. For those who breastfeed both day and night, the return of menstruation may be delayed even further.
Factors Influencing Menstrual Resumption
Several factors play a role in determining when your period will return:
1. Breastfeeding Frequency: The more frequently you breastfeed, especially during the night, the longer it may take for your menstrual cycle to resume. This is due to the hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces, which can suppress ovulation.
2. Weaning: If you begin to wean your baby, you may notice that your menstrual cycle starts to return. Many mothers find that they do not need to completely stop breastfeeding for their periods to gradually resume.
3. Individual Variation: Every woman’s body is different. Some may experience a return of their menstrual cycle as early as six weeks postpartum if they are not breastfeeding, while others may take up to a year or more.
What to Expect
When your period does return, it may not be the same as it was before pregnancy. Many women report irregular cycles initially, and it can take time for the body to adjust back to a regular rhythm. Additionally, some mothers wonder if their menstrual cycle will affect their milk supply. Generally, menstruation does not significantly impact milk production, although some women may notice slight changes in their milk supply around the time of their period.
In summary, while the return of your period during breastfeeding can be unpredictable, understanding the influencing factors 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.

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.

What is the maximum delay in periods if not pregnant?

If you don’t have any known condition affecting your menstrual cycle, your period should start within 24 to 38 days of your last period, depending on your usual cycle. If you’re 7 days past your expected due date, it is considered late. After 6 weeks, you can consider your late period a missed period.

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.

How long after you stop breastfeeding does your period come back?

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.

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.

Will I lose weight when I stop breastfeeding?

That said, it’s not a guarantee that you’ll gain weight after you stop nursing. “Some women actually lose weight after weaning,” Cording says. It’s worth checking in with yourself if you’re concerned about your overall health or feel like your eating habits haven’t been the best lately.

What is the longest time without a period while breastfeeding?

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 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.

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.