Why did I get my period while breastfeeding?

Understanding Menstruation While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation during breastfeeding can be a surprising and sometimes concerning experience. While it is commonly believed that breastfeeding delays the return of periods, the reality is more nuanced and varies significantly from person to person.
Hormonal Influences on Menstruation
Breastfeeding primarily affects menstruation through hormonal changes. When a mother breastfeeds, her body produces higher levels of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. Elevated prolactin levels can suppress ovulation, leading to a delay in the return of menstrual cycles. However, this suppression is not absolute. Factors such as the frequency of breastfeeding, the age of the baby, and individual hormonal responses can all influence when menstruation resumes.
Variability in Return of Periods
The timing of the first postpartum period can vary widely. Some mothers may find that their periods return as early as six weeks postpartum, while others may not see their cycles return until they have completely weaned their child. It is not uncommon for mothers who breastfeed exclusively to experience a longer delay in the return of their periods, but this is not a universal rule.
Impact on Milk Supply
Another concern for breastfeeding mothers is whether the return of their period will affect their milk supply. Hormonal fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle can influence breastfeeding patterns. Some mothers report that their babies may feed differently or seem fussier during their period, which can be attributed to changes in milk composition or supply. However, most mothers can maintain their milk supply with a few additional feedings if needed.
Pregnancy Considerations
It’s also important to note that it is possible to become pregnant while breastfeeding, even before the return of menstruation. This is due to the potential for ovulation to occur before the first postpartum period. Therefore, if a mother is not planning for another pregnancy, it is advisable to consider contraceptive options, even while breastfeeding.
Conclusion
In summary, getting your period while breastfeeding is a normal occurrence that can happen for various reasons, including hormonal changes and individual physiological differences. While breastfeeding can delay the return of menstruation, it does not guarantee that periods will not resume during this time. Each mother’s experience is unique, and understanding these dynamics can help alleviate concerns and promote a smoother transition into postpartum life.

Why am I bleeding while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which causes more cramping. While this ultimately leads to less bleeding, you may notice more cramping or bleeding while you breastfeed or just after. Breastfeeding can also cause a delay of your first period after giving birth.

Is having a period while breastfeeding normal?

While it may not be as regular and consistent as your pre-baby periods, menstruating while breastfeeding will be similar in other regards. Whether or not your cycle was inconsistent before your baby, your period while you’re breastfeeding could be longer, shorter, or even missing in action for several months at a time.

When does milk supply decrease?

Breast milk supply is maintained by frequent nursing. Some moms experience a sudden drop in supply when they return to work or if they’re away from their baby for other reasons. Not pumping often enough. If your pumping frequency doesn’t match your little one’s demand, you might see your supply dropping.

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.

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.

Can your period start then stop again while breastfeeding after?

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.

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.

Why did I get my period back while exclusively breastfeeding?

Feeding your baby stops certain hormones from releasing, which are important to ovulation . However, when you get your first period after birth depends on how often you breastfeed, whether your baby is sleeping through at night, and whether they’ve started solid foods yet (Gill 2016, HSE 2022, LLLC 2023).

Can you get random periods while breastfeeding?

One is whether they will have their period while breastfeeding. If you choose to breastfeed your child, it can delay your period after birth. However, this is not always the case, as some mothers may have irregular periods. The hormone prolactin is responsible for preventing menstruation.