Why does my period come and go while breastfeeding?

Understanding Irregular Periods While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation during breastfeeding can be a perplexing experience. The timing and regularity of periods can vary significantly, leading to questions about what is normal and what factors influence these changes.
Hormonal Influences on Menstruation
Breastfeeding is known to delay the return of menstruation due to hormonal changes. Prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, suppresses ovulation. This means that many breastfeeding mothers may not experience their periods for several months postpartum. However, the situation is not uniform; some women may find that their periods return while they are still actively breastfeeding, often in an irregular pattern.
The variability in menstrual cycles during breastfeeding can be attributed to several factors, including individual hormonal differences and the frequency of breastfeeding. For instance, mothers who breastfeed exclusively, especially at night, may experience a longer delay in the return of their periods compared to those who supplement with formula or introduce solid foods earlier.
The Role of Feeding Patterns
Feeding patterns play a crucial role in determining when menstruation resumes. As breastfeeding frequency decreases, either due to the introduction of solid foods or the baby naturally weaning, the hormonal balance shifts, potentially leading to the return of periods. Some mothers may experience a non-ovulatory period, where they have menstrual-like bleeding without actual ovulation, which can further complicate the understanding of their cycle.
Moreover, hormonal fluctuations that occur in the lead-up to a period can affect breast milk composition. Changes in sodium, chloride, potassium, and lactose levels may alter the taste of breast milk, which could influence a baby’s feeding behavior during this time. This can create a feedback loop where changes in feeding patterns further impact menstrual regularity.
Temporary Changes and Adaptations
It’s important to note that any irregularities in menstruation while breastfeeding are typically temporary. Many mothers find that their cycles stabilize once breastfeeding becomes less frequent or stops altogether. If periods do return, they may be lighter or more irregular than before pregnancy, which is also a common experience.
For mothers concerned about milk supply during their periods, it’s reassuring to know that a few additional breastfeeds can usually help maintain supply. Consulting with healthcare providers can provide personalized strategies to manage any changes in feeding patterns or milk production.
In conclusion, the interplay between breastfeeding and menstruation is complex and influenced by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, feeding frequency, and individual physiological differences. Understanding these dynamics can help new parents navigate this transitional phase with greater ease and confidence.

How do I know when my breast milk is drying up?

What are the signs your milk supply is decreasing?

1. Not producing enough wet/dirty diapers each day. Especially in the first few weeks of life, the number of wet and dirty diapers your child produces is an indicator of the amount of food they’re getting.
2. Lack of weight gain.
3. Signs of dehydration.

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.

Why am I bleeding again after my period 2 weeks ago?

Perimenopause can also cause cycles to fluctuate in length. Bleeding again after 2 weeks can also be due to health conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, and thyroid problems.

Why am I getting my period every 2 weeks after giving birth?

It’s very common to have irregular periods for the first several months postpartum. Once your hormones normalize, you should start getting a regular period again. If you’re breastfeeding, you may not menstruate at all until you begin the weaning process. Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

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.

Is it normal to have an inconsistent period while breastfeeding?

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.

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 breastfeeding cause bleeding between periods?

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 periods start and stop while breastfeeding?

Once your periods return, they may be irregular to start with if you are still making milk (lactating). It’s not unusual to skip a period, or even for it to be a few months before your next one.

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.