When will I get my period while breastfeeding?

Understanding Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation while breastfeeding can be a source of curiosity and concern. The timing of when your period will return is influenced by several factors, making it a highly individual experience.
Variability in Return of Menstruation
The return of your menstrual cycle during breastfeeding is not uniform; it varies significantly among individuals. Research indicates that most breastfeeding mothers will see their periods resume between 9 to 18 months after giving birth. However, this timeline can be affected by how exclusively you breastfeed. For those who are breastfeeding exclusively, the likelihood of menstruation returning is lower in the first six months postpartum.
Factors Influencing Menstrual Return
Several factors play a role in determining when your period will return:
1. Breastfeeding Frequency: The more frequently you breastfeed, the more likely it is that your period will be delayed. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, suppresses ovulation, which in turn delays menstruation.
2. Supplementation and Weaning: If you begin to supplement with formula or start weaning your baby, you may notice changes in your menstrual cycle. Many mothers find that their periods return shortly after they start weaning.
3. Individual Hormonal Changes: Each person’s body reacts differently to the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding. Some may experience a return of their cycle sooner than others, even if they are still breastfeeding.
Impact on Milk Supply
A common concern among breastfeeding mothers is whether the return of their period will affect milk supply. Generally, the onset of menstruation does not significantly impact milk production. However, some mothers may notice temporary fluctuations in milk supply around the time of their period due to hormonal changes.
Conclusion
In summary, while the return of your period during breastfeeding can be unpredictable, most mothers can expect it to resume between 9 to 18 months postpartum, particularly if they are breastfeeding exclusively. Factors such as breastfeeding frequency, supplementation, and individual hormonal responses all contribute to this variability. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or breastfeeding, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.

Can your period skip a month while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can suppress your period, depending on how frequently you are nursing. You may get a period while breastfeeding, and then not have another one for several months or more, particularly if your baby is nursing exclusively.

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.

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.

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.

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 can a nursing mother stay before seeing her period?

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.

How soon do you get your period after stopping 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 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.

When does your period return if 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.