When will your period return after breastfeeding?

Understanding the Return of Your Period After Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation after childbirth is a significant milestone, often intertwined with the experience of breastfeeding. The timing of when your period will return can vary widely, influenced primarily by your breastfeeding practices.
Breastfeeding and Menstruation: A Delicate Balance
Breastfeeding has a profound impact on the menstrual cycle. For those who are exclusively breastfeeding, it is common for menstruation to be delayed for several months, and in some cases, even up to a year or longer. This phenomenon is largely due to the hormonal changes that breastfeeding induces in the body. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, suppresses ovulation, which in turn delays the return of your period.
Conversely, parents who do not breastfeed or who supplement breastfeeding with formula may find that their periods return much sooner—typically within four to eight weeks after giving birth. This stark contrast 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 be influenced by several factors, including:
– Exclusivity of Breastfeeding: Those who breastfeed exclusively are less likely to see their periods return quickly. If you begin to introduce solid foods or reduce nighttime feedings, you may notice changes in your menstrual cycle.
– Individual Hormonal Responses: Each person’s body reacts differently to the hormonal shifts that occur during and after pregnancy. Some may experience a quicker return to their menstrual cycle, while others may take longer.
– Overall Health and Stress Levels: Factors such as stress, health conditions, and lifestyle can also play a role in how quickly your body resumes its normal hormonal rhythms.
What to Expect When Your Period Returns
When your period does return, it may not resemble what you experienced before pregnancy. Many individuals report changes in flow, duration, and even symptoms associated with their menstrual cycle. It’s essential to monitor these changes and consult with a healthcare provider if you notice anything concerning.
Additionally, during your period, you might observe changes in your breast milk. Some studies suggest that the composition of breast milk can alter, with increased chloride and sodium levels, potentially affecting your baby’s feeding behavior.
In summary, while the return of your period after breastfeeding can vary significantly, understanding the factors at play can help you navigate this transition. Whether you experience a quick return or a prolonged absence, it’s a natural part of the postpartum journey, shaped by your unique circumstances and choices.

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 did I get my period if I’m breastfeeding?

If you have lower levels of progesterone, you’re likely to get your periods back earlier than people with higher levels (Ingram et al 2004). So it’s possible that you could be breastfeeding around the clock, but still become fertile and start your periods again.

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.

Is it harder to get pregnant while breastfeeding?

While exclusive breastfeeding can temporarily delay your fertility postpartum, making it more difficult to conceive while nursing, it’s not impossible. With that in mind, the short answer is yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding.

Why am I not getting my period after stopping breastfeeding?

If your periods do not return even after you have stopped breastfeeding, it may be a cause for concern. In some cases, persistent lactational amenorrhea can indicate that your body is not producing enough hormones to support ovulation and a regular menstrual cycle.

How long does a period take to come back after breastfeeding?

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. For those who keep breastfeeding, it might not return for 1 to 2 years.

Are you fertile while breastfeeding?

“You can’t get pregnant if you’re breastfeeding.” Maybe you’ve heard this myth before…and we should warn you, it’s just that—a myth! The truth is you can get pregnant while you’re breastfeeding, even if your menstrual cycle hasn’t returned to normal.

Can breastfeeding delay my period?

There are a variety of factors that contribute to when your period will return. Although it is common for breastfeeding to delay it, the length of delay will vary from person to person. Considerations: Your body chemistry (hormones!)

Is it normal to not get your period back while breastfeeding?

The breastfeeding hormone (prolactin) suppresses the other hormones involved in the menstrual cycle and so prevents ovulation, so most women experience at least a few months without a period whilst nursing.

What are the weird symptoms after stopping breastfeeding?

Other Strange Body Ailments Can Happen
Some might experience headaches or migraines, while others feel exhausted or even dizzy immediately after weaning. Another common post-weaning issue? Acne. Big hormone changes can really throw your body for a loop.