Why is my period not flowing well while breastfeeding?

Understanding Irregular Periods While Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the return of menstruation can be a perplexing experience, especially when breastfeeding. If you find that your period is not flowing well, there are several factors at play that can help explain this phenomenon.
Hormonal Influences
Breastfeeding significantly impacts hormonal levels in a woman’s body. When you nurse, your body produces higher levels of prolactin, a hormone that promotes milk production. Elevated prolactin levels can suppress ovulation, leading to irregular or absent menstrual cycles. This condition, known as lactational amenorrhea, can last for several months postpartum, particularly if you are breastfeeding frequently and exclusively.
Frequency and Duration of Breastfeeding
The frequency and duration of breastfeeding sessions are crucial in determining when your period will return and how it flows. Women who breastfeed both day and night often experience a longer delay in the return of their menstrual cycles. This is because regular nursing inhibits the hormones necessary for ovulation and menstruation. If you have recently altered your breastfeeding routine—perhaps by introducing formula or reducing the number of feedings—this could also affect your menstrual flow.
Individual Variability
Every woman’s body responds differently to the postpartum period. Some may find their cycles resume quickly, while others may not see a return for many months. Factors such as individual hormonal balance, physiological differences, and overall health can all contribute to this variability. Additionally, some women may experience non-ovulatory cycles, where they have a period without ovulating, leading to lighter or irregular bleeding.
Impact on Milk Supply
Interestingly, your menstrual cycle can also influence your milk supply. Some mothers report changes in their milk’s taste and flow during their periods, which can affect their baby’s feeding behavior. Babies may nurse more frequently or refuse the breast altogether during this time. This can create a feedback loop where changes in breastfeeding patterns further impact menstrual flow.
Conclusion
If your period is not flowing well while breastfeeding, it is likely a combination of hormonal changes, breastfeeding frequency, and individual physiological factors. While this can be concerning, it is often a normal part of the postpartum experience. If you have ongoing concerns about your menstrual health or breastfeeding, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized insights and reassurance.

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?

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.

How long does it take for periods to regulate while breastfeeding?

According to The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (p. 364-366), almost everyone who is fully breastfeeding their babies will be free of menstrual periods for 3 – 6 months or longer. This is called lactational amenorrhea.

Does breastfeeding affect period flow?

Most breastfeeding women find they don’t have their period for many months after the birth of their baby. This is because breastfeeding hormones can stop you from ovulating (releasing an egg) each month.

Why is my period so light while breastfeeding?

The hormone prolactin is responsible for preventing menstruation. When you breastfeed, the levels of this hormone are high in your body. Because of this, you will probably not have your period or will experience only some light spotting while breastfeeding.

Why is my period blood not coming out properly?

If your period feels stuck or doesn’t seem to be coming out, it could be due to hormonal changes or from some type of obstruction. If your period feels unusual or different than normal, it’s best to contact a gynecologist for an evaluation.

What is the hardest period of breastfeeding?

Many mothers find the first 2-3 weeks of breastfeeding to be the most challenging. This is when mothers are most tempted to stop. Most mothers who persist find that the rewards are gratifying and long-term, for both themselves and their babies. A few mothers may face on-going challenges.

Can my period skip while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can suppress your period, depending on how frequently you are nursing. You may get a period while breastfeeding, and then not have another one for several months or more, particularly if your baby is nursing exclusively.

Does breastfeeding make you bleed less?

Quite possibly. 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.

Can you have an anovulatory period while breastfeeding?

A few breastfeeding mothers will experience an anovulatory cycle while others will have short luteal phases for the first few cycles, primarily due to insufficient hormone levels. Early changes in cervical mucus can also be misleading, which makes predicting fertility a challenge.