When will my period come back while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Period While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the question of when menstruation will return 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 breastfeeding habits and individual body responses.
Typical Timeline for Menstruation Resumption
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their periods to resume between 9 and 18 months postpartum. This timeframe is influenced by the frequency and exclusivity of breastfeeding. For instance, mothers who breastfeed exclusively, especially during both day and night, may find that their periods take longer to return compared to those who supplement with formula or have longer intervals between feedings.
Factors Influencing the Return of Your Period
Several factors can affect when your menstrual cycle will resume:
1. Breastfeeding Frequency: The more frequently you breastfeed, the longer it may take for your period to return. If your baby begins to sleep through the night or if you introduce formula, you might notice your cycle returning sooner.
2. Weaning: Gradually weaning your baby can also trigger the return of menstruation. While many mothers find that they do not need to wean completely for their cycle to resume, reducing breastfeeding sessions can lead to a quicker return.
3. Individual Variation: Every body is different. Some mothers may experience their first postpartum period as early as six weeks after giving birth, especially if they are not breastfeeding, while others may not see their period for several years.
What to Expect When Your Period Returns
When your period does return, it may not resemble your pre-pregnancy cycle. Many women report that their first period postpartum can be heavier and more painful than usual. This change is often temporary, and cycles may normalize over time.
In conclusion, while the return of your period while 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 common is it to miss a period while breastfeeding?

Also, some people have a non-ovulatory period before 6 months postpartum, but do not menstruate again for many months. According to The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (p. 364-366), almost everyone who is fully breastfeeding their babies will be free of menstrual periods for 3 – 6 months or longer.

When do periods return when 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.

When do you start ovulating after birth if breastfeeding?

By contrast, all breastfeeding mothers who breastfed for a mean of 40 weeks maintained elevated basal prolactin levels for longer than the bottlefeeders. The mean time to 1st ovulation was 36 weeks with a range between 15-66 weeks postpartum.

How to get your period back while 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.

How do you know if your period is coming back after giving birth?

Bright red bleeding that occurs six or more weeks after delivery is more likely to be your period. Pregnancy-related bleeding can increase with increased exertion or activity. If your discharge increases with exertion and decreases when you rest, it’s more likely to be lochia. Lochia also tends to have a distinct odor.

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.