When will my period return while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Period While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the question of when their menstrual cycle will return after childbirth is a common concern, especially for those who are breastfeeding. The timeline for the return of menstruation can vary significantly based on several factors, primarily related to breastfeeding practices.
The General Timeline
Most breastfeeding mothers can expect their periods to resume between 9 and 18 months after giving birth. This timeframe is influenced by how often and how exclusively a mother breastfeeds her baby. For those who are exclusively breastfeeding, it is not uncommon for menstruation to be delayed for several months or even years.
Hormonal Influences
The primary hormone at play here is prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. Elevated levels of prolactin inhibit ovulation, meaning that if you are breastfeeding frequently, your body may not release eggs, and thus, you may not have a menstrual period. This hormonal suppression is particularly strong during the early months of exclusive breastfeeding, which is why many women do not see their periods return until they begin to wean their babies or reduce the frequency of breastfeeding sessions.
Factors Affecting Return of Menstruation
Several factors can influence when your period will return:
1. Breastfeeding Frequency: The more often you breastfeed, especially during the night, the longer it may take for your period to return. Conversely, 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 off breast milk can lead to a quicker return of your menstrual cycle. Many mothers find that once they start to reduce breastfeeding, their periods resume relatively quickly.
3. Individual Variation: Every woman’s body is different. Some may experience their first postpartum period as early as six weeks after giving birth, particularly if they are not breastfeeding exclusively. Others may not see their periods return for a year or more, especially if they are committed to breastfeeding.
What to Expect
When your period does return, it may not be the same as it was before pregnancy. Some women report changes in flow, duration, or symptoms associated with their menstrual cycle. It’s also worth noting that having your period while breastfeeding does not typically affect milk supply, although some mothers may experience temporary changes.
In conclusion, while the return of your period during breastfeeding can be unpredictable, understanding the factors at play can help you navigate this phase of motherhood with greater ease. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or breastfeeding, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and reassurance.

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.

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.

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.

When will my period come back while breastfeeding?

The first period after the birth of your child can be as early as five to six weeks. Or, you may not have your period for as long as you nurse your child. Once you stop feeding your baby at night or begin to give them formula or solid foods, your period will return soon.

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.

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.

Are you more fertile while breastfeeding?

In general, ovulation precedes 1st menstruation more frequently in those who do not nurse when compared to those who nurse. Breastfeeding has a demonstrable influence in inhibiting ovulation; it is not surprising that it has an inhibiting effect on fertility.

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.

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.

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.