Why did I get my period while exclusively breastfeeding?

Understanding Menstruation While Exclusively Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation during exclusive breastfeeding can be both surprising and confusing. While breastfeeding is known to delay the return of periods, it is not a guarantee that menstruation will be absent for the entire duration of breastfeeding.
The Hormonal Connection
Breastfeeding influences hormonal levels in a woman’s body, particularly through the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for milk production. High levels of prolactin typically suppress ovulation, leading to a delay in the menstrual cycle. However, this suppression is not absolute. Individual hormonal and physiological differences can play a significant role in when menstruation resumes. Some women may experience a non-ovulatory period before six months postpartum, while others might find their periods returning sooner than expected.
Factors Influencing Period Return
Several factors can affect the timing of your period’s return while breastfeeding:
1. Feeding Frequency: Exclusively breastfeeding, especially on demand, can prolong the absence of menstruation. However, if the frequency of breastfeeding decreases or if the baby begins to consume solid foods, this can lead to hormonal changes that may trigger the return of your period.
2. Individual Variation: Every woman’s body responds differently to the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding. Some may find their periods return within a few months postpartum, while others may not see them for a year or more.
3. Supplemental Feeding: If you introduce formula or solid foods, this can also impact your menstrual cycle. The more you supplement breastfeeding, the more likely it is that your period will return.
What to Expect When Your Period Returns
When menstruation resumes, many mothers report changes in their breastfeeding experience. Some may notice a temporary dip in milk supply or changes in their baby’s feeding patterns during their period. This is often due to hormonal fluctuations that can affect both the mother and the baby. However, most women find that increasing breastfeeding frequency can help stabilize milk supply during this time.
Conclusion
In summary, getting your period while exclusively breastfeeding is not uncommon and can be attributed to a variety of factors, including individual hormonal responses and changes in breastfeeding patterns. While it may be unexpected, it is a normal part of the postpartum experience for many women. If you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or breastfeeding, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.

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.

What percentage of people get 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.

What are signs of ovulation while breastfeeding?

Another sign that you may be ovulating again is that your cervical mucous temporarily becomes thicker while breastfeeding. Cramping, increased libido, and breast tenderness are other signs of ovulation while breastfeeding (though they could be signs of other things too!)

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!

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.

Should I stop breastfeeding if I’m bleeding?

Usually, even if you have an infection, it’s still safe to breastfeed with blood in your breast milk but some infections are not safe for your baby. For instance, if you have a blood-borne infection, you should talk to a health care provider.

Why did my period return while 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).

Why am I bleeding while still breastfeeding?

If you begin menstruating again while you’re breastfeeding, you may experience spotting and irregular periods and wonder what’s going on. It’s completely normal to have inconsistent cycles when you’re breastfeeding a baby, and you can chalk it up to the same hormones that caused amenorrhea.

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.

Will my milk dry up if I get my period?

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.