Why am I getting my period while breastfeeding?

Understanding Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation during breastfeeding can be a perplexing experience. Traditionally, breastfeeding is associated with a delay in the return of periods, a phenomenon known as lactational amenorrhea. This occurs because breastfeeding suppresses the hormones necessary for ovulation. However, the timing of when menstruation resumes can vary significantly from one individual to another.
Hormonal Influences
The primary reason for the return of your period while breastfeeding lies in the hormonal changes that occur postpartum. During breastfeeding, the body produces higher levels of the hormone prolactin, which helps in milk production and suppresses ovulation. However, as breastfeeding patterns change—such as when a baby begins to sleep through the night or when solid foods are introduced—prolactin levels may decrease, allowing the menstrual cycle to resume.
It’s important to note that some individuals may experience a non-ovulatory period, meaning they may have menstrual-like bleeding without actual ovulation. This can happen in the first six months postpartum, but true ovulation may not occur until later.
Factors Affecting Menstrual Return
Several factors influence when your period will return while breastfeeding:
1. Breastfeeding Frequency: The more frequently you breastfeed, especially during the night, the longer it may take for your period to return. Regular nursing sessions help maintain higher prolactin levels, which can delay menstruation.
2. Individual Differences: Each person’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding. Some may find their periods return sooner than expected, while others may not menstruate for many months.
3. Supplemental Feeding: If you introduce formula or solid foods, this can also impact your breastfeeding frequency and, consequently, the timing of your menstrual cycle.
Impact on Milk Supply
When menstruation resumes, some breastfeeding parents may notice changes in their milk supply. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can affect how a baby feeds. For instance, some babies may nurse more frequently or seem fussier during this time. However, most parents can manage these changes by increasing breastfeeding sessions if needed, which typically helps to stabilize milk supply.
Conclusion
In summary, getting your period while breastfeeding is a normal occurrence influenced by various factors, including breastfeeding frequency, individual hormonal responses, and dietary changes for the baby. While it may come as a surprise, understanding the underlying hormonal dynamics can help ease concerns. If you have specific worries about your menstrual cycle or milk supply, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and reassurance.

Is it normal to have a period 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.

Is it possible to get pregnant 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 you be around a newborn on your period?

Since mom herself will be back on her period soon, there’s no valid, medically-proven reason that someone’s menstrual cycle would cause any harm to a newborn.

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.

Will my milk supply return after my period?

Your milk supply may drop the week before your period starts and then rebound thereafter. Moms may notice decreased pump volumes or softer breasts during this time. Remember, you can’t go wrong feeding the baby on demand at the breast. You may pump less, but your body will always make milk as the baby is suckling.

Why am I bleeding bright red blood and I breastfeed?

You may notice the bleeding is redder and heavier when you breastfeed. This happens because breastfeeding makes your womb contract.

Why do I bleed during breastfeeding?

It’s normal for your nipples to be sensitive when you first start breastfeeding, but this should go away with time. If your pain doesn’t go away, it’s most likely because your baby is not attaching well to your breast. Poor attachment can cause damage to your nipple, including cracks, grazes and even bleeding.

Is it normal to bleed between periods and breastfeeding?

If you combine breastfeeding with formula feeding, your first period could start again after about 5-6 weeks after having your baby. When your baby starts breastfeeding less often (around 3 feeds a day), you may start ‘spotting’. Spotting is a light and irregular period that usually appears as spots of blood.

Can you have a phantom period while breastfeeding?

Even if you don’t get your period for the whole duration of your breastfeeding, you can still experience period-like symptoms. This is sometimes referred to as the phantom period, but it doesn’t need to be as daunting as the Scooby-Doo-like name implies – especially since there’s less blood involved than normal!

Can your period come back while pumping?

But in general, if you are lactating consistently, your period will likely not return for several months or even a year after childbirth. If you aren’t breastfeeding exclusively, you may get your period sooner. Lactation suspends your menstrual cycle by impacting postpartum hormones.