When will my period come back when Im breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Period While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the question of when their menstrual cycle will resume after childbirth, particularly while breastfeeding, is a common concern. The timeline for the return of your period can vary significantly based on several factors, including the frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding.
General Timeline for Return of Menstruation
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their periods to return between 9 to 18 months after giving birth. This timeframe is influenced by how often and how exclusively you breastfeed your baby. For those who breastfeed exclusively, the return of menstruation may be delayed longer compared to those who supplement with formula or introduce solid foods earlier.
Factors Influencing Menstrual Resumption
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 elevated during breastfeeding and can suppress ovulation.
2. Weaning: Gradually weaning your baby, particularly if you stop night feedings, can lead to an earlier return of your menstrual cycle. Many mothers find that their periods resume shortly after they begin to reduce breastfeeding sessions.
3. Individual Variability: Each woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding. Some may find their periods return sooner, even while exclusively breastfeeding, while others may not see a return for several years.
What to Expect When Your Period Returns
When your period does return, it may not resemble your pre-pregnancy cycle. The first few periods can be heavier or more painful than usual, and cycles may be irregular initially. It’s also important to note that the return of your period does not necessarily affect your milk supply, although some mothers may experience temporary changes.
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.

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.

How long after you stop breastfeeding should 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.

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.

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.

Why has my period not returned after breastfeeding?

Women who breastfeed can find that it takes longer for their periods to return after giving birth. This is because the hormone that is used for milk production – prolactin – can also suppress the hormone that is responsible for ovulation.

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.

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 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 do breastfeeding moms get their period back?

4 to 8 weeks after you start supplementing breastfeeding with formula or introducing solids. 7 to 8 months, or even longer, after you give birth if you’re breastfeeding exclusively. Some women don’t start having periods again until they stop breastfeeding.

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.