Why is my period not returning after breastfeeding?

Understanding the Delay in Your Period After Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the return of menstruation after childbirth can be a source of curiosity and concern, especially when breastfeeding is involved. If you find that your period has not returned after breastfeeding, there are several factors at play, primarily related to hormonal changes and the nature of lactation.
Hormonal Influence of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding significantly impacts your hormonal balance, particularly through the hormone prolactin, which is essential for milk production. Prolactin not only stimulates lactation but also inhibits ovulation. This means that when you are breastfeeding frequently, especially in the early months, your body may not release the hormones necessary for ovulation to occur, thereby delaying the return of your menstrual cycle.
In fact, it is quite common for menstruation to be absent for several months or even up to a year postpartum if you are exclusively breastfeeding. This phenomenon is often referred to as lactational amenorrhea. The more consistently you breastfeed, particularly during the night, the more likely it is that your period will remain absent.
The Role of Exclusive Breastfeeding
The extent to which you breastfeed can also influence the timing of your period’s return. If your baby relies solely on breast milk for nourishment, this exclusive breastfeeding can prolong the absence of menstruation. As your baby begins to eat solid foods or if you introduce formula, you may notice changes in your breastfeeding routine, which can lead to the eventual return of your menstrual cycle.
Individual Variability
It’s important to note that every individual’s experience is unique. Some may find their periods return as soon as they start to wean their baby or reduce breastfeeding sessions, while others may take longer. Factors such as your overall health, stress levels, and whether you are breastfeeding exclusively or partially can all play a role in this timeline.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While it is generally normal for your period to be delayed during breastfeeding, if you have concerns—especially if you suspect you might be pregnant or if you experience other unusual symptoms—it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can help determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.
In summary, the absence of your period while breastfeeding is largely due to the hormonal effects of lactation, particularly the role of prolactin in suppressing ovulation. As your breastfeeding patterns change, you can expect your menstrual cycle to gradually return, but this process varies widely among individuals.

What is the maximum delay in periods if not pregnant?

If you don’t have any known condition affecting your menstrual cycle, your period should start within 24 to 38 days of your last period, depending on your usual cycle. If you’re 7 days past your expected due date, it is considered late. After 6 weeks, you can consider your late period a missed period.

How long does it take for your period to come back after stopping breastfeeding?

Only around one-fifth of breastfeeding parents will get their period within six months of giving birth. If you are a breastfeeding parent, your menstrual cycle will return within one to two months after you stop nursing your child or start significantly reducing the amount you nurse.

Can breastfeeding cause a missed period?

It’s normal to have inconsistent cycles when you’re nursing, and you can chalk it up to the same hormones that cause amenorrhea. Almost all breastfeeding mothers are menstruation-free for the first six months postpartum. It’s a phenomenon known as lactational amenorrhea.

What are the negative effects of breastfeeding too long?

For example, duration of breastfeeding experience has been shown to correlate negatively with parent-reported antisocial and aggressive behavior in children from 4 to 11 years of age [43]. These effects on antisocial behavior appear to extend well beyond childhood into adulthood.

How long does it take for hormones to balance after breastfeeding?

The return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels can vary greatly, but generally hormones will normalize within three to six months. If you are breastfeeding, as you wean from it, your prolactin and oxytocin levels will drop—potentially leaving you feeling sad, anxious or irritable.

Does breastfeeding stop your period from coming back?

If you are breastfeeding, your periods may not return for months or even years after childbirth. It’s possible to become pregnant while you are breastfeeding. If you want to avoid pregnancy, talk to your doctor or nurse about safe contraception methods while breastfeeding.

Why is my period not coming back after breastfeeding?

If you bottle feed or partially breastfeed your baby, you’ll tend to start having periods sooner than if you exclusively breastfeed. If you choose to breastfeed exclusively, your first period may not return for several months. For those who keep breastfeeding, it might not return for 1 to 2 years.

How to get your period back when breastfeeding?

Most breastfeeding mothers will resume their periods between 9 and 18 months after their baby’s birth. Weaning your baby will almost certainly cause your menstrual cycle to return, but most people find that they do not need to wean in order for their cycle to gradually resume.

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.

Can I get pregnant if my period hasn’t returned while breastfeeding?

Yes, you can get pregnant while breastfeeding, even if you haven’t had your first menstrual cycle since giving birth. However, if you are exclusively breastfeeding — feeding your baby only breast milk at least every 4 hours during the day and every 6 hours at night — your body naturally stops ovulating.