When will my period return after breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Menstruation After 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, primarily related to breastfeeding practices.
Breastfeeding and Menstruation: The Connection
Breastfeeding has a profound impact on the menstrual cycle. For those who are exclusively breastfeeding, it is not unusual for menstruation to be delayed for several months, or even up to a year after giving birth. This phenomenon is largely due to the hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces in the body. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, also suppresses ovulation, which in turn delays the return of your menstrual cycle.
In contrast, parents who do not breastfeed may see their periods return much sooner, often within four to eight weeks postpartum. This stark difference highlights how breastfeeding can serve as a natural form of contraception, known as lactational amenorrhea.
Factors Influencing the Return of Your Period
The timing of your first postpartum period can depend on various factors, including:
1. Breastfeeding Exclusivity: Those who breastfeed exclusively are likely to experience a longer delay in the return of their periods. If you are supplementing with formula or introducing solid foods, your period may return sooner.
2. Frequency of Feeding: The more frequently you breastfeed, especially during the night, the longer it may take for your period to resume. Some parents report that their periods return shortly after they begin to reduce nighttime feedings.
3. Individual Variability: Every body is different. Some may find their cycles return quickly, while others may experience a prolonged absence of menstruation.
What to Expect
For those who are breastfeeding, it is common for the first menstrual period to return anywhere from six months to a year after childbirth. However, some may notice changes in their cycle once it does return, including variations in flow and cycle length compared to pre-pregnancy periods.
It’s important to remember that while the absence of menstruation can be normal during breastfeeding, if you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or any other postpartum symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable.
In summary, if you are breastfeeding, expect your period to return at its own pace, potentially taking several months or longer. Understanding this timeline can help alleviate concerns and prepare you for the changes your body is undergoing during this transformative period of life.

What is your first period like after you stop breastfeeding?

Your periods will become more regular after a few months. Some women also find that their periods after weaning—and after pregnancy in general—are more intense. They may experience more cramping and PMS symptoms.

How long does it take to 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.

How long does it take to get a period after 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.

Are you more fertile after your first postpartum period?

You may have heard that people are “super fertile” after giving birth, but there’s no scientific evidence indicating that fertility increases post childbirth.

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 is my period not returning 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.

Is my period late because I stopped breastfeeding?

Most moms should see their periods return within six to eight weeks after weaning. If you haven’t gotten your period three months after you stop breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.

How do I know if my period is coming back after having a baby?

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.

How common is it to get your period back while breastfeeding?

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.

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.